The Wisconsin Real Estate Program is pleased to welcome Jay Rosenberg as the new Director of the Applied Real Estate Investment Track (AREIT). Jay brings an impressive track record of more than two decades of investment management experience, deep expertise in public real assets and a longstanding connection to the program.
Jay is the former Head of Public Real Assets at Nuveen, where he led the firm’s listed real assets platform and oversaw its strategy, investment process, and performance. During his 19-year tenure at Nuveen, he created and managed several public real asset strategies, including Real Estate Securities, Global Infrastructure, and Real Asset Income, and served as a member of Nuveen’s Global Investment Committee. He currently serves on the board of a multifamily-focused REIT.
A proud Badger alumnus, Jay earned his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In his new role, Jay will lead the Wisconsin Real Estate Program’s Applied Real Estate Investment Track (AREIT), an experiential learning program that gives graduate students the opportunity to manage a live $1.5M U.S. REIT portfolio backed by real capital. Through the program, students develop and execute a disciplined investment process while building critical analytical, investment and communication skills.
Jay already knows the program well through his service on the AREIT Advisory Board, giving him firsthand insight into the experience and its positive impact on students.
Jacques Gordon, Director of the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate, shared his enthusiasm for Jay’s appointment, “We are delighted to welcome Jay back to Wisconsin to lead the AREIT program. He brings an exceptional combination of investment expertise, leadership experience and a genuine commitment to student learning. Just as importantly, he understands what makes the Wisconsin Real Estate Program distinctive. His experience on the AREIT Advisory Board and throughout his career will allow him to connect rigorous investment principles with the kind of hands-on learning that prepares our students to make an immediate impact in the industry. We are excited about the perspective, energy and leadership he will bring to AREIT and to our broader real estate community.”
Please join us in welcoming Jay back to UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Real Estate community. We look forward to the expertise, perspective, and leadership he will bring to our students and program.
Hear from Jay about what drew him back to Wisconsin, his vision for AREIT, and the advice he shares with the next generation of real estate leaders.
What excites you most about stepping into the Director of AREIT role?
What excites me most about stepping into the Director of AREIT role is that it offers a truly unique learning experience. Students are entrusted with managing a live U.S. REIT portfolio backed by real capital. I am excited to help guide students as they develop and execute a disciplined, process-driven investment approach. Through my time on the AREIT Advisory Board, I have seen firsthand the program’s profound impact on students’ critical thinking, analytical and communication skills. I am honored and energized by the opportunity to lead and advance this valuable program.
As you look ahead, how do you see the Wisconsin Real Estate Program continuing to distinguish itself in an increasingly competitive academic landscape?
Throughout my career, I have been continually reminded of the Wisconsin Real Estate Program’s impact through the accomplishments and enthusiasm of its alumni. The program’s combination of academic excellence, industry engagement, and experiential learning opportunities such as AREIT consistently develops outstanding real estate professionals. Just as importantly, it fosters a deeply engaged alumni network whose mentorship, involvement, and support help sustain the program’s reputation and ensure its continued distinction.
As you begin connecting with our graduate students, what is one piece of career or industry advice you would share with them?
Become as well-rounded as possible within your profession and always exercise your curiosity. Take the time to understand the various functions that drive the industry and the factors that influence its fundamentals. A broad perspective allows you to contribute beyond your specific role and create greater value for your organization. In my experience, the professionals who have the greatest impact are those who think strategically and connect insights across disciplines.
And finally, as a Wisconsin real estate alumnus, what are you most looking forward to being back in Madison?
I am genuinely energized by Madison. I have so many fond memories here, and although the city has grown and evolved over the years, the character and energy that make it such a special place remain unchanged. From the Capitol to Camp Randall, there is always something happening, and the city’s walkability and accessibility make it easy to experience all that it has to offer. Madison provides a unique combination of academic excellence and an exceptional quality of life, and I am excited to be part of it once again.