Search | Menu Dr. Sylvia Ramirez honored for financial leadership at Madison College
Dr. Sylvia Ramirez was named a top financial leader by In Business Madison this month, recognizing her leadership in guiding Madison College’s financial operations and supporting its long-term success.
The award recognizes top financial professionals for their contributions to their organizations' growth, vitality and future.
Ramirez, Madison College's executive vice president, finance & administration, says leading finance at a public college comes with unique responsibilities: making every dollar count for students, taxpayers and the community.
“You’re regulated in a really different way, so you have to maneuver in unique ways and really honor the taxpayers and the students who give you their money,” Ramirez said. “You come at it with the same kind of commitment to caring for the dollars, but there’s an extra layer of that care for your community. That’s part of what I love about getting to work at Madison College and in finance in the public sector.”
Ramirez said the recognition reflects the work of the Finance and Administration team, whose expertise and commitment help the college manage its resources and advance its mission.
Commitment to student success
Since joining Madison College in 2014 as budget director, Ramirez has advanced the college’s financial stewardship and operational effectiveness.
Under her financial leadership, the college has completed several initiatives, including implementing a cooperative budget planning model, expanding engagement of shared governance in financial decision-making and creating the Finance & Administration Summer Internship program. She has also supported major capital projects, including the construction of the Early Learning Campus at Goodman South, that expands child care for students and the community and strengthens early childhood educator training.
Her efforts have helped the college make informed long-term financial decisions while investing in programs, facilities and services that support student success and workforce needs.
Ramirez earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida, a master's degree in public affairs and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has also held roles at the University of Wisconsin Colleges, the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Florida.
Ramirez accepted the In Business Madison honor at an Aug. 20 ceremony.
“The finalists and winners we honored tonight are instrumental in the success of their private or public sector organizations,” said Katie Dean, editor-in-chief of In Business Madison. “They influence financial health and workplace culture, and without quality managers leading both areas, an organization’s performance suffers.”
Ramirez's recognition highlights the important role financial leadership plays in helping Madison College remain focused on its mission while responsibly managing public resources.
