University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI
Quick Facts
“A Smart Investment”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Pioneering engineering and education, UW-Platteville builds futures through innovation.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville stands as a beacon of practical education and innovation, proudly living up to its motto, "A Smart Investment." With roots stretching back to 1866 as Wisconsin's first teacher preparation school, Platteville has consistently evolved, merging with the Wisconsin Institute of Technology—itself a pioneer in mining engineering—to create a comprehensive public university dedicated to hands-on learning and real-world impact. Today, it's particularly renowned for its robust College of Engineering, alongside a thriving business college and strong programs across the sciences and agriculture.
Students at UW-Platteville benefit from state-of-the-art facilities designed for experiential learning. Recent investments include the impressive $55 million Sesquicentennial Hall and a newly renovated $23.7 million Boebel Hall with cutting-edge science labs. The campus also boasts one of the Upper Midwest's largest "maker spaces," fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and a unique student-operated hydroponics laboratory that supplies fresh produce to dining services. This commitment to modern infrastructure ensures that prospective students and their families see a university deeply invested in providing a relevant and engaging educational experience.
Beyond academics, UW-Platteville has a rich history, including its unique role as the pre-season training camp for the Chicago Bears NFL team from 1984 to 2000, leaving a legacy that includes "The Bears Den" computer lab. The university is also a leader in sustainability, with a 2.4-megawatt solar array significantly offsetting energy use and a bold pledge to become a zero-waste campus by 2035. UW-Platteville truly prepares students for successful careers while instilling a sense of environmental responsibility and community engagement, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tangible return on their educational investment.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1866 as Platteville Normal School, Wisconsin's first teacher preparation institution.
- ✦A pioneer in engineering education, evolving from the Wisconsin Mining Trade School which established the first three-year mining engineering program in the U.S.
- ✦Embraces the motto "A Smart Investment," reflecting its commitment to providing valuable, career-focused education.
- ✦Features a 2.4-megawatt solar array installed in 2021, expected to offset 17% of campus energy use and save approximately $217,000 annually.
- ✦Home to the $55 million, 200,000 square-foot Sesquicentennial Hall, a cutting-edge engineering building opened in 2022 to enhance hands-on learning.
- ✦Operates a 1,500 square-foot student-run hydroponics laboratory that grows around 100 pounds of lettuce per week for campus dining services.
- ✦Served as the pre-season training camp for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League from 1984 to 2000.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
2 notable schools within University of Wisconsin-Platteville
College of Business
An academic division established in the late 1960s as the university expanded its academic program.
College of Engineering
Transformed from the pioneering Wisconsin Mining Trade School, it encompasses mining, electrical, mechanical, and electronic engineering disciplines.
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