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.”

A University of Wisconsin-Platteville student earned first place in the WiSys Innovation On-Ramp program after presenting an assistive zipper device designed to help people with limited hand mobility.

The Eazy Zip is an attachable cube that fits onto a zipper pull. Its cover wraps around the zipper tab and gently pushes surrounding fabric away from the zipper track, helping to prevent snags. The device was created by Leah Norgal, a junior mechanical engineering major from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Its design is specifically intended for individuals who may struggle to free fabric caught in a zipper due to reduced dexterity.

Norgal developed and presented her invention as part of WiSys Innovation On-Ramp, a multi-campus learning experience that gives Universities of Wisconsin students the opportunity to build innovation skills and advance their ideas, regardless of their field of study or career goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville celebrated more than 430 graduates during its 215th commencement, held Dec. 13. Three ceremonies were held on Bo Ryan Court, inside Williams Fieldhouse, where Chancellor Tammy Evetovich congratulated the graduates on their milestone and offered them advice on their next chapter.

“It is a privilege to celebrate this moment with all of you,” said Evetovich. “As I look at each of you today, I see a future shaped by your time as a Pioneer. My hope is that you carry a piece of this experience with you, using it to build a strong foundation for the life ahead. Stay in touch and know that once you are a Pioneer, you are always a Pioneer.”

The day began with the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Evelyn Barta, a civil engineering major from New Berlin, Wisconsin, gave the senior speaker address. Tim Herrick delivered the principal speaker remarks. Edward Paulson was honored as the college’s valedictorian. 

Farming is a vital part of Wisconsin’s economy, and agricultural practices significantly impact the state’s water resources. The Ag-Water Nexus Seminar and Ag-Water Nexus Field Experience equip students with a broad, interdisciplinary education that integrates agricultural and environmental perspectives.

The courses rotate among four universities, allowing students to explore different agricultural areas in Wisconsin. The spring 2026 offering is based at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

“By linking agricultural practices with water systems through hands-on, real-world learning, the Ag-Water Nexus program strengthens our commitment to educating future leaders who can address essential environmental and economic challenges in agriculture,” said Dr. Joseph Sanford, assistant professor of agriculture and biological systems engineering at UW–Platteville.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will honor approximately 430 graduates during its 215th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The ceremonies will be held throughout the day at Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse.

The celebration will begin with the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science commencement ceremony from 9:00-10:30 a.m. It recognizes students pursuing studies in fields that drive innovation, discovery and problem-solving across STEM disciplines.

At 12:30-2:00 p.m., the university will welcome families and guests for the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture commencement ceremony. This event will honor students contributing to the future of business, applied sciences, agriculture and industry.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the reception and award ceremony for the Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA) WRAP-Teen High School Art Show on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 5–6 p.m. in the Nohr Gallery, located in Ullsvik Hall.

This year’s exhibition features 38 artworks created by 29 student artists from five regional high schools across southwestern Wisconsin: Platteville, Mineral Point, Darlington, River Valley and Potosi. The works are on display throughout the Nohr Gallery and showcase the creativity and talent of emerging young artists from the region.

How about giving an original gift this year? Kick off the season with some handmade holiday magic! 

The Nohr Gallery Holiday Sale is happening Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Nohr Gallery in Ullsvik Hall. 

This year’s sale brings together the talent of more than 15 UW–Platteville artists and crafters, all offering unique, handcrafted goods you won’t find anywhere else. Browse a festive spread of jewelry, ceramics, prints, paintings, bags, fiber arts, ornaments, woodwork and so much more. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just want to treat yourself, there’s something here for everyone.

Every purchase directly supports UW-Platteville student, faculty and staff creatives as well as the Nohr Gallery itself.

The Collegiate Crops Team from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is celebrating top-tier finishes at the 91st annual National American Royal Kansas City Collegiate Crops Contest and the 96th annual National Chicago Collegiate Crops Contest this month. The team achieved second place overall at the CME Group and third place overall at the American Royal, contributing to a legacy of 51 years of achievement.

When Trinity Schlorf walked across the stage as the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science senior speaker last spring, few of her classmates knew she had created a piece of art that would eventually hang inside Lambeau Field. But for Schlorf, who graduated in May 2025 with a degree in mechanical engineering with a biomedical emphasis, engineering and art have always been intertwined in her life.

This fall, Schlorf was named a grand-prize winner of this year’s Packers Student Art Contest. Her piece, Not Just a Team: A Legacy, explores how the Packers’ history, the depth of Wisconsin community traditions and her own family memories shaped her love of football. The win includes her artwork being displayed at Lambeau Field, a trip to a home game and a $5,000 donation to the Art program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Engineering roots, artistic heart

A new partnership between Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is expanding access to in-demand engineering degrees – allowing students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial & Systems Engineering while staying close to home.

Through a series of newly signed articulation agreements, qualified NWTC students now have guaranteed transfer pathways into UW-Platteville’s ABET-accredited engineering programs. The partnership, part of UW-Platteville’s Engineering Partnership Program (PEP), removes traditional barriers by offering hybrid and online course options, dual enrollment opportunities and the flexibility for students to work and live in Northeast Wisconsin while finishing their degree.

As Thanksgiving approaches, students in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Hydroponics Lab are preparing a harvest that is as educational as it is flavorful. Pioneer Produce, the student-run business based within the campus lab, offered fresh Romaine lettuce for purchase ahead of Thanksgiving. The initiative allows students real experience in consumer-direct sales, sustainable agriculture and local food distribution while giving the campus community a crisp and healthy holiday ingredient.

“Pioneer Produce is excited to share our fresh, student-grown hydroponic lettuce just in time for Thanksgiving,” said Rich Crow, assistant professor in the School of Agriculture. “Grown right here on campus in UW-Platteville’s Hydroponics Lab, our produce brings local flavor and hands-on learning to your holiday table. We are blending sustainability, innovation and hands-on education into every leaf.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville today announced the launch of a new suite of online Cannabis Career Certificate programs, developed in partnership with Green Flower, a leader in cannabis education.

Featuring more than 50 industry leaders and subject matter experts, these online programs offer updated curricula, accessible pricing, and robust career support through Green Flower’s Cannabis Career Resource Center, all designed to help people start or grow their careers in the cannabis industry.

“These new Cannabis Career Certificates are built to match exactly what employers are hiring for in each sector of the cannabis industry,” said Max Simon, CEO and founder of Green Flower.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. The classic comedy will feature American Players Theatre Core Company member Tim Gittings as Nick Bottom.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19-22 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23. A special matinee will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 19. All performances will take place in the Center for the Arts-Theatre on the UW-Platteville campus.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents presented the Regents Business Partnership Award to MSA Professional Services, Inc. at a ceremony Thursday at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. MSA is a Baraboo-based multi-discipline engineering company, dedicated to the sustainable development of communities. 

“MSA and UW-Platteville have developed a true collaboration over the past several decades,” said Regent Tom Palzewicz, who presented the award. “These partnerships are critical to solidify and grow the collaboration and connectiveness of each of our universities in their respective communities." 

Now in its third year, the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award honors dynamic university–business collaborations that drive progress in academic programs, workforce readiness and community growth. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Art Department and Clay Club will host their annual Empty Bowls and Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of Peace located at 1345 North Water Street in Platteville. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Platteville Food Pantry.

Food insecurity continues to be a growing concern, making this year’s event more meaningful than ever. Each bowl and each meal shared helps make a lasting impact in the community.

“The Empty Bowls project is a wonderful way to bring people together,” said Scott Steder, lecturer of art at UW-Platteville. “These events take teamwork and strengthen our connection to the community. Empty Bowls uses art as a vehicle for change, allowing us to give back while doing what we love.”

Lucas Anderson didn’t take the traditional path to becoming the College of Liberal Arts and Education’s valedictorian. Hailing from Augusta, Wisconsin, he'll graduate this December with a degree in criminal justice—earned entirely online while serving his country as an Active Guard Reserve member in the U.S. Army. Currently stationed in Darien, Illinois, with the 416th Theater Engineer Command, Anderson recently returned from a mission in Germany. While most students complete their coursework from dorm rooms, Anderson’s journey shows what earning a degree at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville can look like when balanced with a life of military service.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Soils Team has earned a spot at the National Collegiate Soils Contest next year after delivering an outstanding performance at the 68th annual Region III Collegiate Soils Contest. The team secured second place overall at the competition held this month in Bad Axe, Michigan, hosted by Michigan State University. UW-Platteville also excelled in the group judging portion of the contest, earning the highest score across two sites, surpassing Michigan State and Purdue University. This result highlights the team’s collaborative strength and consistency in field evaluations.  

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the annual Sabbatical Showcase on Friday, Nov. 14, from 1-3 p.m. in Nohr Gallery, Ullsvik Hall. The event will feature poster presentations from faculty members who completed sabbaticals last year, highlighting the results of their research and professional activities.

The Faculty Sabbatical Program provides UW-Platteville faculty with the opportunity to pursue intensive study, research or other professional activities in order to become more effective scholars and enhance their service to the university.

It’s one thing to learn about your chosen profession within the confines of your major, but it’s another to put that knowledge into practice, especially when it could help solve a crime. That’s exactly what the Forensic Investigation Club at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is doing. The group is gaining applied experience that few students get before graduation. 

“It’s incredible that we’re using advanced equipment and teaming up with the Wisconsin State Crime Lab while we’re still students,” exclaimed Cassie Kniess, a senior forensic investigation major from Verona. Kniess has learned to skillfully operate the 3D scanner for evidence collection.

The Fall Construction Networking Event this month reached an exciting milestone with a sold-out crowd and the most companies in attendance to date. The event welcomed more than 65 companies and 190 company representatives, including 117 University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni returning to connect with the next generation of professionals. More than 300 students participated, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration, mentorship and opportunity.

The Construction Management program continues to grow rapidly, with 150 new students joining this fall—the highest number yet. Since the program’s name change in 2020, enrollment has more than doubled, reflecting strong industry interest and student enthusiasm for careers in construction management.

In an unexpected yet brilliant twist on recycling and innovation, two University of Wisconsin-Platteville professors have found a way to turn dairy waste into a key ingredient for eco-friendly 3D printing. A newly approved patent, titled “Development of Bio-Composite Materials for 3D Printing Using Milk Proteins,” has opened the door for spoiled milk to reduce the environmental footprint of 3D printing materials—and pour milk money into the pockets of Wisconsin dairy farmers.

“Who would have thought 3D printing and dairy protein could be combined to create a new material?” quipped Dr. Joseph Wu, associate professor of chemistry. “My hope is that it will help both the 3D printing industry and dairy farmers in Wisconsin.” 

Strong leadership is the heartbeat of successful schools, and nowhere is that leadership more urgently needed than in rural communities. The Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is designed for educators ready to step into principal roles and make a lasting difference, especially in small-town and rural schools where leadership can transform entire communities. 

Future mathematics and science teachers at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will soon have the chance to receive generous scholarships, thanks to a new program funded by an $807,650 grant from the National Science Foundation. This project, submitted by Dr. Timothy Deis, Dr. Holly Attenborough and Dr. Leigh Monhardt, was awarded through the partnership of the UW-Platteville Mathematics Department and the School of Education, along with massive collaboration from across the university, tri-state school districts and CESA #3.

The HOME Scholarship program will provide eligible junior and senior secondary education majors in math or science with scholarships that cover tuition, room and board, and textbooks. In return, recipients commit to teaching in a high-need school district after graduation, with preference given to those who plan to stay in the tri-state area.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the eighth annual Holiday Toy Hack, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1-4 p.m. in the Huff Family Innovation Center, Sesquicentennial Hall.

The event brings together student volunteers from all majors to adapt electronic toys so they can be activated with an external switch, making them accessible for children with special needs. The modified toys are then donated to families, schools, clinics and others.

“I look forward to this event every year – and so do many students,” said Dr. Hal Evensen, professor of engineering physics and event organizer. “Working with charitable organizations, we have sent toys all around the region – from northern Wisconsin, into northern Illinois and over to Cedar Rapids and New Berlin. This event has grown to bring in students from across campus, which is very exciting!”

Evensen encourages interested students to volunteer, regardless of their background or previous experience.

College is designed to prepare students for the next step in their lives; however, one class in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Health and Human Performance program takes that idea literally. In HHP 3390: Lifetime and Outdoor Activities, students are learning survival skills in a hands-on way. Combining creativity, teamwork and high-tech tools, they partnered with the Huff Family Innovation Center on campus to design and 3D-print prototype components for survival shelters.

The project titled “Camping/Survival Product Prototype Assignment” challenged students to combine their knowledge of outdoor education with innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Forensic Investigation Club, the Huff Family Innovation Center and the Forensic Investigation program are teaming up for a hands-on event focused on creating footwear impressions for the Madison State Crime Lab.

“Gaining new footwear impressions is important to keep the footwear database up to date with new models, brands and outsole designs,” explained sophomore Danielle Baier, president of UW-Platteville’s Forensic Investigation Club. “When the footwear database is up to date, it can lead to more accurate search results and faster identification times.”

Earlier this month, students visited the Madison State Crime Lab, where they learned from professionals who work in forensic science every day. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Mathematics will host a Math Career Panel Discussion on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. in Room 104, Boebel Hall. The event will feature seven Pioneer alumni who majored in mathematics and will highlight the many ways the degree has shaped their careers.  

"This panel discussion offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for students to explore the diverse career paths available to math majors and data science majors—from data science and finance to education, tech and beyond,” said Dr. Leonida Ljumanovic, professor of mathematics at UW-Platteville.

The alumni panelists represent graduation years ranging from 2000 to 2024 and bring a range of professional perspectives and experiences. They will share insights into navigating the job market, offer practical advice for students and reflect on the skills that have helped them succeed in their industries.  

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm will welcome visitors Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for the bi-annual Day on the Farm event. The event, which is a collaboration between the UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and the Platteville Regional Chamber, provides an opportunity for the public to visit a working dairy farm and learn about agriculture and how food gets from the farm to the table.

Visitors can participate in self-guided farm tours, view the robotic milker, visit the petting zoo, take part in kids activities and more.

Pioneer Farm is located at 29200 College Farm Rd., Platteville, Wisconsin. Visit the Platteville Regional Chamber website for more information.

This fall, the UW-Platteville Pioneer Players will welcome guest artist Tim Gittings, Core Company member of the American Players Theatre (APT), to their production of William Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Gittings will take on the role of Nick Bottom. The production opens Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Center for the Arts Theatre.  

“We are so excited to have the amazing opportunity to work with an actor of Tim’s caliber,” said Ann Dillon Farrelly, professor of theatre and director of the production. “There is so much our students can learn from him, and they cannot wait to get started.”

Gittings, who has been a Core Company member at APT in Spring Green, Wisconsin, for 18 years, is also looking forward to working with the young cast.