Every year during Convocation, The University of Wisconsin-Platteville highlights the excellence of its faculty and staff through UW-Platteville and Universities of Wisconsin awards. These honors recognize those who exemplify dedication in their work. This year, we’re going beyond titles and achievements, bringing forward the personal stories of those who shape our campus and community.
Gretchen Bockenhauer, program coordinator and assistant professor of Construction Management and Construction Safety Management has received the Outstanding Faculty/Instructional Academic Staff Academic Advisor Award. The award recognizes those who excel in advising students.
What you do for the university and how have you helped grow the program?
When I'm asked what I do for the university, it's hard to explain because my role has evolved over the years. I started my career at the UW–Platteville as an adjunct in the spring of 2018. I was a lecturer in the Industrial Technology Management program with an emphasis in building construction management. In this role, I taught four courses and advised students in the program. I also became the advisor for the student-led Construction Management Association (CMA) and the UW–Platteville ABC Construction Management Competition Team.
It's been a tremendous honor to help elevate the program into its own Bachelor of Science in construction management, which was officially approved with our first graduating class in Fall 2020. This milestone marked a significant step forward, and the program has continued to grow ever since!
In 2021, I became the Construction Management program coordinator, and the following year I accepted the position of assistant professor in Construction Management. Since then, I have led the coordination of Construction Career Day, networking events, guest speakers, program field trips and job site tours, as well as industry partner meetings, advisory board meetings and student advising sessions.
My main goal is to expose our Construction Management and Construction Safety Management students to as many industry opportunities as possible by bringing the industry to them—whether through alumni or industry partners.
What is it about your job that keeps you at UW-Platteville?
Wow, that’s a tough question! What keeps me at UW-Platteville are the students, the people I work with and the excitement within the industry for our Construction Management and Construction Safety Management programs. I truly enjoy seeing our students discover their passion and strive to grow and succeed. I also appreciate the incredible support our program receives from alumni, which is especially evident during our construction networking events—highlighted by the alumni group photo we take before welcoming the students.
What’s a small thing that made a big difference in your advising approach over the years?
Listening to the students and what they are looking to achieve. Also, being there to give advice and make time for them.
What's the most surprising or unexpected question a student has ever asked you?
One of the most surprising questions a student asked me was, "Why did you switch from a job in the construction industry to teaching?" and "What makes you stay at UW-Platteville when you could make more in the industry?"
If your job had a mascot, what would it be and why?
I would choose a construction-themed version of Pioneer Pete—wearing a hardhat and maybe holding a set of blueprints. This mascot would represent how we help students discover their passion for construction and guide them toward success. It’s not just about job placement; it’s about showing them the wide range of opportunities the industry has to offer.
If your office had a theme song that played every time someone walked in, what would it be and why?
“Legends Are Made” by Sam Tinnesz. I chose this song because our team is passionate about the construction industry and making the best it can be for our students. We celebrate every success—big or small—because we believe each student has the potential to become a legend in their own way. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and succeed, and just as exciting to hear about the accomplishments of our alumni. They’re not just graduates—they’re future leaders of the industry. Or, legends in the making.
What is something the reader may not know about you? Give us a fun fact!
I love tractor pulls and hope to one day compete in a national pull.
If you could instantly become an expert in any other field, what would it be?
I would say President or CEO of large business.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love staying busy, but I also make time to relax with my family. My husband and I own a farm and run an auction company, On point Auction Service, LLC., which keeps life interesting and full of variety.