University News

Dr. Travis Nelson selected as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education

Following a nationwide search, University of Wisconsin-Platteville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Laura Reynolds announces the selection of Dr. Travis Nelson as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education. 

Nelson has served in the interim role for the past year and served as associate dean of the College of LAE since 2022. 

Poster Day celebrates campus research and creativity

The seventh annual Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Poster Day showcased more than 90 poster projects highlighting faculty, staff and student research from across the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Spirit Lake Review team to celebrate release of 2025 issue

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s annual literary magazine, Spirit Lake Review (SLR), will be hosting a launch party celebrating the release of its 2025 issue on Wednesday, May 7, from 5:15-7:30 p.m. in the Nohr Art Gallery. SLR is a literary magazine published every spring semester and is edited and designed by Dr.

Helios program awards students for outstanding work

The Helios Program for Integrated Liberal Arts celebrated student excellence in writing with its inaugural Helios Awards, recognizing outstanding work across first-year and upper-level courses.

Elevating campus design through sustainability and innovation

Sesquicentennial Hall has earned the 2025 WI ASLA Merit Award for Large Scale Design, honoring its visionary integration of sustainable landscapes, learning spaces and community-centered planning.

A Legacy in Color: Roger Gottschalk Retrospective at Rountree Gallery

The Rountree Gallery in Platteville is featuring the Roger Gottschalk Retrospective—a celebration of the late artist’s vibrant legacy from abstract paintings to surreal prints that reflect on humanity and the absurd beauty of life. The exhibit in the Main Gallery runs from May 8 through June 21. An Artist’s Reception will be held Friday, May 16, from 4-7 p.m.

Pioneer Players closes its season with Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and Pioneer Players will conclude their theatre season with Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes). The production opens on Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. and continues with evening performances on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Global recognition, local excellence: Cybersecurity Club’s top-tier win reflects program strength

Not one, but two teams from UW-Platteville's Cybersecurity Club achieved a top 3% finish out of 10,000 teams in the picoCTF global competition.

Students in UW-Platteville’s Modern Russia class step outside the classroom to connect with history firsthand

For many people, the agony of the Russian Revolution and the breakthroughs of the Soviet MIR space station are distant events, far removed in space and time. But not for the students in UW-Platteville’s Modern Russia class.

On April 10, students in Dr. Andrey Ivanov’s History 4120 course stepped outside the classroom for a day-long field trip to the Wisconsin Historical Society, followed by the Annual Petrovich Lecture in Madison.

Collegiate Soils Team Places Third at National Contest

UW-Platteville's Collegiate Soils Team placed third among 15 universities at a national soil judging competition in Texas, where students demonstrated professional skills in soil description, classification and landform analysis.

Wisconsin student musicians head to UW-Platteville

Thousands of dedicated middle and high school student musicians from Wisconsin and contiguous states are preparing for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festivals. UW-Platteville will host this event on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be open to the public and free of charge. 

Upcoming discussion on immigrants in the Midwest

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's History Department is sponsoring a discussion on the role of immigration in our region, featuring Alex Baum, director of Advocacy, Data and Learning at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

Designing Success from Anywhere: One Student's Journey Through a Distance Mechanical Engineering Program

From factory floors to global impact, Madi Wunderli’s journey through UW-Platteville’s distance mechanical engineering program proves that earning a degree and designing a future is possible without putting life on hold.

In rural education, UW-Platteville leads with listening and partnerships

UW-Platteville’s School of Education is championing rural teacher preparation through a shared mission shaped by strong, reciprocal partnerships with local schools, community engagement and a commitment to preparing future educators where they’re needed most.

UW-Platteville Team Earns Top Ten Spot in National Crops Challenge

The Collegiate Crops Team earned a seventh-place finish at the National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference in Canyon, Texas, where students from across the country tested their skills in agronomy, mathematics, lab work and plant identification.

STEEL STRONG: UW-PLATTEVILLE STEEL BRIDGE TEAM DOMINATES REGIONALS AND HEADS TO NATIONALS

The UW-Platteville Steel Bridge Team soared to a first place overall finish at the Western Great Lakes Regional Competition, earning their place at the upcoming National Finals with a performance defined by precision, perseverance and pride.

Students participate in national landscape competition despite blizzard delays

Students braved a blizzard to compete in a national landscape competition in Colorado, showcasing their horticultural skills alongside peers from across the country.

Students Create Strategic Marketing Plans for Community Impact

Marketing students are developing strategic promotional plans for the Green County Development Corporation, providing real-world experience while helping drive local economic growth.

Opportunities abound for spring student art exhibits

As the spring blossoms bloom, so will the art exhibits around the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus and surrounding region. Eight student art exhibits will showcase the efforts of the graduating visual arts students from the UW-Platteville art program. Exhibits are set to begin at the Nohr Gallery with a reception for the Senior Show and BFA Group Exhibition on April 16 from 3–4:30 p.m.

Students present at 21st annual Research in the Rotunda

More than a dozen University of Wisconsin-Platteville students participated in the 21st annual Research in the Rotunda event on April 2 in the State Capitol. They were among hundreds of undergraduate researchers from across the Universities of Wisconsin who presented their work to state legislators, business leaders, alumni and the public.

UW-Platteville hosting Rural Education Conference and Job Fair this month

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education will host the third annual Rural Education Conference and Job Fair on Wednesday, April 16. The conference provides vital conversations and networking opportunities for students, educators and community leaders passionate about the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. 

WBIA Bull Sale at UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm this Saturday

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm will host the 68th Annual Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association (WBIA) Bull Sale on Saturday, April 5, at 11:00 a.m. The sale will offer a variety of high-quality yearling bulls for sale.

UW-Platteville students participate in nation’s first mass fatality cold weather training

UW-Platteville students took part in the nation’s first cold weather mass fatality response exercise, offering forensic training while aiding emergency responders in refining their disaster response strategies.

Students explore "Glocalization" in NYC

Thirteen students embarked on a field trip to New York City, where they explored global and local initiatives. From the United Nations to urban farming, they gained hands-on experience in sustainability, service and cultural immersion.

Senior Livia Winch accepted to Peace Corps before graduation

Winch will be serving in the Peace Corps as an English teacher in Querétaro, Mexico later this year and is the first UW-Platteville student in more than a decade to be accepted before graduation.

Beyond the booth: The lasting impact of UW-Platteville's criminal justice community

UW-Platteville’s Criminal Justice Fair offers students real-world opportunities, strong alumni connections and a supportive community that prepares them for successful careers in the field.

UW-Platteville hosts annual MAA Wisconsin Conference

UW-Platteville’s Mathematics Department is hosting the annual conference of the Wisconsin Section of the Mathematical Association of America on April 4-5. The Mathematical Association of America is a national professional organization with a specific focus on teaching and learning. 

Pioneer Players presents their spring musical, “The Prom”

Delight in light: Faculty exhibition explores light in Nohr Gallery

On Tuesday, March 11, the faculty and staff from the UW-Platteville art program shared their artwork during the opening reception of “Light: A UW-Platteville Art Faculty Exhibition” in Nohr Gallery. This annual faculty exhibition encourages the UW-Platteville art instructors to create artwork within their area of expertise based on a common theme which may be incorporated into their artwork any way they wish.

High school students showcase skills at UW-Platteville's FFA Career Development Events

High school students from across Wisconsin gathered at the UW-Platteville to compete in the annual FFA Career Development Events, showcasing their agricultural skills and preparing for state-level competitions.

Planting the seeds of success: student Lauren Carlson makes history in landscape design competition

Lauren Carlson made history as the first Pioneer to win the Landscape Illinois design competition, showcasing her skills in landscape architecture and plant selection.

UW-Platteville Athletic Department to host bone marrow drive with the National Marrow Donor Program

The UW-Platteville Athletic Department is excited to announce a bone marrow drive in partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program on Thursday, April 3, at three locations on campus: Bridgeway Commons, Williams Fieldhouse and the 

Looking toward the future: Students harness AI for tomorrow’s workforce

Students are leveraging AI tools to refine their resume writing and interviewing techniques, ensuring they stand out in an increasingly tech-driven workforce while maintaining the crucial human connection that sets them apart.

STEM Career Exploration Day inspires the next generation of innovators

STEM Career Exploration Day provided 75 local high school sophomores with a hands-on opportunity to explore the vast world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students learned about various majors and career opportunities in STEM fields through engaging workshops across campus.

UW-Platteville hosts renowned ceramic artist Mitch Iburg for live demos, lecture and student discussions

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts will welcome ceramic artist Mitch Iburg on Wednesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 13, for two days of live demonstrations, an artist lecture and discussions with students about their work and ideas.

College of Liberal Arts and Education students and faculty study around the globe during 2025 Winterim semester

Three groups of students from the College of Liberal Arts and Education embarked on once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experiences in England, Italy and the Galápagos Islands, enriching their academic and cultural perspectives.

Explore the possibilities at the 52nd Annual Criminal Justice Career Fair

52nd Annual Criminal Justice Career Fair

Date: Wednesday, March 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall, 1 University Plaza, Platteville, WI

Join us for the 42nd Annual Pioneer Dairy Classic

The Pioneer Dairy Club is extending an official invitation for the 42nd Annual Pioneer Dairy Classic Sale taking place on April 5 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Lancaster, WI. The sale will kick off at 11 a.m., and it will be a day filled with great cattle, opportunities and meaningful causes.

Pioneering innovation: Zifan Wan’s cold plasma research

Assistant Professor Zifan Wan is helping to reshape the future of food safety, dairy processing and sustainable agriculture by harnessing cold plasma technology.

Campus hydroponics lab is growing the future of education, nutrition and sustainability

The Hydroponics Lab is pioneering sustainable, local food production, experimenting with farming methods to cultivate a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.

HHP major and student-athlete wins SHAPE America Major of the Year award

Maddie Cooley received the SHAPE America Major of the Year award – a prestigious national honor that recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance.

Faculty and students to participate in Dairy Innovation Hub exhibition at the State Capitol

The Dairy Innovation Hub will host an informational research poster session at the State Capitol March 26 to highlight select projects funded by the initiative at UW–Platteville, UW–Madison and UW–River Falls.

Attendees are invited to browse a dozen research posters and engage with students and faculty affiliated with Hub-funded projects. Legislators, staff and the public are encouraged to participate.

Students transforming vulnerable communities in Panama through pilot program

Through a groundbreaking pilot program, students are immersing themselves in Panama’s rural communities, applying their academic knowledge to help a local farmer, an artist and a bank grow sustainably.

Free screening of the movie “February,” a Wisconsin immigrant’s story at Avalon Cinema

The College of Liberal Arts and Education, in collaboration with Avalon Cinema in Platteville, will host a free screening of February on Wednesday, March 5. The film, which won the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 Wisconsin Film Festival, is set in rural Wisconsin and follows a Mexican immigrant struggling to fit into a small town until he discovers ice fishing.

Celebrating the Small: Nohr Gallery connects artists and alumni during annual Small Works Exhibition 

On Tuesday, February 11, regional artists and UW-Platteville alumni gathered to celebrate the third annual Nohr Gallery “Small Works Exhibition.” This juried exhibit features a variety of artworks that measure twelve inches or less in all dimensions and weigh under 45 pounds.

Wisconsin Business & Education Summit a success

Students, faculty and staff participated in the 19th Annual Southwest Wisconsin Business & Education Summit on Thursday, February 13th in Velzy Commons.

UW-PLATTEVILLE OFFERS NEW MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TO OBTAIN PRINCIPAL LICENSURE

The UW-Platteville is now accepting applications for its new Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership, designed for those seeking principal licensure with a focus on rural schools. The program offers a flexible hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person sessions.

UW-Platteville's College of BILSA Hosts Regional SkillsUSA Competition

UW-Platteville's College of BILSA hosted the third annual regional SkillsUSA competition, bringing together more than 200 high school students to showcase their skills in technical fields and promote hands-on learning for future professionals.

Building success: How teamwork and innovation transformed Sesquicentennial Hall into a national award winner

Sesquicentennial Hall has earned the Grand Prize Award from Learning by Design Magazine, thanks to a collaborative effort that blends innovation, sustainability and hands-on learning.

UW-Platteville Launches Executive MS in Engineering Program

UW-Platteville is launching an Executive MS in Engineering program in May 2025, offering a flexible hybrid format designed for working professionals. The cohort-based program combines online courses with in-person sessions to enhance collaboration, networking and career growth.