University News

Students attend Wisconsin Women in Government Gala

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Wisconsin becoming the first state to ratify the 19th amendment granting national suffrage to women, four University of Wisconsin-Platteville students attended the Wisconsin Women in Government Scholarship and Recognition Gala. The event took place on May 15 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students partner with USGS to combat invasive zebra mussels

A group of University of Wisconsin-Platteville mechanical engineering students have spent the past semester tackling a big problem that stems from a rather small animal – the zebra mussel.

Symposium offers pre-vet students chance to grow

The Pre-Veterinary Club at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently attended the annual American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Symposium at Pennsylvania State University, where students had the opportunity to attend various lectures and wet labs related to veterinary medicine, as well as meet and talk with specific veterinary colleges about their programs. 

Online M.S. in Engineering Ranked for Affordability

The online Master of Science in Engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been ranked in the 2019 Most Affordable Master’s in Engineering Management Online by SR Education Group.

Research grant will support development of natural, safe pesticides

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Dr. Muthu Venkateshwaran, an assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture, was recently awarded an Applied Research Grant from the WiSys Technology Foundation, totaling more than $46,000. The grant will support his development of natural and safe pesticides as novel alternatives for sustainable plant disease management.

Compton named interim assistant provost for branch campuses

Compton is in his 24th year at UW-Platteville, currently serving as professor of environmental horticulture and plant biotechnology. He previously served as the director of the School of Agriculture for nine years. Prior to UW-Platteville, he was a postdoctoral research associate at Central Florida Research and Education Center, a branch campus of the University of Florida.  

Students hear from world’s most successful investors at Berkshire Hathaway

A “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity is how several University of Wisconsin-Platteville students described their recent trip to the annual Berkshire Hathaway investors meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate holding company, and the annual shareholders meeting is attended by more than 40,000 people – including some of the world’s most successful investors from around the globe.

Engels accepted into doctoral program at University of Colorado-Boulder

As Kyle Engels walked across the stage at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s commencement ceremony on May 11, he felt a mixture of emotions, including happiness, pride and excitement.

Student Advisory Board member maintains strong ties to UW-Platteville

Sergio Romero lives and works two hours from Platteville in Delavan, Wisconsin, but he has managed to maintain a strong tie to the campus community as an alumnus and to the online community as a current student within the M.S. of Organizational Change Leadership program.

Rededication ceremony honors Patricia A. Doyle

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Officials at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville held a ceremony on Monday to honor the late Patricia A. Doyle and rededicate the Patricia A. Doyle Center for Gender and Sexuality in her memory. The rededication ceremony was held as part of the center’s annual end-of-the-year celebration. A new plaque to honor Doyle was unveiled during the ceremony.

Agribusiness Club finds success in national competition

Four members of the Agribusiness Club at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently attended the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference in Murray, Kentucky. This national judging conference was hosted by Murray State University. The Agribusiness Club members who participated include Emily Adelmeyer, Alyssa Demrow, Colton O’Brien and Brooke Vanderloop. Dr.

Psychology students, faculty conduct research for Rountree Gallery

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville psychology students and one faculty member recently conducted research for Rountree Gallery in Platteville that showed the value of art experiences.

Faculty discuss freshwater collaboration at state hearing

University of Wisconsin-Platteville students, faculty and staff could play large roles in solving water issues in Southwest Wisconsin and beyond if a new initiative is passed.

Several UW-Platteville faculty members spoke in favor of the proposed UW System Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Water Task Force public hearing Wednesday in Lancaster, Wisconsin.

Faculty recognized for innovative ideas to improve quality of life in Wisconsin

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty members are being recognized for their innovative ideas to improve living and working environments in Wisconsin.

Alumnus delivers world history, economics to students in China

University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Charlie Schoenberg '18 was initially drawn to the field of education because he wanted to walk in the footsteps of the amazing educators who had challenged him to think, grow and reflect as a learner.

Taking on challenges help engineer's career take flight

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina, LeAnn Clark thought she’d finished her education. She’d secured a job at Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company, as a mechanical systems design engineer. In that role, she performs everything from the development and documentation for environmental control systems to system maintenance and modification.

Students, faculty present research at national geography conference

Five University of Wisconsin-Platteville geography students and faculty members recently presented their research at the American Association of Geographers annual conference April 3-7 in Washington, D.C.

Going the distance: Platteville instructor returns to teach online

A college education, like many things worth pursuing, isn’t always easy—especially when life’s other responsibilities start to get in the way. With the advent of online learning, however, juggling coursework and life’s duties has become more manageable for students and teachers alike, and perhaps no one knows this better than Wendy Brooke.

Students conduct seminar for physical education teachers

Eighteen University of Wisconsin-Platteville physical education, adapted physical education and health education students recently planned and conducted “Physical Education Active Engagement Seminar” for more than 16 licensed K-12 educators from throughout southern Wisconsin.

Contest winners read at 2019 Creative Writing Festival

Nine University of Wisconsin-Platteville student winners of the 2019 Thomas Hickey Creative Writing Contest recently read their winning works alongside Pushcart Prize-nominated writer Yasmin Boakye at the 12th annual Creative Writing Festival in the Nohr Gallery, Ullsvik Hall. The contest was open to all students enrolled at least part-time at UW-Platteville.

Students teach physical education homeschool program

In a long-running partnership between the university and local community, University of Wisconsin-Platteville health and human performance majors are teaming up with members of the homeschool community through the UW-Platteville Physical Education Homeschool Program.

Animal House connects exotic animals with the community

The second annual Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day was held on April 24 and showcased the creative and scholarly activities of University of Wisconsin-Platteville students, faculty and staff.

Prosise selected as Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department chair

Dr. Jodi Prosise has been selected as the next chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and will join the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Aug. 1, 2019.

Students travel to Minneapolis for service learning trip

Eight University of Wisconsin-Platteville students and two academic staff members from the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to engage in community based service.

Students compete in two national soils competitions

The collegiate soils team at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently competed in national contests in Kentucky and California.

College of Liberal Arts and Education recognizes award recipients

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Liberal Arts and Education recognized several faculty and staff members at its 2019 Award Recognition Reception, held April 25 in the Nohr Gallery, Ullsvik Hall.

Awards were presented to the following individuals:

Students explore early childhood programs during field experience

Thirteen University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education students recently explored different early childhood programs during a field excursion to the Madison Public Library, the Overture Center and the Children’s Museum, all located in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students are enrolled in the Pre-K Methods for Cognitive Development course, taught by Dr. Wonim Son, an associate professor in the School of Education at UW-Platteville.

Students gain invaluable experience in national building competition

A team of University of Wisconsin-Platteville students in the Building Construction Management and Building Construction Safety Management programs recently competed against 21 other universities at the national Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Management Competition, held in Long Beach, California.

Theatre students present at Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day

University of Wisconsin-Platteville students showcased their senior design projects, research and scholarly activity at the second annual Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day. It took place on April 24 in Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall.

Students take charge in 2019 One Act Festival

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and Pioneer Players will conclude their theatre season with the annual One Act Festival: An Evening of Short Plays. The production opens on Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and continues with evening performances on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the Center for the Arts-Theatre at UW-Platteville.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni present research at 4W Summit

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville had a strong presence at the fourth annual 4W Summit on Women, Gender, and Well-Being and the 42nd annual Wisconsin Women’s and Gender Studies Conference held April 11-13 at UW-Madison, with four students and 10 faculty, staff and alumni showcasing their research on women, gender and well-being in a variety of panels and other formats. 

Dairy program would grow under new bill

The UW Dairy Innovation Hub was approved in the new state budget. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville dairy program would grow significantly under a proposed University of Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub bill introduced this week to the state legislature.

Alumnus mentors former student in classroom

When University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Jason Weitenhiller had Raine Voigts as a student in his second-grade classroom his first year of teaching at Belmont (Wis.) Elementary School in 2005, he had no idea he would be inspiring a future teacher. He also didn’t know that throughout the next 14 years, their paths would cross several times, most recently this spring, in a classroom at Westview Elementary School in Platteville.

Students learn strategies to teach English language learners

Twenty-four University of Wisconsin-Platteville undergraduate students and three Master of Science in English Education students from China recently learned strategies to teach English language learners at a World-class Instructional Design and Assessment workshop, “Differentiation for Linguistically Diverse Students,” at UW-Platteville.

UW-Platteville team places fourth at Dairy Challenge

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Dairy Challenge Team recently placed fourth on their farm in the 2019 North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, held in Tifton, Georgia. UW-Platteville was one of 44 universities competing in the event, totaling 240 students. The UW-Platteville team was comprised of Emmy Hastreiter, Ryan Smith, Julia Mitchell and Allison Foster.

Wright Center celebrates 5th anniversary with new programs

The Robert and James Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students continues to grow at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville since opening five years ago in April of 2014. On April 10, the center is celebrating its anniversary with an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Royce Hall. The center is inviting veteran students, non-traditional students, faculty and staff to attend.

Students present at Research in the Rotunda

Nearly 20 students from the three University of Wisconsin-Platteville campuses participated in the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda on April 17 in Madison, Wisconsin. More than 120 undergraduate researchers and their faculty mentors from across the UW System filled the Capitol and presented their findings with legislators, state leaders, alumni and the public.

UW-Platteville offers opportunity for high school students to earn education credits

To help combat the shortage of teachers in southwestern Wisconsin, especially in rural communities, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Education has begun offering a dual credit course option for high school students.

Students lead family math night in Darlington

Sixteen University of Wisconsin-Platteville elementary education students recently led “Power Up Your Math Skills Night” for students at Darlington (Wisconsin) Elementary School and their families.

UW-Platteville to host Senior Design Open House

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host its sixth Senior Design Open House on Wednesday, May 15 at the Markee Pioneer Student Center. Nearly 220 students from the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science are participating in the event.

Collins named School of Education Director

Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Joanne Wilson announced that Dr. Jennifer Collins is the new director of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's School of Education.

Challenging the system: Project Management graduate's capstone project takes off

For Wayne Miller, success is found in the journey, not the destination.

It’s a somewhat tired saying, but works well to describe Miller’s new position as Manager of Market Implementation at TDS Telecom—a telecommunications company headquartered in Madison, WI—of which he has been a part of for over 22 years.  

Student helps develop drone-based company

Seth Oren, a junior agriculture and technology education major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has helped to expand a branch of the agriculture technology company Crop Search into his hometown of Edgerton, Wisconsin. There are two other Crop Search locations in Okeechobee, Florida, and Vermillion, Ohio.

Students present research on honeybees, native pollinators and their shared habitat

Four University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are contributing to research that will assess the effects of honeybees and surrounding habitat on native pollinators. They will present their research at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda event on Wednesday, April 17 in the capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Hynek documents a life dedicated to the preservation of prehistoric Native American culture

Although his higher education career hasn’t always taken a traditional path, Chris Hynek has always known about history, in particular his father’s own public history work documents.  Hynek has painstakingly archived and digitized the quarterly journal Prehistoric American, of which his father was the long-time editor.

Arellano studies water quality in Sauk County

Paul Arellano spent last summer and fall as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, taking surface water samples from six points along the Little Baraboo River. That’s not one of the major tributaries of the Wisconsin River, but it is its second-largest source of contaminants like phosphorus and nitrates.

Considine to present on factors influencing goat milk production

In her years growing up on her family’s farm near Portage, Wisconsin, Esther Considine, the fourth of 10 children, moved through many chores, from feeding chickens, to sheep, and then to goats. The farm’s 230 goats annually produce thousands of gallons of milk that is turned into goat cheese after being shipped to Illinois.

Kornely to present research at Research in the Rotunda

Dominique Kornely, a senior psychology major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will present research on the effect of psychosocial stress on substance use in college students while at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda event on Wednesday, April 17, in the Capitol Rotunda in Madison.

Faculty present at 'Let's Talk about Privilege' workshop

On March 30, University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty, staff and community members had the opportunity to learn about privilege and its effects at the “Let’s Talk About Privilege” workshop at the Platteville Public Library.

Engineering graduate honors family legacy while building her own future

From an early age, Marissa Wildeck was fascinated by how her parents and contractors seemed to know what would work for each component of her family’s many house projects. This interest inspired her to pursue a career in engineering and she took the first step toward that goal with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.