University News

Students and faculty shine at research and innovation symposium

UW-Platteville senior mechanical engineering major Caleb Dykema was honored with the 2019 Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year Award. He was recognized for the creation of his “1Swipe” product, a full white or blackboard eraser that can be pushed across to erase, saving time and solving the issue of inefficiency in the classroom for STEM professors.

Horne receives Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence

Surprised and satisfied is how Dr. Kyle Horne, assistant professor in mechanical engineering, described his reaction when he found out he received the 2019 University of Wisconsin-Platteville Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence.

Venkateshwaran honored with advising award

Venkateshwaran joined UW-Platteville in 2013 and teaches a variety of soil and crop science courses, ranging from introductory to advanced. He has advised many students majoring in soil and crop science and environmental horticulture programs. He also serves as an academic coach in the School of Agriculture for special advisees who are re-admitted after recommendation by the Admission and Academic Appeals Committee.

Community-agriculture partnerships at root of new internship

From working with greenhouses and small businesses to vendors at the farmer’s market, Kaley Mumma’s summer internship is providing a variety of experiences, all grounded in the same goal: to build stronger relationships among the community and local green businesses and food producers. 

Students travel west to pursue 'educational adventure'

Students recently traveled on a three-week geography field experience in the western United States. The annual excursion is designed to help students learn about the physical, cultural and environmental geography of that region.

Schulenburg receives Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Chris Schulenburg, professor of Spanish at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has earned the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. The award is presented annually to a tenure-track or tenured faculty member who has made distinguished contributions to the mission of UW-Platteville.

Platteville Summer Arts Festival presents ‘Big Fish’

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visuals Arts and the Platteville Summer Arts Festival will present the musical “Big Fish.”

Chancellor Shields announces leadership updates

Chancellor Dennis J. Shields announced changes in his leadership team and direct reports today, as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville begins preparation for its 154th academic year.

UW-Platteville strengthens industry partnerships

As part of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s goal to build strategic partnerships with industry in Wisconsin, a group of faculty and staff members – from multiple disciplines across campus – recently participated in the Industry 4.0 Impact on Manufacturing Workforce conference, sponsored by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance.

Strange honored with Nimocks Family Faculty Appreciation Award

Jeffrey Strange, associate professor of theatre, resident scenic and lighting designer and technical director of the Center for the Arts Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was recently honored with the university’s third annual Nimocks Family Faculty Appreciation Award.

Education students gain knowledge about Civil War during field experience in Virginia

Six University of Wisconsin-Platteville education students recently gained knowledge about the American Civil War at the “Civil War 101 Teachers Institute” at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

Hooked on Books' benefits pre-service teachers, English language learners

Seven University of Wisconsin-Platteville pre-service teachers gained experience working with seven elementary-aged English language learners, thanks to “Hooked on Books,” an after-school reading program held this spring at Westview Elementary School in Platteville.

UW-Platteville to host Wisconsin Space Conference

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the 29th annual Wisconsin Space Conference on Thursday, Aug. 15 in Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall. The event will bring together faculty, industry, students and community members from across the state with a common interest in aerospace.

Sappleton receives Excellence in Advising International Students Award

Dr. Shan Sappleton, associate professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, received the Excellence in Advising International Students Award for her efforts in helping further international experiences at the university.

Wells examines reptiles, amphibians on campus through summer research program

University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Jessica Wells is spending her summer in the field pursuing her research interest as a part of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program.

Den Herder and Schuler return for Platteville Summer Arts Festival production of ‘Love Letters’

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and the Platteville Summer Arts Festival will present A.R. Gurney’s classic play “Love Letters,” featuring former associate professor of theatre Dr. David Schuler and former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Mittie Den Herder. The production runs July 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m.

Students find success showing cattle at district show

Maddy Gwidt, a sophomore dairy science major from Pulaski, Wisconsin, showed two heifers and two cows. The highest ranking was earned by a cow in the Senior 3-Year-Old class, which ranked second in its class and went on to receive the title of Reserve Intermediate Champion, as well as Honorable Mention Grand Champion of the show.

Sprenger-Schulenburg receives Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award

Jessica Sprenger-Schulenburg, academic advisor/ academic coach in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Department of Criminal Justice, earned the Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award for exemplifying the best qualities of academic staff advisors.

UW-Platteville, UW-Madison explore Physician Assistants partnership

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and UW-Madison are exploring a new collaboration aimed at addressing a shortage of physician assistants (PAs) in underserved rural areas.



Representatives from the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at UW-Madison joined UW-Platteville representatives and area health care professionals to discuss expanding UW-Madison’s PA program to UW-Platteville.

Students collaborate with Dodgeville Elementary for Family Math Night

Sixteen University of Wisconsin-Platteville students recently collaborated with teaching staff at Dodgeville (Wis.) Elementary School to present Family Math Night for students and their families. It was the first time the program has been held for students from Early Childhood through fifth grade.

Pugh selected as Wisconsin Teaching Fellow

Assistant Professor of chemistry Dr. Raymond Pugh will continue his research on Writing-to-Learn through the Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars program. Pugh is one of three University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty members selected for the 2019-20 program. The program supports outstanding educators in pursuing teaching and learning questions emerging from the classroom.

Venkateshwaran receives prestigious NSF-CAREER award

Venkateshwaran’s research focuses on the symbiotic associations that exist between plants and microbes, such as rhizobia, a soil bacteria that associates with legumes to form root nodules, inside which the rhizobia fixes atmospheric nitrogen that is then used by the legume plant.

UW-Platteville adds two associate degrees at branch campuses

To offer students more educational opportunities and to help meet the region’s workforce demands, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is offering new associate degrees at its branch campuses, UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County and UW-Platteville Richland.

Slow and steady studies creates deeper connections for a scholarship winner

When Sean Hayes heard he’d been selected for the 2019 Dawn Drake Excellence in Distance Education Scholarship, the impact went well beyond finances. When pursuing his undergraduate on campus at UW-Platteville he was focused on passing and getting out into the workforce.

Headliners announced for Welcome Back concert

Country breakout artists Mitchell Tenpenny and Chris Lane will take center stage at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Welcome Back concert on Monday, Sept. 2. The concert will be held in Williams Fieldhouse with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for the public.

Fields receives honor for international advising

Dr. Kristina Fields, professor of civil engineering, is one of two recipients recognized with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2019 Excellence in Advising International Students Award.

Industrial Studies faculty help high school students explore STEM careers

University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty recently participated in Declaration Day at Racine Unified School District’s Park High School, helping students explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and careers.

Partnership on African American lead mining exhibit leads to award

Robinson earns University Staff Award of Excellence

After working at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for 35 years, not much surprises Jeanne Robinson, but the School Certifying Official for veterans’ benefits was caught off-guard when she opened her email this spring and read that she won the University Staff Award of Excellence.

“I won what? I was shocked, very shocked. I didn’t know I was nominated until I found out in an email that I won,” she said.

WiSys names Dykema 2019 Innovator of the Year

For exemplary contributions to Wisconsin innovation, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Caleb Dykema will receive the 2019 Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year Award.

The honor will be given to Dykema at WSTS, a two-day UW System-focused research and innovation symposium, that will be held at UW-Stout in July.

Dairy Innovation Hub moves closer to reality

The proposed Dairy Innovation Hub bill moved two steps closer to reality this week when the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate both passed the proposal that the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance originally recommended in the 2019-21 state budget. The budget now goes before Gov. Tony Evers.

Criminal Justice Programs Featured in Two Rankings for Best Online Degrees

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville criminal justice programs have been recognized by Online School Report for best online degrees for 2019.

School of Ag helps Sawyer pursue interest in water buffalo

Recent graduate Caroline Sawyer had the opportunity to take what she learned in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Dairy Science program and apply it to a lesser-known animal – the water buffalo. Sawyer recently returned from the fourth International Buffalo Federation training program in Monterotondo, Italy.

Frederick receives 2019 Academic Staff Award for Excellence

Kari Frederick, chemistry laboratory manager for the chemistry department, was awarded the University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2019 Academic Staff Award for Excellence.

Tesdahl selected as Wisconsin Teaching Fellow

Dr. Eugene Tesdahl, assistant professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is one of three UW-Platteville faculty members selected for the 2019-20 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars Program.

Nearly $30,000 raised for Barry L. Ellis Music Scholarship Fund

Nearly $30,000 has been raised, to date, for the Barry L. Ellis Music Scholarship Fund. The fund was created by UW-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts and Ellis’s wife Terri in memory of Dr. Barry Ellis, who passed away suddenly in October. Ellis was a professor of music and director of bands at the university for 27 years.

Students study global Cold War in Platteville and Wisconsin

For many, the mention of the term “Cold War” elicits images of distant past in which socialist and capitalist superpowers fought far-away battles for global supremacy through space exploration, nuclear missile technology, local insurgencies and espionage. Yet, global Cold War did not only unfold in Cuba, Vietnam, Moscow or Washington – it also affected Wisconsin.

Dairy program would grow under new bill

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.

Scholarship support rewarding work for M.S. in engineering student

Health care is an innovative and demanding field, but the work goes far beyond doctors and nurses. There are hundreds of people behind the scenes in business management, research, and more who drive progress. Krista Lea has had the opportunity to learn this first hand after joining the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota last year as a Health Systems Engineer.

Konkol to pursue law degree, hopes to help victims of domestic violence

Shannon Konkol credits outstanding professors and unique, hands-on learning experiences for helping her gain the knowledge, skills and confidence she needs to continue her journey toward her career goal: to earn a law degree and represent victims of domestic violence.

Platteville Summer Arts Festival returns for its second season

After a very successful inaugural season, the Platteville Summer Arts Festival will return this summer, once again bringing a host of music, art and theatre events to the community.

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.