University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Kenosha, WI

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

1968

Founded

Public university

Type

2,951

Total Students

3,255

Undergrad

711

Graduate

$8K

Tuition (In-State)

$16K

Tuition (Out-State)

$10K

Avg Net Price

73%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Graduation Rate

6-year

71%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Discover innovation and natural beauty at UW-Parkside, a dynamic public university forged by legislative vision in 1968.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, officially established in 1968, emerged from a forward-thinking legislative mandate to create new collegiate institutions in southeastern Wisconsin. Nestled on a sprawling 690-acre campus near Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha County, UW-Parkside quickly became a vibrant hub for learning, known for its commitment to both academic excellence and its natural surroundings, including the historic Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area. This institution was designed to serve the region, taking administrative control of the two-year UW centers in Racine and Kenosha, and fostering a strong sense of community from its very first students.

From its foundational years, UW-Parkside has cultivated an engaging student experience. The campus rapidly developed, with the first building opening in 1969 and the student union in 1976. Students chose "Rangers" as their athletics teams' name, fostering a strong identity. Academically, the university quickly made its mark, attracting significant research grants—such as early United States Navy funding to study the effects of Project Sanguine on living organisms—and fostering faculty discoveries, including a new parasitic worm species named *Acanthocephalus parksidei* after the university itself.

UW-Parkside's impact extends beyond research and the classroom. Its athletic programs have produced notable talents like NBA player Abdul Jeelani and Olympic race walker Jim Heiring, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. The merger into the broader University of Wisconsin System in 1971 further solidified its place as a key educational institution, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and the region, building on a rich history of growth and discovery.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1968 by Wisconsin State Assembly bill to create new collegiate institutions.
✦Features a 690-acre campus near Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha County.
✦Home to the historic Chiwaukee Prairie, designated a state natural area.
✦Pioneering research on environmental impacts, including early grants for Project Sanguine studies.
✦Produced notable athletes like NBA player Abdul Jeelani (formerly Gary Cole) and six-time national champion Olympic race walker Jim Heiring.
✦Opened its library in 1968 with 70,000 volumes, growing to over 365,000 volumes by 1972.
✦Accepted its first students in September 1969, with an initial enrollment of 2,911 across three sites.

Timeline

1965

Wisconsin State Assembly approved Senate Bill 48, mandating new collegiate institutions.

1966

A 690-acre site near Petrifying Springs Park was chosen; the name University of Wisconsin–Parkside was selected; Irvin Wyllie named first chancellor.

1967

Chiwaukee Prairie designated a state natural area, land donated to UW–Parkside.

1968

University's library opened; University of Wisconsin–Parkside officially founded, taking administrative control of two-year UW centers in Racine and Kenosha.

1969

First building finished and classes held; university accepted its first students; students chose "Rangers" for athletics teams.

1970

First cohort of 36 students graduated at a ceremony in Greenquist Hall.

1971

First UW–Parkside student government elected; State Legislature approved merger into the University of Wisconsin System; researchers received first US Navy grant for Project Sanguine study.

1972

UW–Parkside runner Lucien Rosa competed in the Olympic marathon; Library/Learning Center and Physical Education Building opened.

1973

Assistant life sciences professor Omar Amin discovered a new species of parasitic worm, *Acanthocephalus parksidei*; first UW–Parkside Alumni Association founded.

1976

The $3.7 million student union opened; athlete Abdul Jeelani finished his basketball career with record points; race walker Jim Heiring competed in US Olympic trials.

🏛️

58 Years

of Excellence

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