University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich kicked off the 2025-2026 academic year at the annual faculty and staff convocation on Aug. 26.
“I want to thank all of you for what you do every single day for the students that we serve on this campus,” said Chancellor Evetovich. “At UW-Platteville, we remain committed to making education accessible, affordable and deeply relevant—because young people still dream big, and that inspires us all.”
Chancellor Evetovich outlined four goals to set the tone for a bold and purposeful year ahead:
- Advance transformative teaching and learning
- Achieve optimal enrollment using data-informed, student-centered approaches to recruit, enroll and retain students from inquiry to graduation
- Strengthen operational excellence
- Foster holistic wellness by supporting students and employee
Chancellor Evetovich also highlighted the remarkable achievements in attracting and retaining the next generation of Pioneer students.
"The enrollment outlook is strong. Retention among continuing students remains solid, and we are on track to welcome the largest freshman class in more than seven years—a clear sign that our shared efforts are making a meaningful impact."
Looking back on the 2024-2025 academic year, Evetovich described it as a year marked by progress, resilience and collective achievement. She highlighted the achievement of another balanced budget, the UW-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association raising an impressive $8.7 million and the launch of a new interactive wellness website centered on the eight dimensions of wellness to support the health and well-being of the campus community. She also celebrated the completion of the Strategic Plan, through which the university prioritized and invested in critical areas such as compensation category adjustments, the HELIOS Program and the new “Student Success Center,” which will provide continued support for students who were previously served by the TRIO program.
First day of fall classes is Tuesday, Sept. 2.
The following UW-Platteville faculty and staff were recognized in a ceremony earlier in the day.
UW-Platteville and Universities of Wisconsin Award Recipients:
- Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award: Dr. Dong Isbister
- Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. James Berglund
- Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. Leonida Ljumanovic
- Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Chris Frayer
- Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Dale Murray
- University Staff Award for Excellence: Sara Koeller
- University Staff Award for Excellence: Travis Schute
- Wisconsin Teaching Fellow: Thomas Pitcher
- Wisconsin Teaching Fellow: Dr. Avinnash Paruchuri
- Outstanding Professional Advising Award: Nadia Sifri
- Outstanding Faculty/Instructional Academic Staff Academic Advisor Award: Gretchen Bockenhauer
- Academic Staff Award for Excellence: Michael Lambert
- Nimocks Family Faculty Appreciation Award: Dr. Kara Candito
Grant Recipients over $25,000 for FY25:
- Dr. Dennis Busch, College of Business, Industry, Life Science, and Agriculture: USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture - $750,000
- Julie Soja, Children’s Center: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - $95,000.
- Dr. Jessica Fick and Dr. Philip Parker, College of EMS: WiSys - $63,750
- Dr. Mehdi Roopaei, Electrical and Computer Engineering: Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership - $50,928
- Chenoa Ruecking, School of Education: Wisconsin Early Childhood Association - $30,000
- Dr. Jessica Fick and Dr. Philip Parker, College of EMS: Kern Family Foundation - $25,000
- Dr. Chuck Steiner and Alicia Prill-Adams, School of Agriculture: USDA National Resources Conservation Service - $25,000