Board of Visitors spotlight: Chuck Pruitt

Photo of Chuck PruittChuck Pruitt is the co-managing director of AB Data, where he has had a front-seat view for all things related to state and national politics and elections for decades. Pruitt joined the La Follette School Board of Visitors in 2016, and he also serves on La Follette’s Kohl Advisory Committee, which oversees the stewardship of former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl’s $10 million gift to the school.

“One of the most exciting outcomes of the Kohl Initiative investment in La Follette has been the launch of the undergraduate program, which is experiencing explosive growth,” said Pruitt. “A hallmark of Senator Kohl’s career was the search for evidence-based, bipartisan solutions to our country’s problems.  That is at the core of the La Follette mission as it responds to a palpable hunger amongst this generation of students to learn cutting edge public policy concepts and practices and use them to help solve the significant societal issues facing our state and country.”

Pruitt has been a champion for higher education and the UW System, starting his career as a professor at St. Olaf College, and serving for 13 years on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, including four years as Vice President and President of the Board. Pruitt also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.

“It is rewarding to be part of the current trajectory of the La Follette School,” said Pruitt. “We need La Follette’s leadership and commitment to the Wisconsin Idea, civil discourse, and bringing people together to research and tackle tough policy topics.”

The La Follette School Board of Visitors provides important guidance by identifying resources that can raise the stature and standing of the school, helping with fundraising, providing career advice to students, and acting as goodwill ambassadors. The La Follette School is grateful to Pruitt for sharing his extensive expertise with the board and the school.


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