University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich ushered in the 2024-2025 academic year at the annual faculty and staff convocation on Aug. 27.
Chancellor Evetovich outlined five goals to set the tone for a transformative year ahead:
- Promote innovative programs and impactful learning to boost enrollment, retention and student success.
- Ensure efficient use of financial resources in line with strategic goals and priorities.
- Align philanthropic efforts with university needs and values.
- Implement a new strategic plan beginning January 2025.
- Enhance focus on organizational culture and wellness, emphasizing regional impact.
As the ceremony focused on the future, Chancellor Evetovich also highlighted the remarkable achievements of Pioneer students, particularly their outcomes after graduation.
"In 2023, we achieved a 95% placement rate for our graduates — our highest yet. This success reflects our commitment to hands-on applied learning in multiple high-impact practices,” exclaimed Chancellor Evetovich. “We also broke our previous record for undergraduate research participation by five percentage points, and our retention rate last year surpassed 80%, an exceptional achievement for a STEM-focused institution."
Chancellor Evetovich also honored the accomplishments and successes during the last academic year, including Sesquicentennial Hall earning LEED Gold certification, the Helios Program celebrating two years of success, the 2024 Prescribed Fire Conference on campus, unveiling the new cybersecurity laboratory, the PLEXUS Women in Stem Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dairy Innovation Hub and Pioneer Farm making strides in research and innovation and the UW-Platteville Men's Basketball Team competing in the DIII Elite Eight.
Chancellor Evetovich also reflected upon last year's objectives, including implementing a fiscal recovery plan and eliminating the structural deficit. She confirmed that the university successfully eliminated its structural deficit by 100% and delivered a balanced budget across all fund categories for FY2025.
"These accomplishments stand as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire campus community,” said Chancellor Evetovich. “It is your unwavering commitment to our students and our mission that has made these successes — and so many more — possible. For this, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you."
The ceremony also included a recognition of the UW-Platteville and Universities of Wisconsin award winners and grant recipients.
First day of fall classes is Tuesday, Sept. 3.
UW-Platteville and Universities of Wisconsin award recipients:
- Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence: Mohammad Rabbani
- University Staff Award for Excellence: Brian Loeffelholz
- University Staff Award for Excellence: Carissa Menke
- Academic Staff Award for Excellence: Justin K. Daugherty
- Outstanding Faculty/Instructional Academic Staff Academic Advisor Award: Amanda Tucker
- Outstanding Professional Academic Advisor Award: Janelle Davis
- Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence: Sameer Ahmed
- UW-Platteville Outstanding Woman of Color Award: Helen Maki Ramthun
- Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year: Laura Franklin
- Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year: Beth Tremelling
- Nimocks Family Faculty Appreciation Award: Eugene Tesdahl
- Universities of Wisconsin Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award: David Krugler & Florence Obielodan
- Wisconsin Teaching Fellows: Lynnette Dornak & Lucie Kadjo
Grant Recipients over $25,000 from 7/01/23 – 6/30/24:
- Zifan Wan, School of Agriculture: National Dairy Council - $218,062
- Tera Montgomery, School of Agriculture: USDA - $100,000
- Ganapathy Natarajan, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: National Science Foundation - $91,441
- Joe Sanford, David Heimerdinger and Chris Baxter, School of Agriculture: CHS Foundation - $80,000
- Mehdi Roopaei, Electrical and Computer Engineering: Tommy Thompson Center - $48,888
- Chananka Mendis, Chemistry and Mark Levenstein, Biology: NASA - $41,206
- Chenoa Ruecking, School of Education: WECA - $30,000
- Charles Steiner and Alicia Prill Adams, School of Agriculture: USDA - $25,000
- Jessica Fick, College of EMS: The Kern Family Foundation - $25,000