The University of Wisconsin-Madison has deepened its commitment to partnering with industry on computer, data, and information technologies with the hiring of seasoned industry veteran Andrea Bradshaw. Bradshaw will join the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) and the Office of Business Engagement (OBE) as the CDIS business engagement director.
Andrea Bradshaw, new School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) business engagement director.
CDIS is the newest school at UW-Madison, created in 2019 to address the rapid growth in demand for computing and data science skills. With almost 3700 program students, CDIS’s mission is to amplify its world-class research and produce more students among our graduates who have been exposed to and trained in computational thinking, big data, artificial intelligence and related fields.
The university has long been a partner for industries across the state, and Bradshaw’s addition will accelerate technology and innovation-based talent and research collaborations. In her new role, Bradshaw will build and enhance relationships between UW-Madison and the private sector, government and nonprofits.
Bradshaw comes to UW having spent nearly 30 years in the technology industry, most recently at CDW, where she worked as a vice president and general manager for information technology solutions and services. Before CDW, she co-founded the wireless services company Brightstar US, serving as the business development solutions and operations leader. Her career began at Motorola, where she held various executive positions in subscriber sales and operations.
“Andrea brings a breadth of executive experience to this role and a deep understanding of how businesses and the university can work together to solve problems and achieve their goals.” said Christopher Kozina, assistant vice chancellor, industry engagement. “Her technical know-how and experience guiding businesses of different sizes is a huge asset to our partners and campus.”
“Wisconsin has a long tradition of being a leader in computing and data science, from having the second CS department in the nation to alumni who have been behind companies like Cisco Systems and Pixar,” said CDIS founding director Tom Erickson. “As technology is becoming a part of everything we do, Andrea will accelerate our industry collaboration in Wisconsin and beyond, helping to close the digital skills gap and create economic resiliency.”
Bradshaw’s work will help companies connect with UW-Madison’s extensive high-tech research, talent, outreach and philanthropic solutions. The industry affiliates program includes student recruitment, research partnerships, diversity and inclusion, student experience, sponsorships, executive education, corporate philanthropy and technology transfer.
“Having the chance to build connections between industry and UW-Madison is a tremendous opportunity,” said Bradshaw. “I’m excited to be able to use my experience on the industry side to create and strengthen partnerships with businesses looking for tech research, expertise, and innovation. It’s all here at UW-Madison.”
Bradshaw earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Elmhurst College and holds several patents in wireless device billing and management software.
About the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences
Established in 2019, the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) consists of three departments: Computer Sciences, Statistics, and the Information School. The School is home to the University’s largest major, Computer Sciences (CS), and the fastest-growing major, Data Science (DS). Student pathways from across campus include CDIS. 40% of the 2000 CS majors and 60% of the 350 DS majors are double-majors, coming from 75 other disciplines. All three of the departments are ranked in the top 15 nationally, a unique accolade. CDIS focuses its research and education at the intersection of high tech and society.
About the Office of Business Engagement
The Office of Business Engagement (OBE) serves as UW–Madison’s central campus liaison to business and industry partners, helping them connect with schools, colleges and other units on campus. By helping companies navigate student recruitment, research partnerships, philanthropic opportunities, executive education and technology transfer, OBE seeks to create shared value by fostering mutually beneficial relationships between industry and the university.
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