In honor of alumnus John Boldt’s recent retirement, his wife, Barbara, and family made a donation to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation to name the John I. Boldt Study Space in Sesquicentennial Hall.

John, a Platteville native and 1976 UW-Platteville civil engineering graduate, has often noted that having a great university with an outstanding engineering program in his hometown gave him the opportunity to pursue his dream of a career in engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, and has been involved in the consulting engineering industry for more than 40 years. John retired from Clark Dietz Inc., where he worked since 1994, most recently in the roles of president, CEO and chairman of the board.

Since graduating from UW-Platteville in 2017, Caitlyn Chiaverotti, interim education abroad specialist, has worked as an assistant within the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Never having been abroad herself until she was a student at UW-Platteville, she said she feels most accomplished now when she is helping other students fulfill their study abroad dream. Though the priorities of her position in the Education Abroad program have shifted since the beginning of the pandemic, Chiaverotti is working to ensure the program can continue stronger than ever afterwards.

You graduated from UW-Platteville with double majors in international studies and Spanish. As a student, what drew you to these fields of study?

The win in NASCAR's biggest race came down to a few key seconds for lead engineer Chris Yerges and his team at Front Row Motorsports. But behind each of these winning seconds were countless hours of precise preparation and planning days before the rubber ever met the pavement. The work was certainly worth it for the UW-Platteville Master of Science in Engineering student, as driver Michael McDowell finished first at the Daytona 500.

"It's the biggest race we have. NASCAR itself was founded five miles down the road from the track. It goes down to the very core and essence of NASCAR racing," Yerges said. "It makes your season. It can define a career. It's our Super Bowl."

Forty-two years after its first correspondence course was introduced and administered via postal mail, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s distance education programs surpassed 3,000 graduates. The milestone, which the university reached with the summer 2020 graduating class, comes 40 years after it celebrated the first distance education graduate. Today, the programs serve over 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. 

UW-Platteville’s innovative distance learning program was created in 1978, offering a single bachelor’s degree in business administration available only through print-based classes. As the student population grew, so did the program. With the addition of dedicated instructors and staff came other milestones: the first graduating class of five in 1981; the introduction of computers, email and a website; and the first students from outside Wisconsin in 1997. 

When twin brothers Mark and Jon Hirsch walked across the University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduation stage in 1986, they had an experience like few others as their mother, Ardith Stark, graduated with them at the age of 45. As a single mother, with two children still at home, Ardith graduated with honors, earning a business administration degree with a dual emphasis. It is this legacy that Jon and Mark hope to honor with the creation of the Ardith Stark (Hirsch) Memorial Scholarship, which will help other non-traditional students have the same opportunity. 

Ardith was born and raised in Boscobel, Wisconsin. She started her family at the age of 18, when Jon and Mark were born. Less than two years later, they were joined by their brother, David, and eventually younger siblings Andrew and Sarah. Ardith passed away in 2017.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute announces the launch of a new certificate program: Foundations of Project Management Practice.



The program introduces contemporary project management tools and techniques across three broad areas: organizing and initiating projects, planning projects and performing projects. The course content emphasizes project selection, chartering new projects, stakeholder management, scope management, scheduling and integration.



The program's contemporary curriculum was developed in coordination with the highly-regarded UW-Platteville School of Business, which is regularly ranked as one of the best values in higher education. The coursework is specifically designed to meet a growing need for employees with specialized project management skills.

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Rita Davenport’s career in education spans over 30 years and has taken her to colleges and universities throughout the region, including working at and earning her master’s degree in counseling education from UW-Platteville in 1993. From there, she worked at a private university and a technical college until finding opportunity closer to home with Des Moines Area Community College, where she’d spend 18 years as a professional counselor at the Boone Campus before retiring in January 2021.

While each institution had its own unique needs, Davenport always put serving the students first. This led her to a variety of roles, covering everything from admissions and academic support to advising and career counseling.

Pioneer Provisions, the free pantry at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for students experiencing food insecurity, has opened its new location within Glenview Commons. The pantry is now located in the northeast entrance of Glenview Commons. The new location provides more space, has new equipment and offers a selection of school supplies, household items and clothing from the new Pioneer Restore “Free-Store” for students.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science  is inviting students, faculty and the public to its Engineering Seminar Series. The virtual events are free and will highlight four engineering projects and insights from experts in the field. The first seminar will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m., featuring Dr. Bassam Zahran, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

While an undergraduate student at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Christopher Jefferson fell in love with the thought of working in the space launch industry. This simple idea would launch his academic and professional career to outstanding heights.

Eighteen years and three master’s degrees later, Jefferson now commands the launch operations division of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an agency within the National Intelligence Community based in Chantilly, Virginia. As the position’s name suggests, Jefferson is in charge of all space launch operations and mission integration for the nation’s spy satellites.  It’s a giant responsibility, made even more impressive by the fact that Jefferson – a Lieutenant Colonel – is the most junior officer in the agency’s history to become mission director for a multi-million dollar national security space mission. 

When you think of a family farm, you might think of parents passing land onto their children. But for TJ and Katie Roth, “family” isn’t defined by blood alone.

After enrolling at UW-Platteville in 2007 to pursue his degree in animal science with a dairy emphasis, TJ picked up a part-time job with John and LuAnn Shea, eventually working his way up to farm manager. Over time, the Sheas became like a second family to TJ, and to Katie when the couple started dating in 2014. Both earned their place on the farm and in 2015; the Roths joined the Sheas as partners in Banner Ridge Farms LLC.

Michael Martin is in his sixth season at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.  Martin started as an assistant athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach.  He maintains his role as an assistant athletic trainer but is now the coordinator for strength and conditioning of Olympic sports. Martin graduated from Loras College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology at UW-Madison in 2016.  As a graduate student, Martin worked with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's strength and conditioning program, working mainly with the football team.  Over the summer, Martin and Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach Jason Wagner developed the Pioneer Performance Center to maximize space for student-athletes and health and human performance students to work out.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville received state approval Thursday to construct a 2.4 megawatt solar array in Memorial Park. This will be the largest solar array owned by a Wisconsin state agency and will make the university the sixth-highest on-site producer of renewable energy among higher education institutions in the nation, setting UW-Platteville apart as a leader in its commitment to renewable energy. 

“We are excited to take this momentous step in our commitment to sustainability,” said Chancellor Dennis J. Shields. “These efforts will save taxpayer money and have a lasting impact on future generations of Pioneers. I am proud that UW-Platteville can serve as a model of innovation and pave the way for other state agencies to follow suit.”

I am proud that UW-Platteville can serve as a model of innovation and pave the way for other state agencies to follow suit.” –Chancellor Dennis J. Shields

The onus on safety during the COVID-19 pandemic has led many seniors to avoid crowded places and spend more time at home. However, while social distancing and isolation can keep people physically healthy, it can take a mental toll.

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, loneliness has doubled for older adults in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the numbers have not improved much in the months since.

Last week marked a significant milestone, as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer men’s basketball team returned to competition on Bo Ryan Court for the first time in nearly a year. And while fans aren’t able to attend sporting events, they will see a familiar face during the livestream, as Chancellor Dennis J. Shields takes to the announcer’s booth as the color commentator for all of the men’s and women’s basketball home games, making what is sure to be an unforgettable season even more memorable.

When the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) was given the greenlight to proceed with competition, Chancellor Shields set in motion the steps needed to provide a quality livestream product to allow fans and family to follow along. 

“It started with the idea of the absence of fans,” said Chancellor Shields. “We have a good fan base, and I wanted a high-quality product for them so they could follow this winter.” 

Ashley Pratt, from Albany, Wisconsin has had an educational experience many would say isn’t standard. Before completing her bachelor’s degree, she changed directions and earned two associate degrees instead. When she decided to go back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree, she did so while working both full-time as a caretaker at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, and part-time as a veterinary technician. Now, Pratt is earning her Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology degree with UW-Platteville’s online program while working at Promega in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, a biotechnology company that manufactures tools for use in research and biological testing. It may not be a typical path, but it’s one Pratt knew was right for her.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership program is ranked as the fourth best value in the country, according to the 2021 BestValueCollege.org ratings.



The rankings were based on several metrics, including tuition per credit hour, acceptance rate, number of programs offered, and scholarship and funding availability. Best Value College also considered student resources, graduation rate, job placement and total enrollment before settling on a final score for each university.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Paul Hemmer examines the show business era of the 20th century in his new book, titled Entertaining Dubuque: The Untold Story (1900-1999). Hemmer graduated in 1966 with a degree in instrumental and vocal music and has spent his career in the fields of broadcasting and live music. His 510-page book is filled with never before told stories and historic photos.

“Dubuque is rich in history. Live entertainment was an essential industry in the area,” said Hemmer. “On any night during the first half of the century, 50 to 100 local hotel rooms would be occupied by traveling musicians, actors or dancers.”

Hemmer was inspired to start writing the book after a conversation with his former drummer. They discussed swing era trombonist Jack Jenney, vocal arranger Jud Conlon, and John Graas, the first man to play jazz on the French horn, according to Hemmer.

Dr. Tom Nelson, emeritus professor of civil engineering, touched the lives of countless students during his nearly two decades at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. To honor Nelson, who passed away in April of 2020, his family created the Dr. Tom Nelson Civil Engineering Memorial Scholarship.

“Tom had always intended to set up a scholarship,” said Carol Nelson, Tom’s wife. “It seemed to be a fitting memorial for him.”

Adam Mentink, a 2009 civil and environmental engineering graduate described Nelson as personable and someone who wanted to build strong relationships with students and watch them succeed.

Amid changes in agricultural land and record high dairy farm closings, Wisconsin’s lead industry is in the middle of a major transition, and a team of UW-Platteville researchers – including faculty and students – is exploring how farmers and rural communities are affected by these land changes and their response to policy proposals intended to address the issues.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is being celebrated for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) recently recognized the college with the Bronze Level Award for the ASEE Diversity Program – the highest-level award issued this cycle.  

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Awards Committee is now accepting nominations of candidates for 2021. 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.

Outstanding Alumni Association Award Criteria:

Dr. Karim Iskandar, UW-Platteville assistant professor of construction management in the department of industrial studies, always knew he would be involved in the field after watching his father work in the construction industry. “He managed heavy construction and industrial projects including airports, power plants and cement manufacturing plants,” said Iskandar. “At a young age he showed me pictures of those projects being completed. It inspired me.”

To embark on his career path, Iskandar earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and became a project control engineer. It was during his time as an engineer Iskandar decided to further his education. He attended UW-Madison, where he received his master’s and doctorate degrees in civil engineering with an emphasis in construction management.

“I had always wanted to go back to school, but it was always either life, distance or motivation that prevented me from taking those steps,” said University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumna Sara Booth. However, in 2016, Booth made the leap and returned to UW-Platteville after 22 years to complete her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She accomplished her goal and graduated in December ending her final semester with a 4.0.

“It was very emotional,” said Booth. “I set a goal and I knew it was going to be a long-term goal over a five-year period and I actually reached it.”

A longtime supporter of University of Wisconsin-Platteville students, Alliant Energy recently furthered its commitment by pledging continued support to several College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science programs for 2021–22 and signing on as a premier corporate partner with UW-Platteville Intercollegiate Athletics.

Felicia Holmes, a biology major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has had a goal to become a physical therapist since the seventh grade, when she job-shadowed professionals in the field.

“I saw how they could help patients heal and get back to their full 100% after surgery or an accident, and I just really wanted to do that and be able to help people get back to their normal lives,” said Holmes.

Holmes, who is originally from Lancaster, Wisconsin, didn’t have to travel far to find an affordable program that would set her on this career path. She enrolled in the Pre-Physical Therapy program at UW-Platteville, and now in her junior year was already accepted into Clarke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program for fall 2021.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s longstanding, nationally-recognized Women in Engineering, Mathematics and Science program recently expanded to become the Women in STEM program, allowing for a greater impact on women students across campus. Wrapping in additional academic majors – including construction management, industrial technology management, agriculture, geography, forensic investigation and more – the Women in STEM program nearly doubled the number of women on campus it serves, which is estimated at 1,000.   

Dion Shaw is a strong believer in developing your mind – even as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduate fights a disease that’s attacking his. In 1991, Shaw was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but that didn’t stop him from living an active life.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Shaw went on to work for some of America’s most prominent companies, including Marshall Field’s, RR Donnelly, SBC-Ameritech and Nielsen. Along the way, Shaw became a father, and currently resides in the quiet Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois.

The path forward wasn’t without its difficulties, which included lay-offs and a worsening MS condition, but through it all, Shaw persevered. In 2008, he brought this work ethic to UW-Platteville, where he enrolled in the online Master of Science in Project Management degree program.

Dr. Vettrivel Gnaneswaran is an assistant professor of industrial engineering, with research and teaching interests in biomechanics, statistics, quality control, supply chain, engineering management and engineering education. He is currently working on a Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium-funded research project, with 20 students, to quantify the perceived finger forces with glove use. Additional research projects he is developing include the biomechanical modeling of text-messaging using smartphones and the ergonomic redesign of a one-handed video game controller. 

How did you first gain an interest in the field of industrial engineering?

Ever since she was a little girl, Meredith “Mere” Dentice Johnson knew she wanted to be an engineer. As a child, she was fortunate to have visited Disney where her curiosity flourished. She saw employees at Disney and was inspired.

“I remember thinking, ‘I want to do that one day,’” Johnson said. “Even at five I was looking around and would notice stuff, like if they reformatted the line this way, we could get on the ride faster.”

Johnson’s love of math and science eventually led her to UW-Platteville to pursue a degree in industrial engineering. Johnson also chose UW-Platteville based on the positive experience of her two older sisters. While Johnson and her sisters knew that engineering was their passion, Johnson admits it wasn’t always easy.

The change of the calendar will also mean some changes for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. As part of a larger restructuring taking place at the university, the Center for Distance Learning will now have a new name: Office of Professional Program Support.



UW-Platteville has been a pioneer and industry leader in distance education since 1978, when it became the first university in Wisconsin to offer its print-based degree. The university now offers fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, print-based degree programs, and hybrid online courses.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s reputation as an affordable choice for high-quality education has been bolstered once again. Earlier this week, the online Master of Science in Project Management program was ranked as a Top 25 Best Value Online Graduate Programs for 2021 by Value Colleges. The ranking is based on the cost of the program and student-to-faculty ratios.

“We are pleased to be ranked with this group of quality programs,” said Program Director Bill Haskins.  “Our academic focus is on those aspects of project management practice that are key to project success, while still offering a broad range of relevant subject matter and management topics to round out the degree.”

Alison Thompson, an instructional designer for the Office of Professional Program Support, began her career in higher education after starting at a local community college in the Chicago area. Here, Thompson began assisting faculty in course design and quickly found that instructional design allowed her to combine her interests in teaching, design and technology to help create powerful learning experiences for students. Thompson followed this passion to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2017, where she has been designing courses ever since.

“I was drawn to UW-Platteville because of the wonderful reputation of their online programs,” said Thompson. “I was very impressed with the comprehensive course design process that was in place and the commitment to quality in online courses.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has reached credit transfer agreement extensions with the University of California-Los Angeles. The partnership extension ensures UCLA Extension students will continue to have the opportunity to join one of UW-Platteville’s highly-regarded online graduate-level programs.

Under the agreements, a student who completes one of three graduate certificate programs through UCLA Extension can transfer credits towards a UW-Platteville’s master’s degree program.

The agreements include:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is hosting a new series titled Fireside Chats with Chancellor Dennis J. Shields where alumni from across the country can connect with the campus community. Throughout the next few months, Zoom events will be taking place in multiple states starting with Florida and Arizona on Friday, Jan. 29.

The Fireside Chats will feature an update from Chancellor Shields, plans for 2021 and an opportunity for alumni to ask questions. In past years, the alumni events in Florida and Arizona were in-person, but due to COVID-19 attendees will be meeting virtually this year.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and its branch campuses, Baraboo Sauk County and Richland, are now offering full virtual tours featuring interactive video elements, messages from faculty and students, and 360-degree photos of the institutions and their respective communities. The virtual campus tours were created through a collaboration between the UW-Platteville admission and marketing departments and EAB YouVisit.

“We knew we wanted to develop this tool and COVID-19 sped up the process,” said Megan Hinderman, content strategist for UW-Platteville’s Marketing and Communications Department. “With people not necessarily feeling safe traveling and having to limit some of our visit opportunities, we still wanted people to connect to campus and learn more about it.”

Dr. A.L. Ranen McLanahan, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was selected by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) as a community catalyst. McLanahan is one of only 20 faculty across the nation to serve in the current group of community catalysts.

KEEN is a nationwide network of more than 45 engineering institutions, all of which have committed to instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in 100% of their undergraduate engineering students. UW-Platteville was accepted as a partner of KEEN in 2020.

Community catalysts assist in KEEN’s mission by connecting faculty across institutions nationwide who have similar interests.

Updated on Jan. 26, 2021

Please note the community surge testing program ended on Jan. 22. Thank you to everyone who helped keep our university and our communities safe!

Updated on Jan. 2, 2021

The three University of Wisconsin-Platteville campuses have extended free COVID-19 surge testing until Jan. 22. The tests are available to community members, students, faculty and staff under a UW System initiative.

Beginning Jan. 4, testing at the main campus will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while tests will be conducted at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County and UW-Platteville Richland Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

UW-Platteville main campus

Bo Ryan Court, Williams Fieldhouse

(Please park in Lot 9, between student center and fieldhouse)

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is waiving electronic application fees, effective immediately, following the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents’ recent approval to waive the fees at 10 of its 13 universities for the next two years. The no-cost EApp will save prospective students $25 when applying to the main UW-Platteville campus or either of the two branch campuses – Baraboo Sauk County and Richland.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces it will now award graduate-level credits for certificates earned through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Taking the stage in a mask and performing in front of a sparse audience was likely not how senior Brittany Lasko pictured her last flute recital at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. However, the music education and music non-teaching major, originally from Tomah, Wisconsin, said she is grateful that through dedication and collaboration of faculty and staff, her senior recital still went on amid the pandemic.

Ariana Aranda, a senior elementary education major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, recently competed in the USA Power Lifting 2020 Collegiate Nationals competition, where she took third place in her weight class and tied a Wisconsin state record.

During the competition, held outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Aranda performed three attempts at three types of lifts – deadlift, squat and bench press. Her best lift from each type was recorded for a combined total of 467.5 kilograms – roughly 1,030 pounds ­– earning her the third-place title. Aranda also achieved a personal best in the squat lift of 435 pounds and tied the Wisconsin state record for deadlift, in her weight class, with 425 pounds.

Aranda, originally from Hanover Park, Illinois, said her powerlifting journey is somewhat unexpected, even to her, having never set foot in a gym before coming to UW-Platteville in 2015.

Dr. Joshua Anderson, assistant professor of English, is bringing his experience in rural classrooms to the School of Education. Anderson joined UW-Platteville in 2016 and made the transition from the Department of Humanities to the School of Education this year. Prior to pursuing his doctorate degree, Anderson taught English at the Iowa-Grant School District. Now, as Anderson prepares future educators, he notes it’s always exciting to watch his former students flourish in their own classroom.

“My proudest accomplishment is every time I receive a message from former students celebrating their first job or next job in education,” he said. “I keep in contact with a lot of my former students, and it’s great to see how they are impacting their local communities.”

It's no secret that enrolling in a degree program takes commitment, both on a student's time and finances, but sometimes this structure may not be ideal for everyone. That's why the Continuing Education Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is proud to offer additional opportunities for professional growth with their Professional Pathway Certificate programs.

These certificates are created by professionals, for professionals—and can be completed in a matter of months. This gives learners just the edge they need in today's competitive market, minus the full degree program requirements.

"Our Professional Pathway certificates are for anyone looking to enhance their career, from seasoned experts to recent graduates," said Kerie Wedige, executive director of the Continuing Education Institute. "Each certificate is tailored with accessibility and affordability in mind, and we're happy to offer these resources to any wishing to continue their education."

When Nuria Madueno Morales traveled from her hometown of Lima, Peru, to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in January 2019, she expected to be on campus only one semester as part of an international exchange program. Now, nearly two years later, she is preparing to graduate from UW-Platteville with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, after finding opportunities and support on campus that made it feel like home.

“I was looking for a destination for my international exchange at a university that is very good in engineering, and UW-Platteville met all the requirements,” Madueno Morales said. “But then I really fell in love with how the professors teach at UW-Platteville. I enjoyed the dynamic of the professors. I learned a lot, and I started doing research on my own, because professors encourage you to seek more information, and that’s something I wanted to reinforce in myself.”

As mechanical engineering senior Rkia Talbi prepares for her final days at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, she is being recognized for her academic success and professional experience through two scholarships. Talbi, an Onalaska, Wisconsin native, was selected as the “Top Draft Pick” at the manufacturing career fair Internship Draft Day and named one of two recipients of the 2020 Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Academic Achievement Award.

“I’m very thankful, surprised and shocked,” said Talbi. “It’s a great way to end [my college career] and start into the workforce.”

Dr. Andrey Ivanov, associate professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, recently published “A Spiritual Revolution: The Impact of Reformation and Enlightenment in Orthodox Russia” (University of Wisconsin Press, 2020).

Ivanov’s book focuses on religious reform in the Russian Empire between the reigns of tsars Peter I (r. 1689-1725) and Nicholas I (r. 1825-1855), and demonstrates how the ideas of the European Reformation and the Enlightenment were pivotal to Russia’s ideological formation as a European – and eventually global – imperial power.

The artwork of Melanie Bisbach, a sophomore cross-disciplinary fine arts major from Dodgeville, Wisconsin, was recently selected to be part of an international online exhibit. Bisbach’s entry was one of just over 80 pieces selected from 797 worldwide entries for the BOUNDLESS exhibit, sponsored by Art Fluent. 

Bisbach entered her piece, “Craggy Teapot,” as part of an assignment for her Survey of Studio Art Practices course.

While the 2020 school year has posed unprecedented challenges to those in the education field – including education majors navigating their student teaching experience amid the pandemic – it has also paved the way for new ideas. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education is collaborating with Cuba City Elementary School to offer a new internship program that is not only providing four UW-Platteville students with an unmatched teaching experience, but also playing a vital role in helping the school limit the spread of COVID-19 and offer in-person learning.

Samantha (Rogers) Birkicht is currently in her fourth year as head volleyball coach for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.  Birkicht is no stranger to UW-Platteville. An Illinois native, she was one of the first cohorts to take advantage of the university’s Tri-State Initiative program. Birkicht graduated with a degree in physical education in 2009 and was an assistant coach from 2011-15 under Deb Schulman. When the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Pioneers were coming off a 16-14 season that saw a seven-match win streak and a thrilling five-set victory over nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point. Birkicht lives in Madison with her husband and two young children.

When recruiting a potential student-athlete for the volleyball program, besides talent, what are you looking for in a future Pioneer?