Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from an article that was published on the UW-Whitewater website. This Banner article highlights the recognition of Glenn C. Hayes. Another Banner article will feature Katie Kuznacic’s recognition.
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner, Finn Hartnett
Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater family — each known for their passion, energy and commitment — earned spots on the BizTimes Media 2025 Notable Leaders in Higher Education list.
Glenn “Doc” Hayes, a champion of music and cornerstone of the university’s College of Arts and Communication, and Katie Kuznacic, a campus leader and productive fundraiser, were recognized by the publication as leaders in higher education in Southeastern Wisconsin.
“Doc and Katie are great representatives of our university. They are passionate and caring leaders, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” Chancellor Corey King said. “They embody what we describe as Warhawk Bold in their spaces, and have each demonstrated their positive impact well beyond campus.”
Hayes “one of the best on campus”
Hayes, director of bands and professor of music, is in his 38th year as a member of the Warhawk family. He has conducted performances at some of the world’s most famous venues while evolving UW-Whitewater into one of Wisconsin’s leaders in music education.
Under his direction the Symphonic Wind Ensemble became the first university band from the state to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2013 and, one year later, at the Symphony Center for the 2014 Chicago International Music Festival. The group performed again at Carnegie Hall in 2020 and will return to the world-famous venue for a performance this spring.
The Warhawk Marching Band, also directed by Hayes, has performed 12 times at Lambeau Field — most recently in 2023 [a 13-minute video of that performance day may be viewed at the link] — and three times during the Milwaukee Brewers’ Opening Day ceremonies.
“I am so honored to receive the BizTimes Notable Leaders in Higher Education honor,” Hayes said. “There are so many phenomenal people on our campus! I cannot adequately express my gratitude in representing the university in this way. I’m so blessed to receive truly extraordinary support from our administration, my colleagues and the phenomenal students that I have the joy of assisting on their journey. UW-Whitewater is a remarkable family! I am eternally thankful that my path led me here.”
Hayes’ impact reaches well beyond campus. He has been involved with nearly a dozen state and national organizations, presenting at more than 20 national and international conferences and guest conducting on four continents. He has earned numerous university, state and national awards, including induction into the Wisconsin School Music Association Marching Band Hall of Fame and the Signature Sinfonian National Award from Phi Mu Alpha for character, leadership, scholarship, and a career of achievement in advancing music. He is a recipient of the university’s Dr. Elmer G. Redford ’59 Faculty Service Award (2012) and the Outstanding LGBTQ+ Ally Award (2022).
Under Hayes’ leadership, UW-Whitewater has hosted the Wisconsin High School Marching Band Championships for each of the last 32 years and has coached thousands of youth through its high school band camp, which has been in existence for more than 50 years.
Hayes has mentored hundreds of Warhawks during his time on campus, including students, faculty and staff who’ve launched and/or enhanced careers in music education and other industries.
“’Doc’ is more than worthy of this recognition — quite simply, he’s one of the best on campus,” said Michael Dugan, dean of the College of Arts and Communication. “He is a leader on our campus and a respected global figure in the musical community. It is a joy to work with him each day as we move the Department of Music and the College forward.”
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