University News

Herman lends invaluable medical advice to university

Written By: Paul Erickson | Published On: May 28, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Rachel Herman, the UW-Platteville administrative director of Student Health Services, is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner who counts public health infectious disease among her expertise. She has been instrumental in not only offering leadership to the UW-Platteville Emergency Operations Center team but also to the UW System, as her pandemic planning was used as a blueprint for the 170,000 students across the state.

Roth receives UW System award for project exploring authentic membership of marginalized identity

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: May 27, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

UW-Platteville alumnus Jason Roth, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in women, gender, and sexuality studies this May, recently received the UW System Women’s and Gender Studies Consortium undergraduate research award for a workshop he developed, “Who Gets to Represent Whom? Authentic Membership, Organic Voices, and Allyship.”

UW-Platteville continues to grow in online education; celebrating 42 years of experience

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: May 26, 2020 | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County, Campus & Community, Online Education

For more than 40 years, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been an institutional leader in distance education. In 1978, UW-Platteville started a print-based program and then in 1999 the institution became the first public university in Wisconsin to offer degrees online. This experience in leadership helped make a smooth transition when the university and the branch campuses went into alternative delivery mode in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mueller wins UW-Platteville’s WiSys Quick Pitch @ Home competition

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: May 26, 2020 | Featured in: Psychology, Research

Dana Mueller, a senior psychology major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, recently won the university’s WiSys Quick Pitch @ Home competition.

Pioneer Spotlight: Nicole Ryan

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: May 22, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Nicole Ryan, a University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior regional admission advisor connects prospective students to the university.

Matching gift supports Pioneers Helping Pioneers fund

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: May 20, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

Joshua Boots, assistant vice chancellor of development and alumni engagement, announced today that the UW-Platteville Foundation has received a $15,000 matching gift donation from an anonymous couple. This gift will match donations made to UW-Platteville’s $100,000 initiative in support of the Pioneers Helping Pioneers fund.

Mechanical engineering students turn recycled plastic into respiratory face masks

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: May 18, 2020 | Featured in: STEM, Research

To help combat the shortage of personal protective equipment during this COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Jodi Prosise, chair of the UW-Platteville Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and a team of undergraduate researchers are designing a system to turn recycled plastic into respiratory face masks.

Pioneer Spotlight: Scott Steder

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: May 15, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Arts & Culture

Scott Steder, a lecturer of art at UW-Platteville since fall 2017, teaches courses in sculpture, drawing, professional practices and all levels of ceramics. He was first drawn to the field of art in high school, when he took a ceramics class, and he never looked back.

Alumnus finds success in innovation at UW-Platteville, now supports others

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: May 14, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Business, STEM

Recent graduate Caleb Dykema is taking the experiences in innovation he found at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and inspiring others to achieve the same through his new podcast, Just the Bulb.

Personalization, accessibility key to adapting to virtual academic support

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: May 13, 2020 | Featured in: Baraboo Sauk County, Campus & Community

Academic support services are a key part of the educational experience at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and providers of these services – on all three campuses – are ensuring that doesn’t change with the move to alternative delivery.

Dums adapts to new course delivery, credits professors

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: May 12, 2020 | Featured in: Psychology

Just a few months ago, Emma Dums, a junior psychology major, was doing homework, studying for tests, conducting research and participating in hands-on courses face to face. She never dreamed that, within a short period of time, her life would change dramatically due to the global pandemic COVID-19. However, Dums expresses gratitude for her professors, who have designed new ways of delivering their courses, and provided additional support to ensure that she and her classmates continue to receive an outstanding education.

Elementary education student adapts amidst COVID-19 closures

Written By: Megan Hinderman | Published On: May 12, 2020 | Featured in: Education

As Michelle Gould entered her final semester as an elementary education student this spring, she was presented with a new challenge when schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was forced to cut short her time teaching second grade, instead assisting with some of their video-conferencing sessions. While not what she expected, Gould and other educators have worked hard to learn from the situation.

UW-Platteville instructor lends emergency management expertise

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: May 08, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Applied Engineering Technology Management

Julie Durst, a lecturer in UW-Platteville's Department of Industrial Studies, is playing a significant role in Grant County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Called on for her expertise and nearly two decades of experience in the area of safety and risk management, Durst is serving as public information officer for the Southwest Wisconsin county during this crisis.

Rugby team sends support during COVID-19 crisis

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: May 08, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

The Women’s Rugby Club at UW-Platteville was coming off a terrific fall season. Ranked eighth in the country, they were looking forward to the spring season, but everything changed once COVID-19 hit. Instead of feeling defeated with their season being cancelled, Mackenzie Darkow, president of the rugby team, and her teammates decided to spread virtual messages of hope.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Melissa Gormley

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: May 08, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Dr. Melissa Gormley, who began teaching at UW-Platteville in 2008, has served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education since July 2016.

Teal draws on UW-Platteville education, experiences to help others during COVID-19 crisis

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: May 06, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Psychology

During the COVID-19 crisis, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni who provide critical services and resources to those in need have risen to the challenge by adapting and innovating new ways of staying connected with their clients in ways that meet safer-at-home guidelines. To do so, they often draw upon their education and experiences at UW-Platteville.

Students to share senior design projects in virtual open house

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: May 06, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

Adaptability is perhaps one of the most important skills an engineer must have, and students in the Senior Design Program at UW-Platteville this spring have had a chance to put this skill to the test. The Senior Design Program pairs student groups with an industry partner to solve real problems or create new products. When the COVID-19 pandemic required students to transition to remote learning, they had to make some quick adjustments. On May 20, students will virtually present their final projects to the public during the Senior Design Open House.

Impact of COVID-19 provides opportunity for research, connections

Written By: Megan Hinderman | Published On: May 05, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Environmental Sciences

As organizations large and small struggle to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects on UW-Platteville and its surrounding communities are far-reaching. Yet, even as their own lives are disrupted, university students and staff have contributed to the greater good by sharing their skills and resources whenever possible and new opportunities for research and community-building have started to arise.

Students join global initiative to share resources to research COVID-19

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: May 04, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

A group of UW-Platteville students and one alumnus have found a creative way to team up, while staying at home, to contribute to the fight against COVID-19. They formed a UW-Platteville team to contribute to the Folding@home project – a distributed computing project that relies on people around the world to volunteer their personal computer resources to run simulations of protein dynamics to help scientists find cures for diseases.

Pioneer Spotlight: Craig Beytien

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: May 01, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Craig Beytien is the Corporate Relations Executive Director at UW-Platteville. He develops and advances collaborations between industry and the university. Prior to joining UW-Platteville last fall he spent more than 20 years in higher education publishing, content development and educational technology.

UW-Platteville named best value in higher education

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: May 01, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

According to two recently released rankings, UW-Platteville is being recognized as one of the best values in higher education, both in Wisconsin and across the nation.

UW-Platteville’s Animal House post educational videos for community members

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 30, 2020 | Featured in: Biology

The public is receiving a first-hand virtual look at how UW-Platteville students are taking care of the different animals living in the Biology Department’s Animal House – from a Brazilian short-tailed opossum, to a Caribbean hermit crab. The educational videos and materials are being posted to the Animal House Facebook page in hopes of providing outreach to the public and teaching them more about the animals and why they are important.

Instructor finds innovative way to deliver criminal justice course during COVID-19 crisis

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 30, 2020 | Featured in: Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

During the COVID-19 crisis, UW-Platteville faculty and staff have risen to the challenge by adapting and designing novel ways of realigning course delivery to ensure students continue to receive an outstanding, rigorous education, including hands-on learning experiences. This includes Dan Román, lecturer of forensic investigation, who modified his spring Crime Scene Diagramming course.

UW-Platteville student creates ear guards for Wisconsin hospitals

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 29, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, STEM

After hearing about the growing shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers, UW-Platteville senior Sam Smith decided he needed to help those battling the COVID-19 crisis. Smith, a computer science major from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, started producing ear guards with his 3D printer. He can create five guards every two hours.

Distance student overcomes obstacles to be elected valedictorian

Written By: Eric Herbst | Published On: Apr 28, 2020 | Featured in: Online Education, Business

Over a decade ago, Jesse Ruegsegger found himself at the lowest point of his life, but a journey of recovery ended with him receiving not only the strength to forgive himself, but also academia’s highest honor.

Industry partnerships help UW-Platteville respond to pandemic

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Apr 24, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Applied Engineering Technology Management

Thanks to partnerships forged between industry and UW-Platteville's Construction Management and Construction Safety Management programs, custodial staff at UW-Platteville have been able to use advanced equipment to ensure their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry partner Miron Construction Co. Inc., in Neenah, Wisconsin, recently provided the university with a Powered Air Purifying Respirator, or PAPR.

Pioneer Spotlight: Joshua Boots

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Apr 24, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

Joshua Boots joined UW-Platteville as the assistant vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Engagement last November. He works with alumni and friends of UW-Platteville to connect them with the university and find ways they can make a difference.

Health and Human Performance professor stresses importance of physical activity, offers tips to prevent pain, injury

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 22, 2020 | Featured in: Health and Human Performance

In light of the COVID-19 crisis and Wisconsin’s current safer-at-home order, Dr. Jeffrey Cowley, assistant professor of health and human performance at UW-Platteville, stressed the critical importance of making physical activity a priority.

Soil and crop science major trades field work for hand sanitizer production

Written By: Megan Hinderman | Published On: Apr 21, 2020 | Featured in: Agriculture

In early March, UW-Plattteville soil and crop science major Adam Mairs had been looking forward to spring break and working as the farm manager at Kennay Farms in Rochelle, Illinois. But when the COVID-19 pandemic forced students off campus and into alternative learning methods, Mairs had to shift his plans, fast. His employer opened a distillery about eight months ago, and seeing a need in their community, the staff converted the distillery to producing hand sanitizer.

$100,000 goal set for Pioneers Helping Pioneers

Written By: Paul Erickson | Published On: Apr 20, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

To better serve its student population, UW-Platteville has set a $100,000 donation goal to support Pioneers Helping Pioneers, an emergency funding program through the UW-Platteville Foundation. The emergency grants assist students in basic needs such as food, rent, medicine, technology, childcare and other unexpected problems.

Industry partners help create one-of-a-kind opportunities for building construction programs

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Apr 20, 2020 | Featured in: Applied Engineering Technology Management

With the recent UW System Board of Regents approval of a Bachelor of Science in construction management at UW-Platteville, more students will have the opportunity to experience the university’s one-of-a-kind construction labs, including the newly launched Road and Infrastructure Construction Lab.

UW-Platteville students to host ‘Corona Cruise’ event to support local businesses

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 20, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Education

During the COVID-19 crisis, UW-Platteville faculty, staff and students continue to look for ways to show their appreciation and support for local businesses, organizations and community members. On Wednesday, April 22, UW-Platteville’s Department of Health and Human Performance will show its support by hosting the “Corona Cruise” event in Platteville from 5-7 p.m. The goal of the event, which is free and open to all, is to give back to the businesses and community of Platteville and positively impact the community’s social and emotional health.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Alyssa Holan

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 17, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Humanities

Dr. Alyssa Holan, assistant professor of Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has taught Spanish language courses and Peninsular literature and culture courses at the university since fall 2018.

Dr. James Hamilton producing hand sanitizer

UW-Platteville professor manufactures hand sanitizer for Wisconsin communities

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 17, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, STEM

Dr. James Hamilton, professor of chemistry at UW-Platteville, is working with the state of Wisconsin to produce tens of thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to help protect communities from COVID-19.

Kita takes lessons from the classroom to help in time of crisis

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Apr 16, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Lauren Kita, a senior at UW-Platteville, found a way to help her hometown community, while incorporating her industrial engineering coursework, when she helped create and oversee a volunteer shopping service to assist the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dept. of Health and Human Performance offers tips to stay physically active during COVID-19 crisis

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 15, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Scott Ringgenberg, coordinator of the Department of Health and Human Performance at UW-Platteville, offers 10 tips on how to stay active and improve overall health during this unprecedented and uncertain time.

Brogley elected to WEMTA board

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 14, 2020 | Featured in: Education

Jessica Brogley, teacher of educational technology in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was recently elected to the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association board of directors as the director of higher education.

UW-Platteville registered dietitian offers advice for creative, flexible cooking

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

As Wisconsinites attempt to flatten the curve under Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home order, many may be wondering what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner. University of Wisconsin-Platteville Dining Services Registered Dietitian Stephanie Young shares some advice as she encourages students, faculty, staff and community members to use this time to become creative in the kitchen.

Virtual visits connect prospective students to campus

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

Admission advisors at UW-Platteville are the face of the university to prospective students and their families – sometimes hundreds in a week. So, when on-campus visits were suspended less than a month ago, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, admission advisors were tasked to quickly find a way to share the UW-Platteville experience, virtually. Rising to the challenge, the recruitment team worked together to overhaul the campus visit in less than three weeks and conducted their first virtual visits last week.

UW-Platteville facilities staff gets help in training

Written By: Paul Erickson | Published On: Apr 13, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

The UW-Platteville facilities staff is undergoing extensive training to proactively prepare for any possible COVID-19 infections. Mark Miner, an assistant professor in Industrial Studies who is the program coordinator for two university safety programs, is lending his assistance to about 50 staff members.

McLanahan creates lab-simulating applications for students

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 10, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

“We are all sacrificing much for the COVID-19 crisis. I didn't want my students to sacrifice anything more than they had to,” said Dr. A. L. Ranen McLanahan, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Platteville. To help transition his thermal systems lab courses into a new alternative delivery, he created four interactive lab-simulating applications for his students to download, calling the series, “Little Dude in Consulting World.” The apps allow students to control a 2D avatar who explores a 2D lab world from inside the classroom.

University Counseling Services offers advice to help with COVID-19 crisis

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 10, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Teresa Miller, assistant director of University Counseling Services, offers some advice to the UW-Platteville community as they cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Wayne Weber

Written By: Paul Erickson | Published On: Apr 10, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

As dean of UW-Platteville’s College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, Dr. Wayne Weber presides over a wide range of academic programs, all of which seem to be introducing new, imaginative initiatives at the same time.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Mehdi Roopaei

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 03, 2020 | Featured in: Campus & Community

Dr. Mehdi Roopaei is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and joined UW-Platteville in 2018. He has several research interests, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Blair Schuler discusses trim options with design mentor Sarah Strange in the UW-Platteville Costume Studio

Schuler flourishes in UW-Platteville Theatre Program

Written By: Laurie Hamer | Published On: Apr 02, 2020 | Featured in: Arts & Culture

For as long as she can remember, Blair Schuler, a senior theatre major at UW-Platteville, has loved performing. When she graduates from UW-Platteville this May, she hopes to pursue a career in theatre performance and/or costume design.

Pioneers answer the call for help

Written By: Alison Parkins | Published On: Apr 01, 2020 | Featured in: Alumni, Campus & Community

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many UW-Platteville students are finding themselves facing mounting financial challenges. But in a show of Pioneer spirit, many alumni, friends, faculty and staff have already stepped in to help. Created in 2019, the Pioneers Helping Pioneers fund provides emergency financial support to students with unexpected expenses, outside of tuition. When a call for assistance went out to alumni, friends, faculty and staff last week, more than $5,500 was raised for the fund in only a few days, with donations continuing to come in.

Shop staff creates face shields for area health care workers

Written By: Ruth Wendlandt | Published On: Apr 01, 2020 | Featured in: STEM

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is partnering with a local hospital to help protect health care workers on the front lines of COVID-19. The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science shop supervisors are using 3D printers to create face shields for medical professionals at Southwest Health.