MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank has passed away of cancer at age 67.

She served as the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison for nine years.

Blank was known for her direct style, quick analysis and dry sense of humor.

During her time as chancellor at UW-Madison, Blank focused on improving educational outcomes and the student experience.

UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin released a statement regarding the passing of Blank:

“Our community has lost a brilliant leader who cared deeply about making this great public research university stronger, more accessible, better connected to the community and the state and better positioned to make a difference in the world. Becky inspired faculty, staff and administrators with an approach to problem-solving that combined vision, creativity, and pragmatism."