Comprehensive Health Division Hosts UW-Madison Interim Chancellor Dr. Eric Wilcots

The Oneida Nation Comprehensive Health Division (OCHD) hosted UW-Madison Interim Chancellor Dr. Eric Wilcots on Tuesday, June 2. Joining the Chancellor were UW-Madison’s Director of Tribal Relations Carla Vigue, Vice Chancellor for University Relations Craig Thompson, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Senior Director, State Relations & Statewide Outreach Crystal Potts. Oneida Nation Councilwoman Jennifer Webster joined OCHD leadership during the meeting.

During the visit, conversations focused on the power of research partnerships that are rooted in respect, collaboration, and community leadership. Together, UW-Madison researchers and the Oneida Nation are working on studies that directly support the health and well-being of Oneida Nation citizens while also helping shape more inclusive and culturally informed research practices.

These collaborations include groundbreaking work on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, guided by the Oneida Community Advisory Board, which ensures research is culturally relevant and responsive to community needs.

Partnership efforts also include innovative health studies, such as research on stroke risk factors in Native communities, combining medical expertise with culturally based wellness approaches to better understand and prevent disease

These collaborations reflect a broader commitment to building trust, honoring Tribal sovereignty, and ensuring research benefits the communities it serves.

Wilcots touched on the relationship between the Nation and UW-Madison during the visit. “One of our founding bits of DNA is the Wisconsin idea asking how is it that the work we do impacts the state, including the (Oneida) Nation. There is so much to learn from each other. This partnership is really critical for us in achieving our mission but also really critical for us learning,” said Wilcots.