Seventeen University of Wisconsin-Platteville civil and environmental engineering students traveled more than 1,000 miles across three states in late May as part of a five-day field trip focused on regional infrastructure and the social, environmental and economic impacts of infrastructure projects.

Led by Dr. Christina Curras and Dr. Michael Penn, professors of civil and environmental engineering, the trip was funded by the National Science Foundation S-STEM grant, “Socio-cultural Place Awareness for Civil and Environmental Scholars,” or SPACES. The $1.5 million grant supports two cohorts of 12 scholars through scholarships and activities designed to develop community-minded, socially responsible civil and environmental engineers.

Students in the National Agri-Marketing Association Club at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture recently competed in the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Student Marketing Competition in St. Louis, presenting a marketing plan for HerdWave, a proposed ultrasonic device designed to attach to cattle collars and repel flies and other pests.

The UW-Platteville team competed against 26 universities from across the United States and Canada. Before developing its marketing plan, the club received product approval from the competition board. Students then conducted research, wrote a five-page executive summary submitted before the competition and prepared a presentation for a panel of judges.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education Associate Professor Edina Haslauer recently attended Faculty College at Elkhart Lake where she participated in the 2026-27 University of Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars program. Haslauer is this year’s Teaching Scholar from UW-Platteville. Through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) program, UW faculty and academic staff collaborated on effective evidence-based teaching to improve student learning. Haslauer’s research focuses on how to effectively prepare future educators to work with diverse student populations, specifically multilingual and emergent bilingual students.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science proudly announces that Dr. Xiaoguang Ma, associate professor, of electrical and computer engineering, has been selected as the 2025-2026 recipient of the EMS Excellence in Teaching Award. This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. Ma’s exceptional effectiveness in the classroom, unwavering dedication to student success, and nationally recognized innovations in engineering education.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science proudly announces that Dr. Joseph Wu, professor, chemistry, has been selected as the 2025-2026 recipient of the EMS Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Wu’s sustained record of innovation, impactful scholarly contributions, and dedication to advancing undergraduate research.

Dr. Wu’s research program stands at the forefront of sustainable materials, green chemistry, and analytical sensing, with an emphasis on translating scientific discovery into real-world solutions. His work has led to more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in respected scientific journals, contributing to the growing visibility and reputation of UW–Platteville in the broader research community.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced the naming of the new Swalve Golf Suite in recognition of a gift from Jeff and Tara Swalve. The facility will provide student-athletes on the Pioneer women’s golf team with an indoor training and practice space that supports year-round development and competitive excellence.

The Swalve Golf Suite will offer a dedicated space for golfers to practice, analyze performance and build their skills regardless of weather conditions. The project reflects the Swalve family’s commitment to supporting student-athletes and investing in the future of Pioneer athletics.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science proudly announces that Dr. Christina Curras, professor, civil and environmental engineering, has been selected as the 2025–2026 recipient of the EMS Excellence in Advising Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Curras’ exceptional commitment to student success, her transformative advising practices, and her lasting impact on students and colleagues.

With 26 years of advising experience, Dr. Curras has guided hundreds of students through their academic journeys. Her philosophy – rooted in preparation, listening, care, and thoughtful questioning – empowers students to make informed decisions while fostering independence and confidence.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science proudly announces that Dr Mohammad Rabbani, professor of chemistry, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the 2025–2026 EMS Excellence in Service Award. This recognition honors Dr Rabbani’s exceptional and sustained contributions to students, faculty, the institution, and the broader community through leadership, collaboration, and impactful service.

Throughout his career at UW-Platteville, Dr Rabbani has demonstrated a deep commitment to service as a foundational element of his professional mission. His work spans student mentorship, departmental leadership, college governance, university initiatives, and community engagement, reflecting a holistic and far-reaching impact.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced that its Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation has earned accreditation from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), a body of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). The accreditation covers all three emphases of the Forensic Investigation major: Crime Scene Investigation, Medicolegal Death Investigation and Laboratory. UW-Platteville is among a very small number of forensic science programs nationwide to hold this accreditation.

The first-ever Pioneer Legacy Gala: Off to the Races, hosted by the UW-Platteville Foundation & Alumni Association, brought together alumni, donors and friends of the university for an unforgettable evening celebrating Pioneer pride and student success.

Held with a festive Kentucky Derby theme, the event welcomed approximately 140 guests for an evening filled with energy, generosity and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed derby-inspired décor and activities including betting on classic horse races, a silent auction, live auction and wine and whiskey pulls, all in support of the Pioneer Scholarship Fund.

By the end of the evening, the inaugural gala raised an impressive $102,740 to support scholarships for UW-Platteville students.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated 1,037 degree candidates during its 216th commencement, held across three ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse. Chancellor Tammy K. Evetovich congratulated graduates, highlighting their achievement that reflects hard work, perseverance and commitment. “Take time to reflect on how far you have come,” she urged. “Remember, growth happens when we stretch ourselves, embrace new challenges and step into the unknown.”

Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Education, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture throughout the day.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced Sonja Passant as the Associate Director of Platteville Analytics and Institutional Reporting Services (PAIRS). Passant will assume her new role on Monday, May 18.

In this capacity, Passant will help lead PAIRS’ analytic and reporting services that support university strategic planning, decision-making and resource allocation. PAIRS’ data-driven insights have been instrumental in shaping enrollment strategies and enhancing student outcomes at UW-Platteville, directly aligning with the university’s mission to promote academic excellence and student success. As Associate Director, Passant aims to further optimize reporting processes and cultivate a university-wide culture of data-informed decision-making.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will honor approximately 1,037 graduates during its 216th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The ceremonies will be held throughout the day at Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse. 

The celebration will begin with the College of Liberal Arts and Education commencement ceremony from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. It will celebrate graduates whose academic journeys span the humanities, social sciences and education. Degree candidates from LAE, as well as master’s and associate degree candidates, will be recognized. 

The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science commencement ceremony will be held from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. It recognizes students pursuing studies in fields that drive innovation, discovery and problem-solving across STEM disciplines.

School of Education Professor Dr. Leigh Monhardt recently received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Liberal Arts and Education. “Since joining UW–Platteville in 2007, Dr. Monhardt has made a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of students, colleagues, and local school districts through his commitment to exceptional teaching and the preparation of preservice teachers,” said Dr. Lindsay Hollingsworth, a fellow professor in the School of Education who nominated Dr. Monhardt for the award.

This spring marks a milestone achievement for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as Sienna Isaacson will be the first graduate of the nursing pathway 3+1 dual bachelor’s degree program. This accelerated nursing program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in biology at UW-Platteville and their Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) from UW-Oshkosh in four years. Students who enter this intensive healthcare program study three years of science coursework and preparatory curriculum at UW-Platteville before attending one year with UW-Oshkosh’s hybrid accelerated nursing program. Often, students find a supportive foundation for their education on the UW-Platteville campus. Through advising, scientific preparation, and connections between campuses, students are prepared as they make a seamless transition from their undergraduate studies through the BSN program.

Elementary education students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education recently traveled to Bayfield, Wisconsin, to see firsthand what community-based learning and culturally responsive teaching looks like. “As an immersive experience, the students participate in all facets of the school day, including staff and team meetings, all day teaching, and after school responsibilities,” said UW-Platteville Professor Lindsay Hollingsworth, a co-coordinator of the practicum who traveled with the student group. “They get a true experience of what ‘a day in the life of a teacher’ looks like.”

Genghis Khan (born Temujin, 1162-1227) was a world-famous conqueror. His armies captured vast expanses of territory, reaching as far as Korea in the east and Germany in the west. He and his sons unified different civilizations in Eurasia, creating a common sphere for trade, intellectual exchange, and postal communication. And one of his coins ended up in Wisconsin.

To explore the famous coin of Genghis Khan and various other treasures from Central Asia, seven UW-Platteville students travelled to the Chazen Museum of Art in Madison on April 16, 2026. The field trip was organized by Prof. Andrey Ivanov, as a part of his HIST 4130 Central Asia class. The visit to the Chazen Museum was graciously organized by Mieke Miller, Chazen’s academic coordinator, who made the artefacts available to the class.

Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Health and Human Performance have in the past month won prestigious national and regional awards.

Carrie Neefe, a senior Health and Human Performance major with an emphasis in Physical Education Teaching, has become the third UW-Platteville student to win the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America Major of the Year Award. This is a national honor that recognizes exemplary undergraduate students for achievement in both academics and service in the fields of health, physical education, recreation, and dance. Neefe comes to UW-Platteville from Viola, Wisconsin and is currently student teaching at Westby High School. After graduating in May, she will go on to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade physical and health education at Webb Middle School in the Reedsburg Area School District.

Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from Wisconsin and contiguous states are preparing for Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Platteville will host this event on Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge.

“The WSMA State Music Festival is an enriching experience for all participants, both performers and their supporters,” said Matt Gregg, Festival Manager for UW-Platteville. “It is also an opportunity for our music program to showcase our facilities and emphasize how much we value and support the efforts of our school music colleagues, their students and their families.”

As rural areas struggle to draw young people to their communities or keep young people from leaving rural hometowns, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is making it a priority to connect students with rural job opportunities. To further these efforts, the School of Education hosted its 4th Annual Rural Education Conference and Job Fair on April 15th in Velzy Commons at Ullsvik Hall.  

“The goal of the Rural Education Conference and Job Fair is to provide students with a professional conference right here at UW-Platteville. Each year, we highlight the benefits of rural living and teaching. We connect students with local school districts who have jobs in education,” said event coordinator Lindsay Hollingsworth, Associate Director of the School of Education and professor at UW-Platteville.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich today announced Sam Koenig as the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (Athletic Director - AD), effective May 18. A native of Dubuque and a former standout in high school and college men’s soccer, Koenig is returning to lead and advance Pioneer athletics. His extensive experience as a coach and administrator underscores his commitment to fostering a vibrant, competitive and student-centered athletic program.

“Adding stability and strong leadership to our athletic department is a top priority,” said Chancellor Evetovich. “We are confident that Sam Koenig’s proven experience, dedication and passion for collegiate sports will serve our student-athletes and university community exceptionally well. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build upon our traditions of excellence and achievement.”

Several students, faculty, and alumni from the College of Liberal Arts and Education at UW-Platteville received student research awards, attended, or presented at the 2026 WGSC Spring Conference, “Rooted in Justice: Fifty Years of Feminist Scholarship and Community Engagement,” held in Madison on April 9-10. The conference was co-convened by the Universities of Wisconsin Women’s & Gender Studies Consortium and the Office of the Gender and Women’s Studies Librarian.

May the 4th, considered Star Wars Day by legions of fans (“May the Fourth be with you”), is a fitting date to debut the Ethan Squires Steinway concert grand piano. Squires was a devoted Star Wars fan, and the repertoire for the evening’s concert was chosen to honor and celebrate Squires, his love of Star Wars, and the new instrument purchased in his memory.

A talented mechanical engineering student and a gifted pianist and trombone player, Squires passed away suddenly from a medical event in April 2024. At the time, he was completing his manufacturing engineering co-op and preparing his piano audition for the UW-Platteville music program’s concerto competition.

“Ethan was so kind, warm, helpful, and caring,” remembers Dr. Danny Rowland, associate professor of low brass. “Everyone he encountered left smiling, happier, and better off than when they started.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate its 11th annual Pioneers Day of Giving on April 23–24, a two-day fundraising event dedicated to supporting student success.

Alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff are invited to come together for this high-energy, campus-wide tradition. One of the most impactful ways to give is through the Pioneer Scholarship Fund. Support of this fund directly helps students achieve their academic dreams at UW-Platteville while also providing the university with flexibility to address its most urgent needs.

“Pioneers Day of Giving is more than a fundraiser — it’s a powerful demonstration of what our community can accomplish together,” said Tammy Evetovich, chancellor of UW-Platteville. “Each gift helps pave the way for our students by opening doors to opportunity and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.”

Students enrolled in Dr. Evan Larson’s Fire Ecology course in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Society participated in a four-day field trip, contributing to projects aimed at reintroducing low-intensity fire to the landscapes of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region. Students visited the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center where they piled and burned woody fuels along a burn break. This work helps reduce the intensity of future prescribed burns to enhance the benefits to the forest ecosystem and improve the safety of the burn crew.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced groundbreaking results from its comprehensive 2025 Economic Impact Study, revealing that for every dollar invested by the state in UW-Platteville, Wisconsin gains an impressive annual $2.19 in tax revenue, representing a remarkable 119% return on investment. UW-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich shared these findings at the “Evening of Impact” event held Thursday, April 2, on campus, highlighting the university’s vital role as a catalyst for regional prosperity, workforce development and social mobility across southwest Wisconsin and beyond.

Eleven UW-Platteville students visited New Orleans during Spring Break (March 14-18) as part of a one-credit Political Science field trip course focusing on the central theme of Jazz & Politics: Exploring NOLA through Music. The students visited historic sites such as New Orleans’ famous Jazz Museum, the French Quarter, Treme, and Frenchman Street. They participated in an interactive jam session at the Treme Petit Jazz Museum & the Historic Treme Collection hosted by historian and museum curator, Al Jackson. The session explored the origins of jazz to a significant confluence of world events, including the transatlantic slave trade and the rise of Congo Square.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Student Chapter, affiliated with Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, today announced it placed third overall and second in estimating in the 2026 Construction Management Competition at ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City on March 20. UW-Platteville’s team was 1 of 30 teams who put their construction project leadership skills to the test by completing the same construction management project.

The 2026 UW-Platteville ABC Construction Management Competition Team was represented by students Mitchell Gudenkauf, Drew Polak, Isaac Dommer, Jadyn Fiedler, Gavin Thompson, Quinn Metzger, and Kody Durand.

Twenty-seven seconds. According to researchers Lisa and Jeffrey Smith, that is the average time gallery visitors spent looking at a single piece of art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art before moving along to the next piece. Which raises the question: Are gallery visitors spending enough time with the art?

On April 11, galleries around the world celebrate Slow Art Day. This annual celebration challenges gallery guests to be mindful about how long they spend with a single piece of artwork to see if they notice a difference in their gallery viewing experience. This year, both the Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Rountree Gallery on Platteville’s Main Street will celebrate Slow Art Day with slow looking activities.

Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Admissions and Recruitment team have been honored by the Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), marking the first time UW-Platteville professionals have received individual recognition from the statewide organization.

Jackie Sutton has been selected as WACAC’s nominee for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise, exemplary service, and a commitment to supporting students as they navigate the transition from high school to college. Jackie serves UW-Platteville as the admission counselor for the Milwaukee and Chicago area high schools.

Faculty in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently collaborated with the Faculty of Primary and Pre-school Education at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary, to produce a special issue of Gyermeknevelés Tudományos Folyóirat (Journal of Early Years Education). ELTE is one of the oldest universities in Hungary, established in 1635, and serves about 35,870 students in various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Four UW-Platteville Animal and Dairy Science students competed in the regional American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Academic Quadrathlon competition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, March 8^th and 9^th. The competition was part of the American Society of Animal Science Midwest Meetings held in Omaha, NE at the CHI Convention Center. The four-person team included Animal and Dairy Science students: Ayla Moss, Mia Dauphin, Kaelie Billingsley, and Holly Daly.

During the contest, teams of four students competed in four events. Part one of the contest was a 10-station lab practical, which quizzed students on a wide range of questions related to 10 different animal science related areas. Stations for the lab practical included: dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, poultry, companion animals, meats, anatomy and physiology, and general lab stations. Students had 15 minutes to complete each station.

Students from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and University of Wisconsin–Platteville Baraboo Sauk County presented their research projects at the Research in the Rotunda on Wednesday at the Wisconsin State Capitol, joining undergraduate researchers from across the Universities of Wisconsin.

The annual event highlights outstanding undergraduate research and gives students the opportunity to share their work with state legislators, university leaders and the public. Representing UW–Platteville and UW–Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, students presented projects spanning agriculture, psychology, biology and engineering.

Research in the Rotunda provides undergraduate students with a platform to highlight how their work contributes to solving real-world challenges and advancing knowledge across disciplines. Participation in the event reflects UW–Platteville’s continued commitment to hands-on learning and student research opportunities.

On Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, UW-Platteville will be hosting Indigenous, New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley for a reading and discussion. The event will take place in Nohr Gallery from 7:00-8:00 pm and will focus on Boulley’s famous 2021 novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend.   

The University of Wisconsin–Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association has named Bridget Wallace as its next executive director, effective April 6, 2026.

Wallace, a 2015 graduate of University of Wisconsin–Platteville, currently serves as chief of staff to Chancellor Tammy Evetovich. In this role, she has worked closely with campus leadership to advance strategic initiatives and strengthen partnerships that support student success and institutional growth.

Prior to serving as chief of staff, Wallace spent three years as a senior development officer with the foundation, where she partnered with alumni and donors to grow philanthropic support for the university. Before returning to her alma mater, Wallace held advancement roles with several nationally recognized nonprofit and higher education organizations, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the UW–Madison Foundation and Alumni Association.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is pleased to announce that Melanie Platt-Gibson has been named the External Relations and Communications Director, effective March 16, 2026.

Platt-Gibson brings over two decades of experience in strategic communications, external relations, and partnership development across diverse sectors including higher education and government. Most recently, she served as Development Director for Sauk County, where she led initiatives in branding, marketing and legislative engagement, secured millions in federal funding, and fostered strong partnerships with business, industry and government leaders.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education will host its fourth annual Rural Education Conference and Rural Schools Job Fair on Wednesday, April 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Velzy Commons at Ullsvik Hall. This year’s keynote address will be presented by members of the Crase family, a multigenerational family of educators with ties to southwest Wisconsin schools.

Among the renowned landscapes of world history, few cities hold as many treasures as Rome. For Andrey Ivanov, a UW-Platteville professor specializing in East European and Eurasian history, the Eternal City might at first seem like an unlikely destination. Yet, this Winterim, Rome proved to be an ideal setting for his research, for within its ancient walls are found the records of Feofan Prokopovych (1677/1681-1736), a Ukrainian archbishop who lived there in the late 1690s. Prokopovych’s most consequential contribution to world history was the foundation of the Russian Empire under Tsar Peter I, whose chief architect and ideological advisor was the archbishop. Russia’s rise as a global power in the tsarist era owes much to Prokopovych’s visions, but his personal formation as a visionary had deep roots in his Roman experience.

A delegation including UW–Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Dean Philip Parker met with Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in February to advocate for federal support of engineering education, research, and workforce development that directly benefit UW–Platteville students and programs.

Parker joined Dean Brett Peters (UW–Milwaukee) and Dean Devesh Ranjan (UW–Madison) in Washington, D.C., for the annual American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Public Policy Colloquium, an event that brings engineering leaders together with policymakers to discuss national priorities impacting higher education.

During the visit, the group met with:

• Sen. Tammy Baldwin
• Sen. Ron Johnson
• Rep. Gwen Moore
• Rep. Tony Wied

They also attended a Wisconsin delegation breakfast with Rep. Mark Pocan and met with staff from the offices of Reps. Glenn Grothman, Bryan Steil, Pocan, and Wied.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will present “The Dumb Waiter” by Harold Pinter.  Performances are February 18-21 at 7:30pm and February 22 at 2:00pm. All performances will be in the Center for the Arts-Theatre on the campus of the UW-Platteville.

Written in 1957 by British playwright, Harold Pinter, this absurdist one-act play tells the story of two hitmen who sit in a windowless basement waiting for orders on their next job.

According to Ann Dillon Farrelly, the play’s director, “As with any great existential, Absurdist play, Pinter is using this story to tell a larger story about obedience to perceived authority and the frustrating inclination for human beings to blindly follow along because enlightenment is uncomfortable and dangerous. As Gus starts to question his role more and more, he becomes a threat not only to Ben but to the entire system of which he is a part.”

Students in the AGET 4890: Structures and Environmental Control course at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville successfully completed the construction and assembly of a greenhouse for Southwestern Wisconsin High School.     

Students traveled twice weekly last fall to Hazel Green for hands-on construction labs. Under the guidance of David Heimerdinger, associate professor of agricultural engineering technology, they applied course concepts—including building components, construction methods, and material application—to construct a fully functional greenhouse that now supports agricultural education at the high school. 

We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Osterholz has been named University of Wisconsin–Platteville’s Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer.

Elizabeth brings nearly a decade of progressive leadership experience at UW-Platteville, with deep expertise in enrollment management, recruitment strategy, marketing alignment, and data-informed decision-making. Most recently, she has served as Director of Admission and Recruitment, where she led comprehensive recruitment efforts across the campus.

In this new role, Elizabeth will provide strategic leadership for enrollment, marketing, and financial aid initiatives that support student access, success, and long-term institutional sustainability. 

Tuesday, March 3 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. | Velzy Commons

Join the Office of Academic Affairs for Spring into Fall: Advising and Registration Resource Expo.

This interactive event provides students with the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from academic units and student support services across campus.

Learn more about fall course offerings, explore minors and certificates that complement your major and get your questions answered about advising and registration. Representatives from STARS, the Dean of Students Office, the Registrar’s Office and other campus resources will be available to help you prepare for a successful fall semester.

Refreshments will be provided, including beverages from Pioneer Sipz.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host a one-day prescribed fire training on Friday, February 27, providing a foundational knowledge and practical preparation for supporting prescribed burns on campus and beyond.

Led by experts from the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, the training will introduce participants to the principles of fire ecology, prescribed fire planning and safe implementation practices. The course is designed to equip attendees with the skills and understanding necessary to volunteer on a burn crew and to thoughtfully consider the use of prescribed fire as a land stewardship tool.

Participants who complete the full-day training will be eligible to assist with UW-Platteville’s prescribed burns this spring. They will also have the opportunity to join a volunteer contact list and be notified when burns are conducted.

While most students spent their winter break relaxing at home, a dozen students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Construction Management program were tracing the arches of ancient cathedrals and examining modern Italian skyscrapers. The group had the opportunity to experience building design and construction like never before through the program’s first short-term study abroad course, Construction in Italy. The two-week immersive experience combined history, culture and hands-on learning, allowing students to explore how European construction methods—both ancient and modern—compared to those commonly used in the United States.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is proud to announce that its School of Business programs have earned specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This prestigious designation recognizes the School of Business and its commitment to excellence in teaching, continuous improvement and preparing students to make an impact in business careers.  

“Earning ACBSP accreditation is a significant milestone for UW-Platteville,” said Chancellor Tammy Evetovich. “It reflects our mission to provide outstanding, career-ready education and reinforces the success of the School of Business and its commitment to preparing students to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve.”

University of Wisconsin-Platteville sophomore Kaitlyn Greenwood has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership. The scholarship recognizes students who exemplify former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson’s spirit of tackling complex challenges through teamwork, determination and service to the state.

As part of the selection process, Greenwood submitted a personal essay reflecting on her definition of leadership, examples of how she has demonstrated leadership at UW-Platteville, her future aspirations and how her leadership philosophy aligns with Governor Thompson’s legacy.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture (BILSA) will welcome more than 315 students from schools across Wisconsin for the second Wisconsin SkillsUSA regional competition on Friday, Jan. 30. SkillsUSA empowers the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders. As a national nonprofit, it partners with students, teachers and industry leaders to ensure a strong workforce for America’s future. 

“Events like this are so valuable because of their far-reaching benefits,” said Carolyn Keller, dean of the College of BILSA. “High school students gain hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to compete with peers that they might not otherwise have. They also get to see our facilities and begin thinking more seriously about college while interacting with our faculty, staff, and students.”

Research taking place at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is contributing to a better understanding of the effects of dairy farming practices aimed at building healthier soils, with the team recently sharing an update on the ongoing work.

A team at UW-Platteville's Pioneer Farm led by Dr. Dennis Busch, senior scientist, wrapped up the third year of research at the end of 2025. UW-Platteville is one of eight research institutions across the country participating in an six-year project called Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration, initiated by Dairy Management Inc. in collaboration with the Soil Health Institute to advance progress toward the dairy industry’s collective 2050 environmental stewardship goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus community united for Accessibility Palooza: A Day of Learning, a full-day event preparing faculty, staff and administrators for upcoming Title II changes set to take effect in April 2026. Hosted by the Provost’s Office, the event featured workshops, breakout sessions and one-on-one support designed to strengthen digital accessibility knowledge and skills.

“The spotlight on building greater accessibility gives us the opportunity to ask, ‘What do our students and colleagues need to fully engage?’” said Provost Laura Reynolds. “I am so encouraged by how many members of our campus community showed up today, from Residential Life to academics. That kind of participation shows a shared commitment to creating resources that fully support all faculty, staff, students and stakeholders.”