Six University of Wisconsin-Platteville students recently had an opportunity to view rare, medieval and early modern Slavic icons at the Chazen Museum of Art in Madison. The fieldtrip was organized as part of the History 4110 course on Medieval/Early Modern Russia and Ukraine taught by Dr. Andrey Ivanov, associate professor of history at UW-Platteville.

During the hands-on learning experience, students participated in a special seminar where they viewed and discussed rare and unique Slavic icons from the Chazen's exhibited collections and special storage. The seminar was led by Ivanov and Mieke Miller, the academic coordinator at the Chazen Museum of Art.

Innovation took center stage at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville during its inaugural Innovation Days, held Nov. 18-21. The celebration highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation as a core value and showcased its efforts to solve complex problems through collaboration across disciplines.

The events kicked off with the Innovation Showcase, which highlighted creative and scholarly achievements by students, faculty and staff. More than 100 students participated, presenting research, internship experiences, engineering capstone projects and more. Faculty members also shared insights from their sabbatical research.

Throughout the week, attendees participated in workshops focusing on topics including artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and grant writing.

Small works make a big statement in the Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery during its annual Small Works Exhibition. Now entering its third year, the Small Works Exhibition offers artists of all artistic backgrounds the opportunity to submit their artworks that measure 12 inches or less in all dimensions to a jury panel for the opportunity to be a part of the February exhibit.

“The Small Works Exhibition is entering its third year, and we are sure that this will be another great show,” said Gregory Nelson, co-chair and professor of art with the Department of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

This exhibit not only creates the opportunity for students to enter their high-quality small works to the show, but also connects UW-Platteville alumni and artists across the tri-state area and beyond to share their small work under one roof.

Chemistry students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently attended the 2024 American Chemical Society Midwest Regional Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, where they showcased their research, connected with industry professionals and explored graduate school opportunities. This annual event brought together students and experts from across the Midwest, offering a lineup of workshops, lectures and networking opportunities.

Ten UW-Platteville students presented their undergraduate research in a poster session at the event. Prior to the conference, students had the opportunity to hone their presentations at UW-Platteville’s 80th Chemistry Reunion during Homecoming weekend, where they shared their work with a couple dozen alumni and faculty.

In addition to sharing their own research, the conference offered students the chance to connect with other chemistry researchers from across the Midwest.   

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will continue the 2024-25 season with Jean Anouilh’s adaptation of Sophocles’s classic, “Antigone.” Performances are Nov. 20-23 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Theatre. The performance on Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. is also the Benefit Wednesday show. All tickets for Benefit Wednesday are $7, and the proceeds go to the Platteville Food Pantry and Pioneer Provisions, a free pantry/grocery service on campus which all currently enrolled students experiencing food insecurity are eligible to utilize.

For Kearstin Schweitzer, being "first" is both familiar and celebrated. A quick search on YouTube reveals several inspiring interviews showcasing her groundbreaking accomplishments as a football coach. Currently, Schweitzer serves as the first female position coach at Valparaiso University, a historic milestone in their league.

Her journey toward breaking barriers in coaching began at Lakeland University, where she made history as the first female coach in their football program, taking on multiple roles. From there, Schweitzer came to UW-Platteville, where she became the first female coach in Pioneer history while also earning a Master of Science in sports administration on campus. Despite her numerous accomplishments, she remains focused on the present and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Elliott Loughney, a junior civil engineering and music double major, will perform the first movement of Edvard Grieg’s "Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16," with the UW-Platteville Symphonic Wind Ensemble in concert on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Last spring, Loughney entered the annual concerto competition hosted by the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the music fraternity on campus. As the competition’s winner, he will perform the concerto with the wind ensemble in front of an audience.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of alumni, faculty and staff, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is sharing the stories of the more than 70 fallen service members who attended UW-Platteville. Mac Kolar, a 1969 graduate of UW-Platteville and retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, spearheaded this project, researching and writing the biographies and stories of the fallen.

This newest initiative followed a large project that Kolar and fellow alumnus Dr. James Lawton undertook several years ago, to honor the 12 UW-Platteville students and alumni who were killed in action in the Vietnam War. On Nov. 11, 2022, UW-Platteville dedicated a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Nearly 300 people attended the dedication ceremony, including next of kin and friends of the 12 veterans being honored.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Collegiate Crops Team placed first overall at the Regional Crops Contest held in Brookings, South Dakota on Oct. 19.  Individual UW-Platteville team members Anna Hagemann placed first and Jack Lichte placed third.

Other UW-Platteville students taking part in the event included Allie Bizosky, Anna Koehler and Sydney Rider. The team was coached by Dawn Lee, Pioneer Greenhouse and Gardens manager and lecturer in the School of Agriculture; Rich Crow, assistant professor of soil and crop science in the School of Agriculture; and Dr. Roger Higgs, professor emeritus.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents honored A.Y. McDonald with the Regents Business Partnership Award on Oct. 30, recognizing the company’s longstanding support and impactful collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The award celebrates businesses that positively affect Wisconsin through their generosity and collaboration with the universities.

“A.Y. McDonald has been a longtime and valued partner of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville,” said Regent Jack Salzwedel at the ceremony.

To build a solid team, there must be a shared commitment to the mission and a unified vision. At the Milwaukee Police Department, one team exemplifies this: the forensics division. Seven of the 11 members are graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, with 2018 alumna Cassandra Strandberg leading the way as crime scene supervisor. Strandberg's journey reflects the growing trend of Pioneer graduates excelling in law enforcement, particularly within forensic investigation. 

“I am responsible for supervising civilian crime scene investigators and sworn forensic investigators,” said Strandberg, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in forensic investigation with a minor in criminal justice. “I respond to scenes, review reports, assist with communication throughout the department and train new crime scene investigators.”

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich announced that Jana Steinmetz has been appointed vice chancellor for Administration and Finance. Her appointment begins Monday, Nov. 11.

A UW-Platteville alumna, Steinmetz has served the State of Wisconsin for 28 years, primarily in the Department of Administration, where she currently serves as the administrator of the Division of Enterprise Operations. She previously held the position of deputy administrator of the division as well as other positions within the department, including executive policy and budget analyst and executive policy and budget manager in the State Budget Office.

On Sept. 17, Nohr Gallery celebrated the work of printmakers during the opening reception of “Palimpsest: A Collection of Prints.” This event was an all-inclusive printmaking experience investigating the palimpsest as a tool for exploring personal narrative, while also giving guests a glimpse into some of the techniques and tools these artists used to create their prints.

“It’s pretty common for people to have had experience drawing, painting and using clay at some point in their life, but fewer individuals have the pleasure of saying they have had experience in printmaking,” said Cameren Hill, Nohr Gallery Manager.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville artists will be featured in the 23rd edition of the Twenty Dirty Hands self-guided pottery tour, Oct. 18-20. The tour features 26 artists across seven stops at studios in the tri-state region. Scott Steder, lecturer of art at UW-Platteville, and Will Hare, a senior at UW-Platteville, will be presenting their work at the third tour stop – The Pottery in Galena, Illinois. 

“We love making work for this tour and seeing how the public reacts to our art,” said Steder. “Will hopes to open a studio in the future and this experience always presents a nice networking opportunity for our students. Hearing Will talk about his work, sharing his decisions and material choices with people as they interact with the pottery is a highlight for me."

Dr. Florence Obielodan, senior lecturer of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is one of four recipients across the Universities of Wisconsin receiving the 2024 Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Teaching Excellence Award. The James R. Underkofler Teaching Excellence Award, funded by an endowment from the Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc., recognizes and rewards extraordinary undergraduate teachers at the Universities of Wisconsin campuses within Alliant Energy’s service area. The award pays tribute to the dedication of faculty and staff as teachers and their ability to communicate their subject matter effectively and inspire in their students an enthusiasm for learning.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the Tri-State Undergraduate Psychology Conference on Saturday, Nov. 16. Each year, the regional conference rotates between UW-Platteville, Coe College, Rockford University and Loras College. Around 100 attendees are expected to attend, including students, faculty and staff from the participating universities. The Tri-State Undergraduate Psychology Conference provides students studying psychology with the opportunity to present research, share ideas and strengthen their knowledge of the professional pathways available to them. The conference will be located in Velzy Commons in Ullsvik Hall and will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, with events to follow until 3 p.m.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will open their 2024-2025 season with Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame.” Performances are October 9-12 at 7:30 p.m., and October 13 at 2 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Theatre. The performance on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. is also the Benefit Wednesday show. All tickets for Benefit Wednesday are $7, and the proceeds go to the Platteville Food Pantry and Pioneer Provisions, a free pantry/grocery service on campus which all currently enrolled students experiencing food insecurity are eligible to utilize.

First performed in 1957, Beckett’s play is an absurdist, tragicomic modern masterpiece set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The story follows Hamm, a blind, paralyzed, domineering elderly man, his parents, and his servant, Clov, as they seem to await an unspecified end after some undefined cataclysmic event. 

The expression “use it or lose it” gained popularity in the late 20th century, originally referring to fitness and cognitive function. In the 21st century, however, this saying applies equally to technology. As technology continues to shape the education and business landscape, one insightful teacher is redefining the classroom experience for her students by introducing them to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Maya Jaber, an assistant professor of management at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Business, is fully integrating AI into her curriculum this semester. While she understands that many students are new to this technology, she is convinced that the time is now to wade in or be left behind. To facilitate their transition, she has developed an innovative “AI tutor” designed to enhance their learning experience and prepare them for what’s to come.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will celebrate its 100th Homecoming Oct. 6-12, 2024.

The week kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 6 with a student volleyball tournament. Student traditions continue throughout the week, including the banner ceremony on Tuesday, Tug of War on Wednesday and Pioneer Bingo on Thursday. The Yell Night and coronation of Homecoming royalty will take place Friday, Oct. 11, beginning at 7 p.m., when the Pioneer women’s volleyball team takes on Cornell College.

Saturday, Oct. 12 begins with an invitation to alumni and friends to the Alumni Homecoming Hospitality Tent, at 385 West Main Street, beginning at 9 a.m. The Homecoming Parade down Main Street begins at 10 a.m., followed by a Homecoming luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the South Patio of Ullsvik Hall.

Dr. Danny Xiao, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, received the opportunity to complete his sabbatical last spring semester at Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Germany. During his time in Germany, Xiao was able to sit in several courses to experience higher education in a European institute. He was also invited to give several guest lectures, group discussions with students, field trips, and exchange workshops. Working with colleagues in Germany, Xiao also conducted a research project investigating concrete curing with capillary pressure sensors.  

Q: Why did you choose Germany for your sabbatical?

TV shows like NCIS and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation have popularized forensic investigation. For students considering a career in this field, a degree from UW-Platteville is an affordable investment in a future filled with ample job opportunities. UW-Platteville’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation is the first and only public institution in Wisconsin to offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation, featuring the only medicolegal death investigation as an emphasis in the region. The university's hands-on facilities ensure that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field.

As part of his statewide back-to-school tour, Gov. Tony Evers visited the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Sept. 19. 

The visit showcased the university’s investments in critical hands-on learning environments and emphasis on preparing students for an evolving job market, with a special focus on the emerging fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. 

Among the innovative spaces highlighted were the new Cybersecurity Lab, VEX Arena – including a demonstration by the world-champion robotics team, Women in STEM program, Huff Family Innovation Center, and the Internet of Things Lab.

As students endure often challenging classes on campus, they may not immediately see the broader impact of their education and how it could transform communities and alter the course of an entire generation. Perhaps some students will never know. But that’s exactly what is happening with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Engineers Without Borders Student Chapter after their work in Ghana.

"The late nights studying can be boring, but now I see my classes as more than just routine; I see a deeper purpose and a powerful goal,” said senior Patrick Dugan from Sussex, Wisconsin, who is graduating in May with a degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering. “I had to experience this journey to truly grasp the significance of what I’m learning. It all came to life outside of the classroom.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is offering a Professional Writing Certificate. The certificate, designed to complement a broad range of majors, provides students with professional writing, editing and communication skills needed to excel in many careers.

Dr. Amanda Tucker, professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Advising Award from UW-Platteville and the 2024 Faculty Advisor Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association.

“Dr. Tucker demonstrates a holistic approach to academic advising that demonstrates excellence in all facets of the advising process, from reaching out to students in an encouraging and proactive way to sharing her in-depth knowledge of general education institutional regulations, policies and procedures and even assisting other faculty in her department,” said Dr. Katie Kalish, professor of English at UW-Platteville who nominated Tucker for the award.

Dr. Sameer Ahmed, assistant professor in the School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is being honored with the 2024 Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. The Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes a tenure-track faculty member who has made distinguished contributions to the mission of the university as an outstanding teacher.

Ahmed said that being the recipient of this award is an incredible honor, deeply gratifying and a significant milestone in his academic career, which fills him with a mix of pride, humility and enthusiasm for the future of his teaching journey. He added that receiving the award opens up new opportunities for collaboration, research and leadership in the field of human resource management.

Janelle Davis, academic advisor at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is being honored with the 2024 Outstanding Professional Advising Award, which is bestowed to an advisor who exemplifies the best qualities of academic staff advisors. She is also a recipient of the 2024 Advising Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association.

“I am so honored and appreciative to be recognized for my work as an advisor at UW-Platteville,” said Davis. “I’m also very thankful for the amazing support from my supervisors, colleagues, family and friends who have assisted me in my own professional journey as an advisor.”

At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, many students have grown up surrounded by the familiar landscapes of the Midwest, never venturing beyond the borders of their home states, let alone crossing the Atlantic. For six students in the School of Business, the prospect of studying and traveling in Germany represented a bold leap into the unknown. This is their story.

"I've only traveled to Canada, never to Europe before,” said senior Morgan Haas of Rochelle, Illinois, who is majoring in integrated marketing. “I think we adapted to Germany quite easily; the culture didn’t feel too different from Wisconsin. There were a few adjustments, mainly getting used to being in a bigger city than Platteville for more than just a day."

As the fall semester begins, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is inviting the campus community to learn more about its Tutoring Services and Writing Center at an open house on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 4-7 p.m. on the first floor of Karrmann Library. Attendees will be able to meet tutors, learn how to make appointments, become familiar with the space and more. These free resources, available to all students through appointments made in Navigate360, offer essential academic assistance and support to help students succeed.

Tutoring Services and the Writing Center are located on the first floor of Karrmann Library and employ nearly 40 student tutors. During the spring 2024 semester alone, the team held over 1,300 appointments. The sessions cover approximately 120 different courses, not including the Writing Center sessions, which assist students with writing across any discipline or class.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville business students enrolled as part of a special topics summer course attended the 2024 Society for Human Resource Management annual conference and expo. The experience is used as an elective for HR and management majors and includes an SHRM membership for one year.

Dr. Caryn Stanley, who teaches the course and traveled with the students, said that the course is beneficial to students, because it allows them to network while experiencing pieces of HR and management that they cannot necessarily be exposed to in the classroom. They also get to travel and learn with people from all over the world.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich ushered in the 2024-2025 academic year at the annual faculty and staff convocation on Aug. 27.  

Chancellor Evetovich outlined five goals to set the tone for a transformative year ahead:  

• Promote innovative programs and impactful learning to boost enrollment, retention and student success. 
• Ensure efficient use of financial resources in line with strategic goals and priorities. 
• Align philanthropic efforts with university needs and values. 
• Implement a new strategic plan beginning January 2025. 
• Enhance focus on organizational culture and wellness, emphasizing regional impact. 

As the ceremony focused on the future, Chancellor Evetovich also highlighted the remarkable achievements of Pioneer students, particularly their outcomes after graduation. 

For the seventh consecutive summer, 10 students participated in the Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. SUSP provides an eight-week opportunity for students to explore their academic interests by carrying out a project in conjunction with their faculty/staff mentors. Students are provided with a $5,000 stipend and $500 to spend on costs associated with their project. The funding allows students to fully engage in their projects over the eight-week period. In addition to funding, students participate in eight professional development workshops on topics ranging from preparing for graduate and professional school to communicating advanced ideas to diverse audiences. SUSP culminates with student scholars presenting their work to the campus community over two days of oral presentations.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Pioneer Farm is leading the way in agricultural innovation with the introduction of the GreenFeed machine, a groundbreaking technology in livestock emissions research. The machine, designed to analyze cow burps, helps combat global warming by providing critical data on methane emissions from dairy farms, enabling farmers to optimize feed and reduce the environmental impact of livestock.

“The GreenFeed machine offers a unique opportunity to directly measure the microbial activity within the cow's digestive system,” said Dr. Ryan Pralle, assistant professor of animal, dairy and veterinary sciences at UW-Platteville’s School of Agriculture. “This capability not only aids in improving cattle nutrition but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices by monitoring and potentially reducing methane emissions.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Pioneer Farm, which honors agricultural tradition within its School of Agriculture, is also at the forefront of innovation. With the recent integration of two cutting-edge systems—one that measures cow burps and another that monitors individual feed consumption—Pioneer Farm is setting a new standard in precision herd management. These advancements not only enhance cattle well-being but also generate data that drives sustainability and efficiency in the global dairy industry, distinguishing UW-Platteville’s School of Agriculture as a leader in the tri-state area.

Eight high school students from the tri-state area participated in the Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp held July 29 through Aug. 2 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The week-long residential boot camp offered hands-on learning opportunities in the areas of plant biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, plant pathology and microbiology.

“The other goals of this boot camp are to develop interests among high school students to advance their education in plant biotechnology and to help students develop a higher appreciation for research and development and interests to pursue research in the above-mentioned fields,” said Dr. Muthu Venkateshwaran, professor of crop physiology and molecular biology in the School of Agriculture and the program director for the Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Carissa Menke, financial specialist in the cashier’s office, with the 2024 University Staff Award for Excellence. She is one of two recipients of this year’s award, which recognizes staff members who provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, and initiative and creativity.

“There are so many people on campus that would be deserving of this award, so it really means a lot to be recognized for my efforts,” said Menke. “It was quite a surprise, but I’m so honored and grateful.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s approach to welcoming veterans into its student body reflects a deep commitment to recognizing the extensive practical experience and dedication that these men and women bring to campus. Understanding the unique challenges of transitioning from military to academic life, UW-Platteville goes beyond conventional support to ensure that veterans, active duty and National Guard members are integrated into a community that honors their service and contributions with targeted resources and a supportive network.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville marching band, the Marching Pioneers, will be performing at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Oct. 20 when the Green Bay Packers play the Houston Texans. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

This is a rare opportunity for band members, whose numbers are estimated to be between 170-180 this season, according to Matt Gregg, director of bands at UW-Platteville. “Each year, I try to take the band on a trip to perform outside of Platteville,” said Gregg. “On any trip, it is a priority to promote UW-Platteville and the Marching Pioneers by getting them in front of as many people as possible.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently awarded five faculty research fellowships to increase dairy-related research capacity through the Dairy Innovation Hub initiative. Known as the Dairy Industry Impact Innovation Faculty Fellowships, or “DI3 faculty fellowships”, the selected faculty members will tackle research projects in the Hub’s four priority areas; stewarding land and water resources; enriching human health and nutrition; ensuring animal health and welfare; and growing farm business and communities.

Funded through a $7.8 million per year investment by the state of Wisconsin, the Hub harnesses research and development at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls campuses to keep Wisconsin’s $45.6 billion dairy community at the global forefront in producing nutritious dairy foods in an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner. Since its launch in 2019, the Hub has funded more than 230 projects across the three campuses.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Helen Ramthun, who is pursuing her Master of Science in Supply Chain Management at UW-Platteville, as the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Woman of Color Award. The Outstanding Woman of Color Award recognizes women of color who have shown passion for their work, outstanding university and community service and dedication to creating an inclusive and respectful environment.

Ramthun, who was born in Kenya, earned her undergraduate degree in economics from Macalester College, in Minnesota, as a college exchange student. She served in the US military and was honorably discharged as an Airman in the US Navy in 2001. She has worked for the State of Wisconsin and nonprofit organizations serving the public and people of Wisconsin since 2009, with her current role as a museum clerk for the Wisconsin Historical Society.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Brian Loeffelholz, inventory control supervisor with facilities management, with the 2024 University Staff Award for Excellence. The award recognizes staff members who provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction and initiative and creativity.

In his position, Loeffelholz is responsible for the security, safety and organization of all warehousing locations under facilities management control. This includes maintaining a real time inventory of goods warehoused using the campus’ computerized maintenance management system. Loeffelholz says he hopes to make the physical plant run smoothly with the right item in hand and that being named a recipient of the award makes him feel like the job he does is seen and appreciated.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Elizabeth Tremelling, academic advisor in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, as one of two recipients of the 2024 Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes employees and students who identify as a woman and make a difference in the lives of others in the campus community.

“Beth has demonstrated dedication and uses her voice to promote, empower and support women at UW-Platteville as well as students, especially young women preparing for careers in a field well-known to be adversarial to women,” said Dr. Will LeSuer, chair and associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, who nominated Tremelling.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Agriculture faculty Dr. Joe Sanford, Dr. Chris Baxter and David Heimerdinger have been awarded a substantial grant from the CHS Foundation to advance the university's precision agriculture initiatives. The grant will specifically support the enhancement of the precision agriculture course curriculum and the potential development of a precision agriculture certificate program within the university's offerings.

Precision agriculture utilizes cutting-edge technology to optimize crop production efficiency and sustainability, making it a crucial area of study for the next generation of agricultural professionals. With the support of an $80,000 grant from CHS Foundation, the School of Agriculture team will integrate state-of-the-art tools and techniques into the coursework. This initiative will provide students with hands-on experience and prepare them for careers in modern agriculture.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Justin Daugherty, animal care manager at Pioneer Farm, with the 2024 Academic Staff Award for Excellence.

“Receiving the Academic Staff Award is such an honor,” said Daugherty. “To be nominated by your peers for doing a job you love is amazing.”

The award recognizes staff members who provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, initiative and creativity.

Continuing their ongoing partnership, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Madison College have formalized a new articulation agreement to streamline the transfer process for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in data science. Effective July 1, 2024, this agreement underscores both institutions’ commitment to academic collaboration and student success.

Qualified Madison College students completing an Associate of Science degree will now have guaranteed admission into UW-Platteville's Bachelor of Science in data science program, provided they meet UW-Platteville's minimum admission requirements. Key provisions include completion of prerequisite courses such as Basic Statistics and Computer Science at Madison College before enrolling at UW-Platteville.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will recognize Laura Franklin, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, as one of two recipients of the 2024 Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes employees and students who identify as a woman and make a difference in the lives of others in the campus community.

“I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award,” said Franklin. “A long line of tremendous women come before me in receiving this award, and I am honored to stand amongst them.”

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Foundation announces the merger of its Alumni Association board and Foundation board, effective July 2024, forming the unified UW-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association, Inc. This decision underscores a renewed commitment to alumni engagement and university support, marking a significant milestone in strategic planning and collaboration. 

"The consolidation of our boards will create a stronger, unified voice in advocating for UW-Platteville's interests and priorities," stated Dr. Tammy Evetovich, chancellor of UW-Platteville. "This integration will play a crucial role in nurturing relationships with university stakeholders, attracting potential donors and championing initiatives that benefit the entire UW-Platteville community." 

The Department of Performing and Visuals Arts and the Platteville Summer Arts Festival present the musical “Into the Woods.” Featuring the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, this musical is deemed one of Sondheim’s most popular works. With a successful debut and run in 1986 in San Diego, California, the production premiered on Broadway the following year where it won three major Tony Awards. Featuring everyone’s favorite fairy tale characters, Sondheim and Lapine's second collaboration tells the whimsical story of dreams, sacrifice and a journey of paths intertwined by chance exploring the true cost of granted wishes. "Into the Woods" brings an entirely new meaning to storytelling and this enchanting story is one for audiences of all ages to enjoy. The production runs July 26, 27, Aug. 2, and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and July 28 and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.

When Dr. Xiaoguang Ma, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, set out to teach a new computer engineering course this year, he knew he wanted a way to connect theory with real-life application in order to deliver the hands-on education that the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is known for. What resulted is a collaboration with a global software manufacturer that is opening the door to enhanced student learning and new student-led research opportunities.

As students traverse the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, each arrives with a unique story and background all their own. Many come seeking skills and experiences to launch them into a world beyond the university. Yet there are students who, simply by their presence, impart profound lessons themselves. This is the story known to teachers and colleagues alike of 21-year-old Kyle Quinn. 

“A phrase I live by is ‘Defy the odds, do what you can do, not what others say you cannot,’” said Quinn.