Conversation so far:
how did the wisconsin idea lay the foundation for further reforms
what was the wisconsin idea
The Wisconsin Idea is the policy developed in the U.S. state of Wisconsin that fosters public universities' contributions to the state.
how did the wisconsin idea foster public universities' contributions to the state
The Wisconsin Idea holds that university research should be applied to solve problems and improve health, quality of life, the environment, and agriculture for all citizens of the state.
who came up with the wisconsin idea
The genesis of the Wisconsin Idea is often attributed to former UW President Charles Van Hise.

Question: what was the former uw president's education
Self-contained rewrite: what was charles r. van hise's education