University News

Xiao and students research solutions for more durable concrete

UW-Platteville Civil Engineering Professor Dr. Danny Xiao is interested in all the ways concrete fails. His research focuses on making one of the most important building materials on Earth even better. This summer, Xiao worked on a Wisconsin DOT-funded study to discover the most effective combination of penetrating sealant, application method and application time.

Author Jerry Apps to speak on the history of agriculture in Wisconsin

“When I started researching and interviewing a bunch of folks, I discovered there was a lot people didn’t know about agriculture in Wisconsin,” said Jerry Apps, the storyteller and author who chronicles the social history of farming, and the role it plays in rural communities throughout Wisconsin. He’ll be speaking about his writing, and his decades studying rural Wisconsin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 in the R.G.

Early childhood community to gather in Platteville

Early childhood education professionals from across Wisconsin and the region will gather at the 2019 Early Childhood Seminar on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Markee Pioneer Student Center.

Wu and Drazkowski receive best paper award at ASEE Conference

This summer, UW-Platteville senior Anna Drazkowski traveled to Tampa, Florida, with Dr. Yan Wu, associate professor of engineering physics to attend the American Society for Engineering Education Conference to present their research. Their work, “Standard Based Grading in Introductory Physics Laboratory Courses” earned the best paper award in the Division of Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies.

Isbister co-authors book chapter on connection between healing, vegetal world

Dr. Dong Isbister, associate professor of women’s and gender studies, and two co-authors recently wrote a chapter in the book “Chinese Environmental Humanities: Practices of Environing at the Margins,” published by Palgrave Macmillan in August.

Ivanov wins Harvard University fellowship

This summer, Dr. Andrey V. Ivanov, assistant professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was one of the recipients of the esteemed Houghton Library Visiting Fellowship at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for new hydroponics student-managed business

Beginning this year, students will have access to fresh lettuce, grown on campus year-round through a new hydroponics student-managed business. Located in Glenview Commons, the 1,500-square-foot hydroponics space, built and operated solely by students, will supply nearly all lettuce used by UW-Platteville Dining Services.

Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Ben Krings brings expertise in sports nutrition, strength training and conditioning

Interacting with students and giving them an opportunity to develop as young professionals in the field of exercise science is what inspires and motivates Dr. Ben Krings, assistant professor of health and human performance, each day. Krings teaches courses in physiology of exercise, nutrition, strength and conditioning and fitness evaluation and prescription; he is also a certified strength and conditioning coach.

UW-Platteville officials to accompany Gov. Evers to Japan

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields and Vice Chancellor for University Relations/Chief of Staff Rose Smyrski will accompany Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on his first-ever international trade mission to Japan.

Chancellor Shields and Smyrski will be the only representatives of a UW System school among the 17 delegates on the historic trip, which takes place Sept. 6-14.

Pioneer Spotlight: Cathy Riedl-Farrey leads Financial Services

Every day is different for Cathy Riedl-Farrey, who is the director of Financial Services at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, depending on the requests coming in from campus or university leaders. “A day never goes by where I don’t use Excel. I’m constantly in Excel with using numbers and working on numbers,” she said.

Chancellor Shields delivers convocation address

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields shared his intentions for the upcoming year at the annual all-campus convocation held on Thursday.

Cultural exchange program brings visiting scholars to campus

UW-Platteville hosted five scholars from the South-Central University for Nationalities in Wuhan, China, as part of a cultural exchange program. The six-month program, which wraps up this week, provides the scholars an opportunity to participate in intensive language study, observe UW-Platteville classes and engage in cultural activities.

Master’s in Project Management online degree program recognized

The online Master of Science in Project Management at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been ranked in the 25 Best Affordable Master’s in Project Management Online Degrees 2019 by Affordable Schools.

Pugh receives Innovations in Technology award

Dr. Raymond Pugh is one of two UW-Platteville faculty members to receive the Teaching and Technology Center’s 2019 Innovations in Technology for Teaching and Learning Award, providing him funds to purchase a new 3D printer.

Pioneer Spotlight: Paul Erickson leads communications at UW-Platteville

Paul Erickson has more than 30 years of experience working in the communications industry. Since 1996, he’s been a part of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, first working as the sports information director and now as the director of Communications and public information officer.

Performing Arts Series announces new season

UW-Platteville announced the 2019-20 Performing Arts Series lineup. The new season will connect with people of all ages ranging from vocal, jazz, comedy, Broadway, instrumental, chamber, one-man show and dance.

Tucker selected for 2019 Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Amanda Tucker, associate professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was named one of three recipients across the UW System of the 2019 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award.

Pioneer Spotlight: Lisa Naderman, two-time alumna, brings expertise to campus

Lisa Naderman has seen almost all sides of UW-Platteville, having earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, coaching, teaching, and working as an admission advisor for both on-campus and online students. Her husband and her two daughters are establishing even more roots in Southwest Wisconsin, building a new home in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Chattopadhyay receives innovations in tech award

Dr. Soma Chattopadhyay, University of Wisconsin-Platteville associate professor of chemistry, is introducing her proposal, integrating computational chemistry into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum with the web-based interface program WebMO.

Date set for nature-based early learning forum

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced today that early learning educators and childcare operators from around the state will come together on Saturday, Oct. 26 for a day of learning provided by the “Wonder Guides” of the Wisconsin Nature Action Collaborative for Children.

Melin receives Wisconsin Teaching Fellow award

Assistant Professor of mechanical engineering Dr. Scott Melin was selected to the 2019-20 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars program.

Pioneer Spotlight: Ian Dreger leads Event Services

Ian Dreger, interim director of event services, came to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2013 as a resident director in the Department of Residence Life. After interning and working at a number of colleges and universities, Dreger immediately felt at home at UW-Platteville.

$250,000 swine education fund gift will enhance student experience

Dr. Charles Heidenreich first left his mark on UW-Platteville when he joined the university in 1966 to teach and help grow Pioneer Farm. Now, more than half a century later, his impact on the university’s agriculture programs is continuing to grow thanks to a $250,000 endowed gift.

Celebrating Rachel: Students in summer history course research African American history

Dr. Eugene Tesdahl, assistant professor of history at UW-Platteville, and a small group of students in his summer history course, The History of Wisconsin, recently helped repair and restore Rachel's headstone (an enslaved African American) at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville, as part of an ongoing research project.

Sargent honored with Woman of the Year Award

Kim Sargent has been supporting women students in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for about eight years. She is now being honored with the university’s 2019 Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award. Named for the provost emeritus and former interim chancellor who served at UW-Platteville from 1998 until 2010, the award recognizes female employees and students who make a difference in the lives of women. 

Pioneer Spotlight: Diana Blindert provides value and service to campus

As Pioneer Printing and Postal Services supervisor, Diana Blindert takes pride in providing valuable services to campus, helping others do their jobs more efficiently.

Kappa Delta Pi chapter honored for educational excellence

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Kappa Delta Pi Iota Rho Chapter was one of the honored recipients of the 2018-19 Membership Chapter Program Award, presented by Kappa Delta Pi.

Students and faculty shine at research and innovation symposium

UW-Platteville senior mechanical engineering major Caleb Dykema was honored with the 2019 Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year Award. He was recognized for the creation of his “1Swipe” product, a full white or blackboard eraser that can be pushed across to erase, saving time and solving the issue of inefficiency in the classroom for STEM professors.

Horne receives Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence

Surprised and satisfied is how Dr. Kyle Horne, assistant professor in mechanical engineering, described his reaction when he found out he received the 2019 University of Wisconsin-Platteville Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence.

Venkateshwaran honored with advising award

Venkateshwaran joined UW-Platteville in 2013 and teaches a variety of soil and crop science courses, ranging from introductory to advanced. He has advised many students majoring in soil and crop science and environmental horticulture programs. He also serves as an academic coach in the School of Agriculture for special advisees who are re-admitted after recommendation by the Admission and Academic Appeals Committee.

Community-agriculture partnerships at root of new internship

From working with greenhouses and small businesses to vendors at the farmer’s market, Kaley Mumma’s summer internship is providing a variety of experiences, all grounded in the same goal: to build stronger relationships among the community and local green businesses and food producers. 

Students travel west to pursue 'educational adventure'

Students recently traveled on a three-week geography field experience in the western United States. The annual excursion is designed to help students learn about the physical, cultural and environmental geography of that region.

Schulenburg receives Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Chris Schulenburg, professor of Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has earned the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. The award is presented annually to a tenure-track or tenured faculty member who has made distinguished contributions to the mission of UW-Platteville.

Platteville Summer Arts Festival presents ‘Big Fish’

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visuals Arts and the Platteville Summer Arts Festival will present the musical “Big Fish.”

Chancellor Shields announces leadership updates

Chancellor Dennis J. Shields announced changes in his leadership team and direct reports today, as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville begins preparation for its 154th academic year.

UW-Platteville strengthens industry partnerships

As part of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s goal to build strategic partnerships with industry in Wisconsin, a group of faculty and staff members – from multiple disciplines across campus – recently participated in the Industry 4.0 Impact on Manufacturing Workforce conference, sponsored by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance.

Strange honored with Nimocks Family Faculty Appreciation Award

Jeffrey Strange, associate professor of theatre, resident scenic and lighting designer and technical director of the Center for the Arts Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was recently honored with the university’s third annual Nimocks Family Faculty Appreciation Award.

Education students gain knowledge about Civil War during field experience in Virginia

Six University of Wisconsin-Platteville education students recently gained knowledge about the American Civil War at the “Civil War 101 Teachers Institute” at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

Hooked on Books' benefits pre-service teachers, English language learners

Seven University of Wisconsin-Platteville pre-service teachers gained experience working with seven elementary-aged English language learners, thanks to “Hooked on Books,” an after-school reading program held this spring at Westview Elementary School in Platteville.

UW-Platteville to host Wisconsin Space Conference

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the 29th annual Wisconsin Space Conference on Thursday, Aug. 15 in Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall. The event will bring together faculty, industry, students and community members from across the state with a common interest in aerospace.

Sappleton receives Excellence in Advising International Students Award

Dr. Shan Sappleton, associate professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, received the Excellence in Advising International Students Award for her efforts in helping further international experiences at the university.

Wells examines reptiles, amphibians on campus through summer research program

University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Jessica Wells is spending her summer in the field pursuing her research interest as a part of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program.

Den Herder and Schuler return for Platteville Summer Arts Festival production of ‘Love Letters’

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and the Platteville Summer Arts Festival will present A.R. Gurney’s classic play “Love Letters,” featuring former associate professor of theatre Dr. David Schuler and former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Mittie Den Herder. The production runs July 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m.

Students find success showing cattle at district show

Maddy Gwidt, a sophomore dairy science major from Pulaski, Wisconsin, showed two heifers and two cows. The highest ranking was earned by a cow in the Senior 3-Year-Old class, which ranked second in its class and went on to receive the title of Reserve Intermediate Champion, as well as Honorable Mention Grand Champion of the show.

Sprenger-Schulenburg receives Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award

Jessica Sprenger-Schulenburg, academic advisor/ academic coach in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Criminal Justice, earned the Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award for exemplifying the best qualities of academic staff advisors.

UW-Platteville, UW-Madison explore Physician Assistants partnership

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and UW-Madison are exploring a new collaboration aimed at addressing a shortage of physician assistants (PAs) in underserved rural areas.



Representatives from the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at UW-Madison joined UW-Platteville representatives and area health care professionals to discuss expanding UW-Madison’s PA program to UW-Platteville.

Students collaborate with Dodgeville Elementary for Family Math Night

Sixteen University of Wisconsin-Platteville students recently collaborated with teaching staff at Dodgeville (Wis.) Elementary School to present Family Math Night for students and their families. It was the first time the program has been held for students from Early Childhood through fifth grade.

Pugh selected as Wisconsin Teaching Fellow

Assistant Professor of chemistry Dr. Raymond Pugh will continue his research on Writing-to-Learn through the Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars program. Pugh is one of three University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty members selected for the 2019-20 program. The program supports outstanding educators in pursuing teaching and learning questions emerging from the classroom.

Venkateshwaran receives prestigious NSF-CAREER award

Venkateshwaran’s research focuses on the symbiotic associations that exist between plants and microbes, such as rhizobia, a soil bacteria that associates with legumes to form root nodules, inside which the rhizobia fixes atmospheric nitrogen that is then used by the legume plant.

UW-Platteville adds two associate degrees at branch campuses

To offer students more educational opportunities and to help meet the region’s workforce demands, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is offering new associate degrees at its branch campuses, UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County and UW-Platteville Richland.