Carrie Van Hallgren, assistant dean of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s College of Liberal Arts and Education, was recently appointed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to the board of Wisconsin Humanities.
“I am honored to be appointed to the board and eager to represent UW-Platteville and the Driftless region in the company of such esteemed colleagues from around the state,” said Van Hallgren, who will serve a three-year term.
Wisconsin Humanities is an independent nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities, with a mission to strengthen democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state. Wisconsin Humanities awards over $200,000 in small and large grants to organizations around the state every year in support of public humanities projects, runs a digital storytelling project called “Love Wisconsin,” produces the “Human Powered” podcast and collaborates with organizations and community leaders to offer training for youth through the Community Powered initiative.
Van Hallgren, a native of Platteville and a graduate of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, joined UW-Platteville in 2022. She has over 25 years of experience in professional theater and higher education, including eight seasons as managing director of American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin Humanities has a legacy of strengthening communities, promoting civil discourse and celebrating the humanities in all parts of the state,” said Van Hallgren. “I am excited to be a part of such vital work, especially at this moment.”