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
UW-Platteville: Pioneering Wisconsin education, from teacher prep to cutting-edge engineering.
Welcome to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, an institution proudly rooted in a legacy of innovation and practical education. Founded in 1866 as Wisconsin's first teacher preparation school, UW-Platteville has consistently evolved to meet the demands of a changing world, earning its motto, "A Smart Investment." Today, it stands as a beacon for students seeking hands-on learning and impactful careers in a wide array of fields.
UW-Platteville's rich history is built upon the merger of two formidable institutions: the Platteville Normal School and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology, originally a pioneering mining trade school. This unique foundation fostered a commitment to both pedagogical excellence and rigorous technical training. Over the decades, the university expanded significantly, establishing robust colleges in business and transforming its mining college into a powerhouse of electrical, mechanical, and electronic engineering. This spirit of growth even saw the campus host the legendary Chicago Bears for their pre-season training camps for over 15 years, a testament to its comprehensive facilities and community engagement.
For prospective students, UW-Platteville offers an immersive and forward-thinking academic experience. The engineering college, for instance, boasts one of the Upper Midwest's largest "maker spaces," fostering an environment where innovation thrives and entrepreneurial ideas take shape. Science students benefit from newly renovated facilities like Boebel Hall, complete with specialized cadaver, microbiology, and molecular labs. Beyond the classroom, students actively contribute to campus sustainability, operating a hydroponics lab that supplies fresh produce to dining services and benefiting from a significant solar array, all part of the university's ambitious pledge to become a zero-waste campus by 2035. With state-of-the-art buildings like Sesquicentennial Hall dedicated to hands-on learning, UW-Platteville is truly shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1866 as Wisconsin's first teacher preparation school.
- ✦Home to one of the Upper Midwest's largest "maker spaces" within its cutting-edge engineering facilities.
- ✦Features a student-operated hydroponics lab, supplying over 100 pounds of fresh lettuce weekly to campus dining.
- ✦Installed a 2.4-megawatt solar array, projected to offset 17% of campus energy use and save $217,000 annually.
- ✦Pledged to achieve zero-waste campus status by 2035.
- ✦Benefits from significant investments in infrastructure, including the $55 million Sesquicentennial Hall and $23.7 million renovated Boebel Hall.
- ✦Served as the pre-season training camp for the NFL's Chicago Bears for 16 years (1984-2000).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
2 notable schools within University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Business College
Expanded academic program in the late 1960s, offering comprehensive business education.
Engineering College
Evolved from the mining college, offering degrees in electrical, mechanical, and electronic engineering, known for innovation.
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