“It’s an honor and privilege to receive the Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award,” said Valerie Wetzel, who retired from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in February as the assistant director of the Markee Pioneer Student Center. “I knew Carol Sue Butts and worked with her. She was a role model and mentor to me, but also to a lot of women on campus.”
Wetzel is one of two recipients to receive the 2021 Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award. Named for the provost emeritus and former interim chancellor who served at UW-Platteville from 1998 until 2010, the award recognizes female employees and students who make a difference in the lives of women.
“Val’s distinguished service has brought so much joy and recognition to so many people over the years,” said Kim Sargent, senior program manager for the College of EMS Student Success Programs. “There are not very many people on campus, outside of the classroom, who have had more of a positive impact on students than Val Wetzel.”
“Val has worked collaboratively to support others, make a difference on campus and empower others,” added Becky Hass, UW-Platteville involvement coordinator for student organizations. “Anyone who has ever met or worked with Val knows there is no room for doubt that every action and decision she has made in her career has been for the service of our students and their best interests.”
Throughout Wetzel’s 20-year career at UW-Platteville she has empowered colleagues, student staff members, student governance groups and Greek Life groups. Wetzel also coordinated campus programs including the Distinguished Lecturer series, Stop the Hate and Strength and Wisdom in Women. She developed Strength and Wisdom in Women as an opportunity for women to share their stories, network and discuss personal growth and development.
“It’s been great to have the combination of local women on campus talk about their trials and tribulations and how they succeeded,” said Wetzel. “A lot of people think you have to have a big-time speaker or a distinguished lecturer to come in to share things and you don’t. You can do it locally with people, your next-door neighbor or your peers in the office.”
As Wetzel reflects back on her tenure at UW-Platteville, she is most proud of her students. She emphasizes the importance of engaging students in opportunities on campus.
“There have been a variety of things where I have been able to serve as a role model and leader, but part of my role was part teacher. I taught the class, Introduction to College Life, every semester for the majority of my 20 years,” said Wetzel. “Your whole value in higher education is student development and giving students the chance.”
As Wetzel embarks on a new chapter, she notes how appreciative she is of the campus community.
“The students have really been my thrill,” she said. “It’s been an honor and privilege to have worked at UW-Platteville.”
Wetzel will be recognized at the UW-Platteville faculty and staff convocation on Thursday, Aug. 26.