The University of Wisconsin -Platteville Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is pleased to announce its renewal of two transfer agreements which ensure students will have advanced placement with professional credentials in UW-Platteville’s highly-regarded online graduate program.

One of the renewed partnerships is with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program. Under the agreement, successful completion of the program equates to six graduate-level elective credits in the UW-Platteville M.S. in Criminal Justice program.

Learning while doing will be the new motto for Kishore Thota. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Master's of Science in Organizational Change Leadership student was recently appointed by the Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin, to serve as the chief deputy director of the Department of Professional Occupation Regulation, or DPOR. 

The mission of the DPOR is to ensure public health and safety by licensing qualified individuals and businesses and enforcing standards of professional conduct. The department covers a variety of professions, from contractors to cosmetologists to MMA fighters.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host Danielle Feinberg, a visual effects supervisor at Pixar Animation Studios, as this year’s distinguished lecturer. Feinberg’s lecture, “Bringing Imagined Worlds to Life,” is open to students, faculty, staff and community members and will take place from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, April 12 on Bo Ryan Court inside Williams Fieldhouse. 

Feinberg graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She began her career at Pixar in 1997. Her first position was on the movie “A Bug’s Life” as a render wrangler. From this entry-level position, she soon advanced to lead the otherwise all-male department. 

In 2013, Dr. Dong Isbister, associate professor, was hired as the only full-time faculty member of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Women’s and Gender Studies Program. A few years later, when she became program coordinator, she realized that she was unable to locate information about the history of the program – which just celebrated its 50-year anniversary – so she took it upon herself to change that.

“Institutional history is important for us to understand where we are coming from, what we need to do now, and how we plan for the future,” said Isbister. “Most of the senior staff and faculty members affiliated with the Women’s and Gender Studies program have retired, so I have this sense of urgency to document the program history for the people who will get here after us.” 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will continue their comeback season with the Broadway hit musical, “Something Rotten!” With a book by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick and music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, this 2015 musical follows the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom as they set out to write a hit show and one-up their rival, William Shakespeare. With the help of a soothsayer, Nick tries to see into the future to steal the idea for Shakespeare’s greatest play. 

Performances are Friday, April 1, Saturday, April 2, Thursday, April 7, Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 3 and Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m. There also will be a special matinee at 11 a.m. on April 6. All performances will be held in the Brodbeck Concert Hall at the Center for the Arts on the UW-Platteville campus.

Dr. Chris Underwood, department chair and associate professor of environmental science and society at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is working on a project, funded by the National Park Service, to expand fire history research in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the conclusion of the project, the researchers will have a spatially comprehensive fire and vegetation history of the entire park that dates back to the last major North American glaciation.

This year, Patricia Rodriguez achieved her lifelong dream of earning her college degree. At the age of 60, the owner of Rodriguez’s Safe Haven Childcare Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin, earned her bachelor’s degree in early child care and education. Now she hopes her story will inspire others to achieve their dreams.

“You need to believe in yourself, keep going even when things are difficult, and never give up on your goals,” said Rodriguez. “Life has many challenges, but you can never give up on your goals. Just keep going. I am stubborn like that, and I never gave up.” 

University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates have been awarded the annual American Society of Civil Engineers Martin S. Kapp Excellence in Foundation Engineering Award for the past two consecutive years. Ryan Berg, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE was the 2021 recipient, and Van E. Komurka, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE is the 2022 recipient.

Each year, the award is bestowed upon an individual on the basis of the best example of innovative or outstanding design or construction of foundations, earthworks, retaining structures or underground construction.

“It was an honor to receive a national ASCE award,” said Berg, who graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He is currently a geotechnical engineer consultant at Ryan R. Berg & Associates Inc. and serves clients primarily in highway construction and land development industries.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville undergraduate researchers filled the state Capitol showcasing their projects at the 18th annual Research in the Rotunda held on Wednesday. Seven research teams from UW-Platteville and UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County presented their findings to lawmakers, state leaders, alumni and the public. Nearly 150 students from across the UW System participated in the event.  

“Thank you to the faculty,” said Rose Smyrski, vice chancellor for University Relations and chief of staff, External Relations. “Thank you so much for working with these students and for creating this opportunity. If it wasn’t for you and your dedication, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Students expressed their excitement with their return to the Capitol after last year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A dozen University of Wisconsin-Platteville students recently competed against each other, while helping local Platteville businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save money, as part of Trane Technologies’ inaugural Carbon Reduction Energy Blitz Challenge at UW-Platteville. 

The week-and-a-half-long challenge partnered four teams of three UW-Platteville students with a faculty mentor and a mentor from Trane. Students worked with a Platteville business to identify ways it can reduce its carbon footprint, exploring all areas from energy use to waste to habits and culture. Participating businesses included Los Amigos, Barbershop Rock, Driftless Market and The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host a symposium, “Caregiving, Race, and Gender: COVID-19 Impacts on Women in Wisconsin,” on Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23. The symposium, open to the public, is funded in part by a grant from Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  

The symposium will explore the impacts of COVID-19 on communities across Wisconsin. Keynote speakers and panelists will offer intersectional frameworks for understanding the disparate impacts of COVID-19 through the lens of health equity, caregiving, race and gender in higher education and local communities in Wisconsin. The symposium will trace how the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequities and also provided templates for addressing and improving those same disparities. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is helping to address the critical shortage of qualified math and science teachers in Southwest Wisconsin by partnering with local school districts and STEM teachers to implement a “grow your own” program. The program was created by Dr. Tim Deis, professor of mathematics at UW-Platteville, and Dr. Jodean Grunow, senior lecturer in UW-Platteville’s Department of Mathematics, after receiving a National Science Foundation Noyce Capacity Building grant. The program’s title, “E’s 2 STEM,” highlights its guiding objectives – envision, engage, encourage, establish, enumerate, evaluate and empower. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Hispanic Outreach program continues to grow as it connects the institution, area businesses and Southwest Wisconsin Hispanic and Latinx communities through a variety of initiatives. Established in 2019, the program’s mission is to enhance outreach activities to build trusted relationships through ongoing community dialogue. According to Lehman Heaviland, interim Hispanic Outreach coordinator, the program is reaching nearly 150 people a week. 

“There are three objectives for Hispanic Outreach,” said Heaviland. “It’s helping with translations, getting ESL [English as a Second Language] help for students in the schools and in the community for adults. The third objective is making the connections.”

University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Allison Stencil’s research project has her viewing construction sites through a new lens. The construction management and construction safety management double major is researching the use of both virtual reality and augmented reality software to determine how it improves pre-planning on construction sites. As part of her project, Stencil will train UW-Platteville faculty on this cutting-edge technology and help implement its use in UW-Platteville construction management and construction safety management courses.

Stencil, who is originally from Greenville, Wisconsin and also pursuing a double minor in business administration and architecture, described the two components of her project.

A group of mechanical engineering majors at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are researching new ways to harvest energy and will present their findings to legislators, state leaders and the public at next week's annual Research in the Rotunda event in the Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin. 

The students are working with Dr. Edoardo Rubino, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, on the project, which consists of two components that share the same goal – to generate clean and renewable voltage, which equates to energy. 

Four University of Wisconsin-Platteville students received the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research focused in the area of dendroecology, by assisting Dr. Evan Larson, professor of environmental sciences and society, with his project titled, “Groundwater Access Impacts Tree Productivity in the Central Sands of Wisconsin.” S. Blossom Ramos, John Rodwell, Grace Trenkamp and Lucas Turpin will present their findings at Research in the Rotunda, held in the state Capitol on Wednesday, March 9.

“Our research is seeking to investigate how groundwater availability influences tree growth and how that applies with resource management in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin,” said Rodwell, a junior environmental science and conservation major, from Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Riley Glonek was honored with the 2022 Society of Health and Physical Educator (SHAPE) Major of the Year Award. The national award celebrates undergraduate students in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance who exhibit excellence in and out of the classroom as teacher candidates.

“I nominated Riley as he embodies what a successful teacher candidate in our physical education program should have: initiative, a positive attitude, a willingness for constant improvement and responsibility,” said Timothy Swenson, assistant professor in the Health and Human Performance Department at UW-Platteville. “Riley was a leader among our HHP students. He did a lot of things that made him stand out. This included coming up with innovative virtual PE lessons to teach during COVID as well as presenting at our state health and physical education conference.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently hosted the 2022 Spring Construction Networking Event. Held twice a year, the event allows UW-Platteville students to network with company representatives and learn about their projects, company culture, and job and internship opportunities. More than 200 students attended the spring event, networking with more than 23 companies. 

“Both the spring and fall Construction Networking Events were a huge success,” said Gretchen Bockenhauer, lecturer and program coordinator of the Construction Management program. “We heard from the companies in attendance that they appreciated the opportunity to network with students in a more informal setting. They found the opportunity to sit around a table and engage in deeper conversation with students to be more meaningful than just a 30-second elevator pitch from each side.”  

University Experience

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is excited to welcome back faculty, staff and students for our 156th year of education.

At this time full capacity limits are remaining the same, events will still take place, and classes will remain as currently scheduled (including location and delivery method) as we return to a traditional university experience.

The health and safety of our university community is at the forefront of all that we do. During 2021-22, we will continue to work closely with local county health officials and adjust as needed, in accordance with CDC recommendations.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is welcoming back the graduates from spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 who missed their commencement ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the class of 2022, the graduates have the opportunity to walk in the 208th spring commencement on Saturday, May 14. The two ceremonies will take place at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. Former Wisconsin Governor and current President of the UW System Tommy G. Thompson will deliver the principal speaker address.

The College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture ceremony, which will include graduate programs and associate degree candidates, will take place at 10 a.m. The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and College of Liberal Arts and Education ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville congratulates the fall 2021 graduates of its distance education and master’s degree programs. Fall 2021 commencement, which took place Dec. 11, 2021, was the first to be held in person on campus since fall 2019, due to COVID-19. The fall ceremonies included both summer and fall 2021 students. Students who graduated between spring 2020 and spring 2021 who had their ceremonies postponed are invited to walk in the spring 2022 commencement. In addition to the in-person ceremonies in fall 2021, distance and graduate education graduates and their guests were invited to a reception hosted by the Office of Professional Program Support to celebrate with other graduates, faculty and staff.

Like many businesses these days, certified financial planners face a supply problem. According to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, more certified planners are over 70 than under the age of 30. Replacing those professionals will challenge an industry that is already projected to grow by seven percent through 2028.



The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute has been working with Dalton Education to offer a Certified Financial Planning Certificate to help train the next generation of financial planners. Students receive instruction from UW-Platteville's distinguished and dedicated professors while also taking advantage of Dalton's industry-leading CFP Board-registered and approved program.

Students, faculty and staff recently participated in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s inaugural Women in STEM Innovative Solutions Workshop. A collaboration between the IDEA Hub Accelerator and the Women in STEM Program, the event aimed to create a community of support among women innovators on campus. 

Maia Donohue, director of the IDEA Hub Accelerator, has held a number of recent workshops to teach members of the university community more about entrepreneurship and help them turn their ideas into businesses. However, he noticed women students were not attending the events – an issue, he said, that is reflective of national trends.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is now offering students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in management on the UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus, making it the first bachelor’s program to be offered at the branch campus.

“We know that some students in the Baraboo area are place bound,” said Dr. Les Hollingsworth, director of UW-Platteville’s School of Business. “As much as they would love to earn a bachelor’s degree, that forces them to do one of two options: go entirely online or pick up and move somewhere, and a lot of students don’t have the option to pick up and move. This will allow us to better meet their educational needs. We are bringing the four-year university to them.”

Business leaders in the Sauk County area have expressed their excitement for this new offering, hoping that it draws more students who plan to stay and work in the area long term. 

Former Wisconsin Governor and current President of the University of Wisconsin System Tommy G. Thompson will deliver the principal speaker address at the 208th University of Wisconsin-Platteville spring commencement. The celebration will take place in the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium on Saturday, May 14. The two ceremonies will include the graduating class of 2022 and the graduates of spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021.

Dr. Mark Levenstein, assistant professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is the recipient of the Regent Scholar Award for his proposal titled, “Aryl Fluorinated Ethers to Develop the Next Generation of Agrochemicals.” Through the recognition, Levenstein received a $50,000 grant from UW System to pursue his research.

“I’m humbled to receive the award,” said Levenstein. “It’s a new project. I’m excited to explore something new with students. I’m hoping we have some interesting results.” 

A group of civil and environmental engineering students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are researching a solution for safer long-term nuclear waste disposal by studying the characteristics of bentonite, a naturally-occurring clay. They will present their findings at next month’s annual Research in the Rotunda event in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Bentonite is used in the construction of barriers for waste – from every day municipal waste to hazardous or radioactive waste. Its high-swelling and low permeability properties help protect the soil and groundwater below the waste.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Tammy Evetovich announced the selection of Dr. Hilton Kelly as the next dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education. 

“I am excited to be welcoming Dr. Kelly to our team here at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville,” said Evetovich. “I think the Platteville community will find him to be an avid learner and achiever that will advocate for the important foundation and professional growth provided by the excellent faculty and staff in the College of Liberal Arts and Education. He is truly a collaborative leader with great ideas and holds a strong commitment to student success.”

This spring, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host its first Pioneer Pitch: Master's Showcase competition. Inspired by the University of Queensland’s 3MT event, the competition is open to all graduate students completing a seminar, capstone or thesis course, and will give them the opportunity to share their exciting research and projects to a wider community. 

This competition is intended to be beneficial to both students and the general public alike. In order to participate, students must submit a three-minute video explaining their research, using language appropriate for a non-specialist audience. 

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville electrical engineering students will showcase their research project, “Carbon Nanotube Electronics” at this year’s Research in the Rotunda held on March 9 in the state Capitol. Devon Lee, a junior from Madison, Wisconsin, and Eliot Driessen, a sophomore from Kimberly, Wisconsin, are assisting Dr. Hal Evensen, professor of engineering physics, with his research in the nano lab.

On the river to success, it takes skilled leaders to navigate the constant change in currents. Modern organizations now recognize the need for a flexible workforce to meet the challenges of the changing work environment. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute now offers a Management Certificate program to equip the next generation of leaders with these valuable skills.

“Manager flexibility requires skills that demonstrate management competencies and a willingness to learn and adapt to these changing organizational needs,” said Dr. Jeanne Dorle, professor and instructor for the certificate program.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Pioneers Helping Pioneers emergency grant program was honored last week with the UW System Board of Regents’ 14th annual Diversity Award. The award recognizes individuals and programs that foster access and success for students who are members of historically underrepresented populations. 

University of Wisconsin-Platteville chemistry majors Brooke Steeno and Natalie Hayes will travel to the state capitol on March 9 to present their research project, “Turning on the Light: Developing Next Generation Agrochemicals via Organic Photochemistry” at Research in the Rotunda. Together, they are assisting  Dr. Ian MacKenzie, assistant professor of chemistry in the area of photochemistry, using light to power new chemical reactions. 

Christopher Gordon knows the importance of preparing for a mission – his 18-and-a-half years in the military ensured that. Now, he's training for a mission that will take him outside of his comfort zone – life as a civilian.

"I'm just preparing for uncertainty," Gordon said. "And preparing to do well."

Gordon currently works as a recruitment specialist for the Wisconsin Army National Guard. His military career will come to an end in 2024, and Gordon is turning to education to prepare him for the next step in his journey. So despite juggling a wife, four kids, and a career, Gordon worked hard to earn his Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership degree.

"Education is extremely important. I enjoy reading and learning anyway, so I might as well get credit for it," Gordon said. "It does make it hectic at times, does make it stressful. But as long as you keep pushing forward and stay focused on what you need to do, you find ways to get it all done."

Phosphorous concentrations are at an almost dangerously high level in Wisconsin, says University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Olivia Kozlowska – an environmental engineering major from Chicago, Illinois – and it’s a problem she hopes her research will address. Kozlowska will present her project, “Evaluation of Filter Media for Phosphorous Removal Systems” at next month’s annual Research in the Rotunda event at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. 

As Luke Strenn navigated his professional career in law enforcement, he always felt he was missing his calling of working in the fields of engineering, mathematics and science. Now, after 20 years, Strenn is preparing to graduate this May from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in mechanical engineering. Strenn credits the Platteville Engineering Partnerships (PEP) program with giving him the opportunity to fulfill his dream. 

“The UW-Platteville staff that is on the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus has been super supportive and loving. I can’t emphasize that enough,” said Strenn. “Every time I would go back after taking breaks, I would be embarrassed. [The instructors] were always receptive, supportive and understanding.”

Growing up, Katelyn Zajicek saw firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit of her grandparents and parents who are all small business owners. Now Zajicek, a business administration major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, is researching the question, “How Will Small Hometown Businesses Survive the Age of Technology?” She will present her findings on March 9 at Research in the Rotunda held at the state Capitol.

According to Zajicek, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing businesses to adjust and adopt new techniques. The focus of her research project is businesses in Columbia and Sauk counties, primarily in the cities of Baraboo, Portage and Reedsburg. Zajicek contacted 35 businesses to discuss their online presence and how they are attracting customers.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Midwest Culturally Inclusive Conference will return in March for a full month of workshops, presentations and panels. The conference is open to the public, and registration is available online at www.uwplatt.edu/mcic. 

MCIC originated in 2011 to provide the tri-state region with professional and educational opportunities around the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. Over the years, it has drawn thousands of attendees from across the Midwest. This year’s conference will be held in a hybrid format. Keynote speakers will open and close the conference, and a variety of virtual workshops and presentations will be offered throughout the month. 

A group of mechanical engineering students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are tackling the growing problem of plastic waste in landfills by creating a way for anyone in any community to easily get involved in reusing and recycling plastic. They will present their research to legislators, local leaders and other members of the public at next month’s Research in the Rotunda event at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.

Working with Dr. Jodi Prosise, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, the students’ research aims to create simple and affordable machines – that anyone can build – to increase recyclability. This includes a shredder, injection molder, sheet press and vacuum former.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Black Student Union will host the 17th annual Ebony Weekend Conference Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-19. The conference will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Markee Pioneer Student Center University Rooms and will conclude Saturday night in Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall.

The conference celebrates generations in the Black community and aims to bridge the gap between them through workshops, entertainment, social interaction, inspiring lectures and substantial dialogue focusing on solutions to common problems in the Black community. This year’s theme is “Breaking Barriers” and will explore different ways the Black community has created opportunities for itself in academia, the workforce, society, politics and beyond.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education announced a plan to help address the critical shortage of substitute teachers in the state by offering current UW-Platteville students an opportunity to have an associate degree conferred, while in the process of earning their bachelor’s degree, in order to meet the state’s substitute teacher eligibility requirements. 

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is bringing real-world engineering projects to students, faculty and friends of the university through the spring 2022 EMS Engineering Seminar Series. Free and open to the public, the series will highlight six engineering projects and insight from top experts in the field.

“This semester’s seminars cover a broad range of topics,” said Dr. Danny Xiao, associate professor of civil engineering at UW-Platteville and an organizer of the event. “We will continue the hybrid format to bring speakers and audiences from far and near together to discuss how cutting-edge technologies are engineered to benefit the humankind.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Dairy Judging Team traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest, held on Jan. 16, where they took home top honors. The team consisted of four seniors: Emma Buss, Brianna Miesen, Brooklynn Hollis and Maddy Gwidt.

“Dairy judging has opened so many doors and opportunities to make new friends and connections in the dairy industry,” said Buss, a Belmont, Wisconsin native, double majoring in agribusiness and dairy science. “Dairy judging has been a highlight of my collegiate career. It’s sad that it’s over, but I feel very blessed to have ended it on a high note.”

Early childhood educators, parents and caregivers from across the country will have the opportunity to attend this year's University of Wisconsin-Platteville Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, March 19. The annual conference provides participants a day of learning and collaborating within the early childhood education field. This year, the conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. online via Zoom. Registration for the virtual event is now open.



"We're thrilled to offer this great opportunity for our area's early childhood teachers to connect and collaborate with experts from across the country," said Chenoa Ruecking, education and training program manager. "This is our second year offering this conference virtually – and I know this year's conference will bring the same level of engagement, interaction and fun."

A team of University of Wisconsin-Platteville biology students have been researching watersheds in Southwest Wisconsin to study mussels and the environmental factors that may influence them. They will present their findings in March at the annual Research in the Rotunda event, where they will have the opportunity to share with legislators and other state leaders the importance of these organisms to the ecosystem. 

“Mussels impact our lakes and rivers,” said Travis Tucsek, a senior biology and forensic investigation major from Woodstock, Illinois. “They are invertebrates and filter feeders, so they filter and help clean the water.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville launched its new brand campaign and tagline this week, “A Smart Investment,” which underscores the university’s longtime commitment to affordability, a student-centered experience, and strong focus on career-readiness. 

“We are very excited to unveil a new brand tagline that matches what our UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, alumni and businesses all know about where we excel,” said Rose Smyrski, vice chancellor for University Relations. “UW-Platteville offers a tuition that ranks among the most affordable in the state, while delivering opportunities that are comparable to larger, more expensive universities and private institutions. Our commitment to affordability and focus on career readiness means that students graduate with less debt than their peers, get hired by top employers in the region and enjoy a tangible return on their time and tuition investments.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery will host an exhibit by artist Carole Spelić. Titled, “The Elect and the Damned,” the exhibit will feature mixed media portraits inspired by Luca Signorelli’s frescoes in the Orvieto Cathedral. 

The exhibit will run Monday, Jan. 24 through Friday, Feb. 25, with an opening reception with the artist on Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 5-7 p.m.

The Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery is located on the lower level of Ullsvik Hall. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for candidates for the 2022 awards. The award categories include Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni; Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni; Athletic Hall of Fame; College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture alumni awards; College of Liberal Arts and Education alumni awards; and the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science alumni awards.

The deadline for all award nominations is Tuesday, March 15. The Outstanding and Distinguished Alumni Association Awards and the Athletic Hall of Fame Individual and Team Alumni Association Awards will be presented in the fall. The College of BILSA, College of LAE and College of EMS alumni award presentations will take place at Homecoming.

Outstanding Alumni Association Award Criteria:

Rural Schools Collaborative just announced its 2021-22 Celia B. Godsil Grants in Place Fellows, and among those selected was Abigail Parker, a May 2021 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, who currently teaches kindergarten at Coloma Elementary, a small, rural school in Coloma, Wisconsin.

“Teaching in a rural setting is wonderful,” said Parker. “[During my time at UW-Platteville], I gained the skills and experience I needed to be a successful kindergarten teacher in a rural area. I grew up in this area and knew I wanted to teach in a rural setting. From going to a small rural elementary school to working in a small rural elementary school, I have quickly realized there are many strengths that are brought in from the community.”

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has announced that the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Business has aligned its Human Resource Management undergraduate program with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates through 2025 and recognized UW-Platteville as a SHRM recertification provider.

SHRM Academic Alignment Program participants are recognized as SHRM academic partners and are seen as a top choice for students seeking a career in human resources. Students enrolled in a SHRM HR-aligned program are provided with the opportunity to earn their SHRM-CP credential before graduating, providing them with a competitive advantage in the job market.

The alignment was spearheaded by Dr. Sameer Ahmed, assistant professor of human resource management at UW-Platteville.