Education is deeply embedded in the Wisconsin state history. When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, the legislature soon after founded a university with the understanding that scholarship would contribute to its success. The close connection between the state and the university came to be known as "The Wisconsin Idea," a philosophy that all teaching, research, outreach, and public service conducted by the University of Wisconsin should be carried out for the good of citizens throughout the region. Although service to the state and its people still remains integral to the fiber of our university, the University of Wisconsin has since become a national leader among academic institutions.