University News

New agreement between UW-Platteville and Carroll University to strengthen engineering workforce

Written By: Carroll University | Published On: Oct 23, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

A new agreement between UW-Platteville and Carroll University will allow Carroll students to earn Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering without ever leaving southeast Wisconsin. Carroll students will complete UW-Platteville engineering courses in an online format through UW-Platteville Engineering Partnerships.

Fields honored with UW System award for teaching excellence

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Oct 22, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, STEM

Dr. Kristina Fields, professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was named one of four recipients across the UW System of the 2020 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award.

UW-Platteville Continuing Education Launches Certified Financial Planning Certificate Program

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: Oct 20, 2020 | Featured in: Continuing Education Institute, Press Release

The UW-Platteville Continuing Education Institute is pleased to announce a new partnership that will give students the ability to advance their careers by acquiring the knowledge and requirements needed to sit for the CFP® Certification Exam. Starting in October, Continuing Education Institute will begin offering Dalton Education’s CFP® Certification preparation curriculum.

Jacob Horan participates in the Health and Human Performance program’s partnership with Wisconsin Center for Blind and Visually Impaired, to teach adapted physical education activities (2017).

New health and human performance minors offer opportunities across campus curriculums

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Oct 19, 2020 | Featured in: Health and Human Performance

The UW-Platteville Health and Human Performance program recently rolled out three new minors that can be paired with majors across the university to increase the marketability of graduates. Beginning this fall, students can enroll in a health promotion, coaching or sports management minor.

New apprenticeship program offers students unique opportunity

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Oct 15, 2020 | Featured in: Corporate Relations, Business

The School of Business recently announced a new partnership with Foster MSP. The collaboration will offer students a unique apprenticeship opportunity, providing them with a valuable, rare skillset to give them an edge in a growing field.

Pioneers Day of Giving raises more than $141,500 for student success

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Oct 14, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

UW-Platteville alumni and friends celebrated Pioneers Day of Giving by raising $141,514 on Oct. 9. The university surpassed its goal with more than 290 donors.

Grant will help share Driftless area teachers’ stories nationwide

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Oct 14, 2020 | Featured in: Education

The School of Education recently received a grant from the Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC), a national nonprofit committed to strengthening the bonds between schools and communities. The grant is part of RSC's I am a Rural Teacher campaign, a national advocacy effort that is supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Evensen honored with first Dale Dixon Professor of Engineering Award

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Oct 13, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

Dr. Hal Evensen, UW-Platteville professor of engineering physics, is the recipient of the inaugural Dale Dixon Professor of Engineering Award. The award was established by Dr. Dale Dixon, a former engineering department chair in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, to celebrate engineering faculty excellence.

Dr. Heather White, associate professor in the UW–Madison Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and faculty director of the Hub

Dairy Innovation Hub releases first annual report

Written By: Maria Woldt, Dairy Innovation Hub program manager | Published On: Oct 12, 2020 | Featured in: Dairy Innovation Hub, Agriculture

The Dairy Innovation Hub has released its first annual report that reflects progress and activities from initial funding approval by the Wisconsin Legislature in early October 2019 through June 2020.

Pioneer Spotlight: Heather Burkholder

Written By: Jason Piddington | Published On: Oct 09, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Heather Burkholder grew up in Platteville and began working at the 91��-Platteville in 2007 in the Admission and Student Affairs office before moving over to Athletics in 2010, where she is coordinator for internal operations.

School of Business student delivering presentation

School of Business launches six new undergraduate degrees

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Oct 08, 2020 | Featured in: Business

The School of Business has realigned its programs to ensure that students are ready for the changing needs in business and industry, with the launch of six new undergraduate degree programs and an ongoing commitment to providing a cutting-edge education – from its teaching philosophy to leveraging the latest online resources.

Gordon publishes additional work after release of his book on Faulkner

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Oct 07, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

In recent months, Dr. Phillip Gordon, associate professor of English and Gay Studies coordinator at UW-Platteville, has received continued recognition for his book, “Gay Faulkner: Uncovering a Homosexual Presence in Yoknapatawpha and Beyond,” including a newly published essay, an upcoming article and delivery of a keynote speech at a United Kingdom conference.

UW-Platteville expands cannabis-related offerings to include agriculture and horticulture certificate

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: Oct 05, 2020 | Featured in: Continuing Education Institute, Press Release

Based on overwhelming interest, the 91��-Platteville Continuing Education Institute is pleased to announce the expansion of its cannabis-related certificates to include an Agriculture and Horticulture Certificate program.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Jenna Zucker

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Oct 02, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Psychology

Dr. Jenna Zucker joined the 91��-Platteville Department of Psychology in 2019 and teaches courses focused on development.

Fine arts major presents ‘Pandemic’ sculpture in exhibition

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Oct 01, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

The sculpture is titled “Pandemic” and for 91��-Platteville fine arts major Sara Ditchman, it’s a reflection of the uncertainty of COVID-19. Ditchman was selected to present her piece at the Water Street Studios 11th Anniversary Show: Create-in-Place in Batavia, Illinois.

Family legacy honored with renaming of Busby Hall of Engineering

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 30, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community, STEM

For more than 50 years, the Busby family has helped transform and enrich UW-Platteville and the greater Platteville community. To honor their family legacy, UW-Platteville will rename Engineering Hall to the Busby Hall of Engineering.

UW-Platteville Foundation covers application fees for prospective students

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Sep 30, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Press Release

The UW-Platteville Foundation is giving future Pioneers the opportunity to submit their college application at no cost until Saturday, Oct. 31.

WiSys 2019 Innovation Showcase first place winners

Engineering alumni and professor launch Skillzboard, LLC

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Sep 28, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, STEM

It’s an idea that has evolved since 2019 when four engineering students and Dr. Gokul “Gopal” Gopalakrishnan, associate professor of engineering physics, discussed their passion for rock climbing and developed the first prototype of Skillzboard. Today, Gopal and his former students are now partners and have started their own company.

Dominique Kornely conducting research at UW-Platteville in 2018.

Recent alumni publish academic work, credit summer research program

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 28, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, History, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, Research

Two recent UW-Platteville alumni, Kathryn Bartels and Dominique Kornely, have had their research work accepted for publication in academic journals. Both alumni are former participants of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program and credit the program for their success.

Pioneer Spotlight: Demi Vetesnik

Written By: Eric Herbst | Published On: Sep 24, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Continuing Education Institute

After growing up in Canada, Demi Vetesnik, program manager for the UW-Platteville Continuing Education Institute, made the jump to the United States for college when a soccer scholarship led her to the 91��-Milwaukee. In 2019, she joined the CEI team at UW-Platteville Richland Center. As part of her responsibilities, Vetesnik provides quality programming for the community she now lives in.

UW-Platteville to celebrate Pioneers Day of Giving

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Sep 23, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

UW-Platteville will celebrate 154 years since becoming an institution on Friday, Oct. 9. In honor of Founder’s Day, alumni and friends are invited to participate in the annual Pioneers Day of Giving. The all-day event raises funds to support student success.

UW-Platteville Online Advisor Earns Award for Excellence

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: Sep 22, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Online Education

Nicole Ruchotzke may be one of the newest advisors to join the 91��-Platteville Center for Distance Operations, but she’s already left her mark. This week, Ruchotzke will officially be awarded the Advising Profession Impact Award by the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association.

aerial view of downtown Platteville and campus

Highly-competitive federal grant to bring $1.1 million new investment to region

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 21, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Press Release

The 91��-Platteville and Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWWRPC) have been selected as co-applicants to receive a highly competitive grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration that will bring nearly $1.1 million of new investment to the region.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Carolyn Keller

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 18, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Dr. Carolyn Keller joined UW-Platteville in 2018 as the director of Academic Assessment. While she still oversees the area of Academic Assessment, Keller is now interim assistant provost. Her background is in the field of sociology – a discipline that she still teaches every chance she can.

Dr. Ann Farrelly teaches classes in the theatre.

The show must go on: Performing and Visual Arts finds creative solutions to welcome students

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 17, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

Creativity is nothing new to faculty in the Department of Performing and Visual Arts. But, the COVID-19 pandemic put their creativity to a new test this summer, as they planned for how to safely instruct students in theatre, music and art — areas that normally involve hands-on learning.

Krueger develops podcast to support small business marketing

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Sep 15, 2020 | Featured in: Business

School of Business Associate Professor George Krueger is giving his students and local entrepreneurs an insight on how to enhance marketing strategies for small businesses through his podcast titled, “The UWP Professor George’s Podcast.” Krueger combines his academic research along with his experience in developing marketing campaigns for both small businesses and Fortune 100 companies to deliver different themed episodes.

Isbister publishes anthology of work from Chinese women writers

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 15, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

Dr. Dong Isbister, 91��-Platteville associate professor of women and gender studies, recently published an anthology she co-edited titled “Chinese Women Writers on the Environment: A Multi-ethnic Anthology of Fiction and Nonfiction.”

Free COVID-19 testing site on campus, Sept. 16-17

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 14, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release

The Grant County Health Department is offering a free community COVID-19 drive-through and walk-through testing site on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the 91��-Platteville campus.

Dr. Harold Evensen in Internet of Things Lab

Responding to industry needs, UW-Platteville rolls out Internet of Things curricula

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 14, 2020 | Featured in: Corporate Relations, STEM

The growing interconnectedness of smart devices – known as the “internet of things” – is changing the way the manufacturing industry operates and the products it produces, and the 91��-Platteville is continuing to lead the charge of ensuring that the next generation workforce is prepared for these changes.

Two advisors honored with statewide awards

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 14, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Dr. Anne-Marie Lerner, assistant department chair and associate professor of mechanical engineering, and Karen Brenner Drees, academic advisor and coach, are both being recognized by the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association for excellence in advising.

School of Education faculty explore place-based education

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 10, 2020 | Featured in: Education

When UW-Platteville's School of Education was presented with the opportunity to re-envision its core framework, Dr. Jennifer Collins, director, said they started with a question: “whom are the people and where are the places we serve?” The answer, she said, was overwhelmingly rural communities. The School of Education began looking toward the future with a focus on place-based education and building a teaching workforce responsive to the needs of their local, rural communities.

Exner finds new opportunities, skills with virtual internship

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 09, 2020 | Featured in: Corporate Relations, STEM

When Hannah Exner accepted a summer internship offer last September, she expected to spend the summer of 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, working for Thermo King – a Trane Technologies brand. But when the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold last spring, Exner began to worry about the possibility of her internship being canceled. Thanks to longstanding relationships with UW-Platteville, many industry partners like Trane Technologies, made it a priority to honor these internship commitments, finding creative solutions to provide meaningful experiences.

Student volunteers help bring learning outside

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 04, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

As UW-Platteville welcomes students back to campus this week, faculty and staff are rethinking concepts of traditional learning space and bringing classrooms outside. Earlier this week, a group of 30 student volunteers built and installed 50 wooden benches, over a two-day period, to create a series of outdoor class spaces in time for the first day of the semester.

Pioneer Spotlight: Gretchen Bockenhauer

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 04, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Applied Engineering Technology Management

Gretchen Bockenhauer grew up in the field of construction, learning from her family’s business. But it was her experience as a student at UW-Platteville that cemented her interest in the field. Now, as lecturer and co-program coordinator for UW-Platteville’s Building Construction Management program, she enjoys sharing her experience with students and helping them find their own passion in the construction management field.

Criminal Justice program recognized as one of the country's best online master's degrees

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: Sep 03, 2020 | Featured in: Online Education, Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

The 91��-Platteville's reputation as a leader in distance education has been cemented again, as Online School Report recognizes the criminal justice program as one of the in the country.

UW-Platteville first in state to offer cannabis-related certificates

Written By: UW-Platteville Communications | Published On: Sep 03, 2020 | Featured in: Continuing Education Institute, Press Release

The 91��-Platteville Continuing Education Institute has announced three certificate programs related to one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation: cannabis. The certificates are offered in partnership with Green Flower, a national leader in cannabis education.

Student wearing face mask at Welcome Weekend

Lands’ End donates facemasks for UW-Platteville’s Welcome Weekend

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Sep 02, 2020 | Featured in: Corporate Relations, Business

As hundreds of Pioneers participated in Welcome Weekend at UW-Platteville, one area business is helping to keep students safe as they embark on the fall semester. Lands’ End headquartered in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, partnered with the university to donate more than 1,000 face coverings to help protect against COVID-19.

Forum series to foster discussions on race and inequity

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Sep 01, 2020 | Featured in: Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, Education

As the fall semester gets underway, the College of Liberal Arts and Education is offering a number of opportunities outside of the classroom for students, and the wider community, to engage in discussions about race and inequality, as well as the contribution of African American voices to the liberal arts and education fields, through two concurrent forum series.

Safety first: Students take top place in national competition

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Aug 31, 2020 | Featured in: Applied Engineering Technology Management

A team of five 91��-Platteville construction management students took first place in the area of safety and second place overall, among 26 teams, at the recent 2020 National Associated Builders and Contractors’ annual Construction Management Competition.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Sharon Klavins

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Aug 28, 2020 | Featured in: Biology, Campus & Community

After growing up in south Florida and spending summers at her grandparents' North Carolina farm, Dr. Sharon Klavins, professor of biology, was drawn to the natural world. Her passion led her to the field of paleobotany, where her specialty is plant structure and evolution. She began her career teaching high school. Klavins then earned her doctorate degree in plant biology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She started at UW-Platteville in 2005.

Nancy Ware’s giving legacy lives on

Written By: Paul Erickson | Published On: Aug 26, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

Nancy Ware was one of the most visible citizens in Platteville, whether at sporting competitions, at the swimming pool or taking her dog out for a walk. It was only fitting that in her will, she ensured her impact would live on in the city for years to come.

Drees honored with award for outstanding advising

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Aug 21, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Karen Brenner Drees, an academic advisor and coach, is the recipient of UW-Platteville's 2020 Outstanding Professional Advising Award. The award is presented annually to academic staff whose primary responsibility is advising.

UW-Platteville announces new partnership; offers nine new courses to California childhood educators

Written By: Stephen Kelley | Published On: Aug 20, 2020 | Featured in: Continuing Education Institute, Online Education, Education

The 91��-Platteville announces a new partnership with the California Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP). The partnership recognizes that UW-Platteville’s curriculum meets the high standards of the CAP, allowing California’s early childhood educators to take advantage of UW-Platteville’s innovative and engaging online courses.

EMS shop supervisors produce plexiglass barriers

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Aug 19, 2020 | Featured in: Press Release, STEM

College of EMS shop supervisors are producing self-supporting plexiglass barriers to help protect the campus community against COVID-19. The shop supervisors are teaming up with the Facilities Management department in creating the two-foot by two-foot countertop items with an etched university logo and a slot to pass papers through.

Gnaneswaran to introduce transformative teaching technology to campus

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Aug 17, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

As the recipient of the 91��-Platteville’s 2019-20 Innovations in Technology for Teaching and Learning Award, Dr. Vettrivel Gnaneswaran, assistant professor of industrial engineering, will use the award funds to implement new learning glass technology on campus.

Pioneer Spotlight: Jason Schulte

Written By: John Christensen | Published On: Aug 14, 2020 | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County

Jason Schulte works in the Student Services office at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, where he serves as athletic director and student life and activities director, as well as an academic advisor to students.

UW-Platteville awarded more than $3 million to help students succeed

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Aug 13, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

The 91��-Platteville is the recipient of two federal Student Support Services grants, totaling more than $3.4 million over the next five years. The grants are critical for UW-Platteville’s TRIO Student Support Services to carry out its mission of supporting and retaining underserved populations.

Livingston to be honored with Academic Staff Award for Excellence

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Aug 12, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Victoria Livingston, executive director of Enrollment and Student Success, has been selected to receive the 91��-Platteville 2020 Academic Staff Award for Excellence.

Fall Engineering Seminar Series announced

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Aug 12, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

The 91��-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is bringing real-world engineering projects to students, faculty and the public, through the fall 2020 EMS Engineering Seminar Series.

UW-Platteville hosts STEMStart Summer Institute

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Aug 11, 2020 | Featured in: Education, STEM

Area high school teachers from across Wisconsin met virtually with engineering professors from the 91��-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science for the STEMStart Summer Institute. STEMStart is an early college credit program for engineering.