New University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross spent the first 24 hours in his new job reaching out to state lawmakers, signaling a commitment to mend fences where needed and strengthen relationships that are in decent shape already.

“The first listening effort will be in the Capitol,” he said during an introductory press conference Friday morning at UW-Milwaukee, joking that the planned gab sessions with the building’s 133 elected officials may require him to pack a sleeping bag.

The outreach effort started early Thursday night shortly after he was chosen as the seventh System president by the UW Board of Regents, replacing Kevin Reilly. He called 30 lawmakers in the first hour, spokeswoman Jessica Tormey said, leaving voicemails with most but connecting with some.

Included among the calls was Gov. Scott Walker, who wasn’t available. His chief of staff spoke in his place.

His first call went to state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, a friend of Cross who chairs the Senate committee on higher education. Like many lawmakers, she applauded the hire in a statement.

“I believe he will bring a fresh perspective and vision to this leadership role,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to work with Chancellor Cross on a number of issues in recent years and have found him to be an innovative, honest and straightforward leader.”

After his Friday morning press conference, Cross headed back to Madison for an in-person Capitol visit. In campaigning for the job, Cross stressed that he already had solid relationships with many top lawmakers and would make outreach and accountability key themes of his tenure.

Cross also met Friday with System staffers in two meet-and-greets in Madison. Many either know Cross already or have heard of him from colleagues at UW Colleges and UW-Extension, where Cross has been chancellor since 2011.

“He comes to us with a very good reputation,” said Daniel Karamanski, a risk-management officer with 11 years of experience. “He seems very down to earth.”

Karamanski said last spring’s political flare-ups at the State Capitol didn’t have much of an effect on staff morale since things tend to get tense between the System and lawmakers every budget cycle.

“You have ups and downs,” he said. “It all works out.”

He believes Cross can sustain the cordial relationship with the Republicans who run the statehouse.

“I think it’s possible because of the mission of the university,” he said. “It’s the sort of mission everybody can unite around.”

Cross, 66, officially begins the new job in mid-February but in some ways has started already, said Regina Millner, vice president of the Board of Regents. Interim president Richard Telfer will handle day-to-day duties to allow Cross time to meet System staffers, lawmakers and other key players, she said.

Michael Falbo, the president of the Board of Regents who chaired the committee that hired Cross, welcomed the new president, noting that his hire was approved unanimously, and said the search process worked well.

“You measure success by the outcome,” he said. “We’re delighted that he has agreed to take on this role.”

Cross said he’s previously visited each of the 26 campuses in the sprawling System and would likely pay a return visit to most as president.

Containing costs for students, boosting pay for faculty and staff, and making System finances easily understandable to the public and lawmakers will be top priorities.

“You shouldn’t have to be a CPA to understand our finances,” he said.

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