Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- The master of science project management distance education program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is an interdisciplinary degree that combines engineering and business. One of the missions of the university is outreach to non-traditional student groups. To fulfill that mission, UW created the distance education program in 1979. The project management program was established in 1999. It has grown steadily since then, with approximately 400 students currently enrolled. Because of this growth, there has been a need for another advisor. Francie Tuescher is fulfilling this need as the newly hired associate advisor for project management and business administration. Tuescher will be assisting in the advising of students, admission review and the evaluation of transfer credits.

Bill Haskins, director of the master of science project management program stated, "Our objective is to make advising as proactive as we can and give students a top notch academic experience. That's why we hired Francie, to fulfill that objective."

A student of the project management program herself, Tuescher is passionate about the distance education program. "Being engaged in the program, I know first hand the relationships that can be built online. I have benefited from other people in the program mentoring me and I look forward to helping other students to be successful. This position seemed like a perfect fit for me," Tuescher stated.

Tuescher has had a very positive experience with the project management program and wants to help others achieve success and realize their individual goals. "I have empathy from being a student myself and understand the benefits and joys, challenges and struggles of distance education. I hope to share my positive experience with others in the program. I see the program as a great opportunity to further education," said Tuescher.

Tuescher completed her undergraduate degree at UWP in physical education and health education with an emphasis in coaching in 1983. Tuescher said, "I love the UWP campus. It brings a sense of home for me." She previously worked as the executive director of Family Connections, which provides parent education and support services for Southwest Wisconsin. Before that, she served as the executive director for the Iowa County Family Resource Center. She currently resides with her family on a beef farm in Darlington. She enjoys reading, camping, four-wheeling, motorcycling and family vacations.

Contact: D.W (Bill) Haskins, director, MS Project Management Program, (608) 342-1961,haskinsd@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu