The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently welcomed Dr. Chris Carlson as the new chair of the Department of Industrial Studies. Carlson has had a career spanning more than 30 years in both education and industry. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and then worked as a contractor in Illinois, where he specialized in HVAC work and was a small business owner.
Carlson later earned his master’s degree in industrial management and doctorate in instructional technology, both from Northern Illinois University. His career in education began as an adjunct instructor at various community colleges in Northwestern Illinois, where he taught in the trades for 20 years before becoming a full-time instructor in 2009 at Sauk Valley Community College. He later served as dean of Career Technical Education at Northeast Iowa Community College.
What inspired you to seek an education and career in the industrial studies areas?
The industrial studies and/or trades came naturally to me. You could say I was born into it, and the direction was already in motion. Both my grandfathers and father worked in the trades, and I became involved from the beginning. I spent many summers helping on projects around the house and garage, and recall attending career fairs in the early 70s at the College of DuPage with my father. Someone had to set up tables. Many individuals move to industrial studies or the trades because they enjoy constructing, problem solving and working with their hands. I am the same type of individual and still in my apprenticeship.
In your career, you’ve spent time both working in the field and teaching – what do you enjoy about working in higher education that keeps you doing it?
I believe in education and believe it adds value and skills to a technician. A strong theoretical background is what makes the difference in a technician’s ability. I enjoy watching the students learn and watching students demonstrate their skills.
What is your leadership philosophy and what are you most looking forward to about leading the department?
I think we need to be transformational, which is the environment we are in today. The Industrial Studies programs are lab- and hands-on oriented classes. I look forward to working with everyone to help facilitate learning in the current hybrid environment. I believe we will all be better teachers as we develop curriculum.
Now that you’ve been in your position at UW-Platteville for a few months, what are some of your first impressions?
It has been a very good transition to UW-Platteville. I think everyone – faculty, staff, supervisors – is devoted to the success of the students and making their educational careers exceptional. It is a team effort, and everyone is involved.
What opportunities in your department are you most looking forward to?
Each of the different areas in Industrial Studies has a different set of qualities that makes it unique. I would like all the departments to grow in student numbers and industry involvement. One main interest I have is to help develop Technology Education and grow the numbers so we have good quality teachers for Career and Technical Education in the future.