The University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated the investiture of Chancellor Tammy Evetovich on April 4, welcoming more than 400 faculty, staff, students, distinguished guests, alumni and community members to Bo Ryan Court in the Williams Fieldhouse.
In her investiture address, Chancellor Evetovich remarked on her upbringing on her family’s farm in rural Nebraska.
“It is unreal for me to think of where I started and where I am now and all the twists and turns that got me to this point,” she said. “I am a first-generation student. While my parents did not push me to go to college, they certainly let me know that it was possible. I know firsthand the value of education, and I know that it has impacted my life and it will impact the lives of my family for generations to come. For that reason, I am committed to ensuring that all of those who want to go to college and to graduate can do so.”
Chancellor Evetovich was appointed chancellor of UW-Platteville in April 2023, after serving in the interim role for nearly a year. She previously served two years as provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at UW-Platteville. Prior to joining UW-Platteville, Evetovich served in a variety of roles at Wayne State College for more than 20 years, including dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences.
“I am humbled and honored to be leading this great university,” she said. “As we look to the future, I want UW-Platteville to continue to lean into its strength as an access institution. We will understand our centers of excellence and build our brand as an institution that understands our role in the region by listening closely and authentically partnering. We are instrumental in preserving culture and heritage and recognizing the uniqueness of rural identities. This is what I love about UW-Platteville and why I want to be here and here specifically. I want to be part of the fabric of this wonderful community, and I consider it a privilege to live here.”
One of the oldest traditions in academia, an investiture ceremony is held during a new chancellor’s first year in office and is an opportunity for a university to officially recognize and celebrate a new leader. Chancellor Emeritus David Markee, who led UW-Platteville from 1996 to 2009, served as the marshal for the ceremony. Joe Denk, a 1982 alumnus and chair of the UW-Platteville Foundation Board of Directors emceed the event. The ceremony included remarks from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and Board of Regents President Karen Walsh, as well as two guests that Chancellor Evetovich praised as her mentors – Dr. Debbie Ford, chancellor of Indiana University Southeast, and Dr. Marysz Rames, president of Wayne State College.
“With Chancellor Evetovich at the helm, this university is positioned to continue to do great things,” said President Rothman. “She brings integrity, an impressive intellect, great problem-solving skills, and a willingness to confront significant challenges head on with both courage as well as compassion.”