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91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

giffeyt — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:10:48 +0000

91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses giffeyt August 12, 2026

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals

91��Ƭ Polytechnic Chancellor Katherine Frank joined Universities of Wisconsin Regent President Kyle Weatherly, UWs Interim President Renée Wachter and other university leaders today to announce budget proposals focused on building Wisconsin’s workforce and the next generation of businesses.

The Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals represent new initiatives from the UWs’ 2027-29 budget request proposal, which the UW Board of Regents will vote on next week. The goal is to create 300,000 career-ready workers, upskill 1 million workers for better jobs and create 2,500 new businesses over a decade.

Chancellor Katherine Frank

“We consistently hear from employers across the state of the need for strategic, high-skilled workers ready to lead emerging technologies like 3D concrete and metal printing, advancing computing, and applied industrial AI,” Frank said. “Wisconsin needs these workers to compete in the global economy, and given the nuanced ethical and environmental considerations that accompany innovation, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic is perfectly positioned to prepare the next generation of leaders.”

UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Thomas Gibson and UW-Parkside Chancellor Lynn Akey joined Weatherly, Wachter and Frank to announce the initiatives. Tech for Tomorrow, Accelerate Wisconsin and other workforce-oriented proposals seek state investment to allow the UWs to help build Wisconsin’s workforce and the next generation of businesses.

Tech for Tomorrow would speed new technologies from the research lab to commercialization while Accelerate Wisconsin would help entrepreneurs create and expand businesses and develop new products and markets. The other proposals include UW for U, which supports continuing education, online learning, and competency-based education, and U Succeed, which provides student support in academic advising, career counseling, and more.

“The Universities of Wisconsin have long helped Wisconsin address some of its biggest challenges,” Wachter said. “Our budget will offer opportunities to invest in people and education that will help Wisconsin meet its workforce challenges, while providing targeted funds to help grow the next generation of businesses.”

The budget initiatives that would impact 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, outlined below, will reinforce the university’s polytechnic tenets of Applied Learning & Research and Business & Industry Collaboration.

Applied Learning & Research

• Built Environment Emerging Technologies Lab. Funding will advance 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s 3D Concrete Printing Lab as a hub for emerging technologies in the built environment, providing hands-on, industry-aligned education and workforce training for Wisconsin residents interested in architecture, interior design, industrial and product design, and automation. Investment would fund staff as well as additional equipment to enable the university’s current 3D concrete printer to be portable/moveable to job sites and related activities.

• Advanced Computing & Emerging Technology Lab. Provide introductory quantum computing access via cloud-based platforms as well as high-performance computing resources for simulation and research.

• Re-entry Student Support. These funds would provide significant additional support for re-entry students to promote degree completion and timely graduation rates. 91��Ƭ Polytechnic is already working to re-enroll these students so they can complete their degree. The academic advisor would serve as a continued reference point, working with them throughout their remaining time to ensure they have the proper support for student success.

• Competency-Based Education Infrastructure. 91��Ƭ Polytechnic has been serving working professionals since the initiation of our service-based pricing structures in 1999. With this investment, the university can expand its service-based pricing structures to support competency-based instruction, particularly for working professionals and returning students.

Business & Industry Collaboration

• Stout Applied AI Innovations Hub. The Stout Applied AI Innovations Hub will provide a shared space for applied AI learning, industry collaboration and regional partnership development. It is intended to connect students, faculty, staff, industry and other UW institutions through project-based work, consultation and community-focused programming.

• UW‑Stout Polytechnic Center for Innovation and Development: PROPEL Initiative. The initiative establishes a coordinated student venture studio that will help students move ideas from concept to commercialization through structured, hands-on support. It integrates venture coaching, interdisciplinary faculty-led projects, mentorship, prototyping resources and market access tools to advance student-founded ventures.

“The investments outlined today, along with those of our colleagues throughout the state, are critical to meeting employer demand and keeping Wisconsin competitive,” Frank said. “At 91��Ƭ Polytechnic we remain committed to elevating and accelerating the innovation of entrepreneurs and ensuring that our graduates think ethically, critically, and strategically at the helm of tomorrow’s technology.”

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91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals

Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

Students get hands-on access to specimens through 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s unique on-campus lab

Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals 3D Concrete printer installation May 2026

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Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to 91��Ƭ Polytechnic accolades

giffeyt — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to 91��Ƭ Polytechnic accoladesgiffeyt July 17, 2026

University ranked in top tier based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition

Tom Giffey

91��Ƭ Polytechnic has once again been honored for providing affordable education that sets students on a path for professional success. This time, the university was ranked among the top 50 on a list of America’s Best Value Public Universities in a study conducted by SmartAsset, which provides consumer-focused financial information.

More than 500 public universities and colleges around the United States were evaluated on average cost of attendance, median earnings for graduates and graduation rates. 91��Ƭ Polytechnic rose to the top based on these criteria, setting it apart from regional and national peers.

“Outcomes can vary widely by school,” SmartAsset wrote, “meaning some public universities may offer stronger returns for students seeking manageable costs and solid career prospects.”

91��Ƭ Polytechnic shines in these and other areas. Blue Devils who received their undergraduate degrees in 2024-25 reported an annual starting salary of $59,000, a 4% increase from the prior year, 91��Ƭ’s annual First Destination Report found.

The average starting salary for undergraduate degree holders from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic has been the highest among universities in western Wisconsin for the past seven years, representing the ongoing return on investment in an education at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.

The most recent survey also found that the average starting salary for graduate degree recipients was $62,000. And fully 99% of recent graduates were either employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

The top 50 ranking among America’s Best Value Public Universities is just one of numerous honors 91��Ƭ Polytechnic has achieved in recent years. For two years in a row, the university ranked among America’s Best Colleges as determined by Money Magazine.

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of Best Online Programs named three 91��Ƭ Polytechnic programs among the best in the Midwest and nation, including Best Online Bachelor’s in Business, Best Online Master’s in Education and Best Online Master’s in Engineering.

91��Ƭ Polytechnic is also ranked highly for serving veterans and the military community, earning the coveted gold designation as a Military Friendly® School for 2026-27 as well as being honored on the Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times.

And many of the university’s programs have been cited among the best in the nation and even the world:

CEOWorld ranked the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program as No. 9 among the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Programs in the World.
The game design programs were ranked No. 6 in the Midwest and No. 17 among all U.S. public universities by Animation Career Review.
The cybersecurity program ranked No. 14 among the Top 25 programs in the United States, according to Programs.com.
College Factual placed numerous 91��Ƭ Polytechnic programs – including graphic communications, video production, packaging and manufacturing engineering – among the best in the Great Lakes region. And that’s just for starters.

91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s status as the only polytechnic university in Wisconsin or Minnesota means the institution is dedicated to applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The campus has three times as many labs as traditional classrooms. Each year, students take part in approximately 1,000 co-op and internship experiences, more than one-third of which lead to job offers. In fact, this spring 77% of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic students were hired before graduation.

In recent years, Blue Devil graduates have gone to work for hundreds of firms with household names or Fortune 500 rankings, including Amazon, Cigna, General Motors, Citigroup, Ashley Furniture, Andersen Windows, Boeing, Milwaukee Tool, Boston Scientific, Harley-Davidson, FedEx, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Nike, Oshkosh Corp., Rockwell Automation, Target and 3M.

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Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to 91��Ƭ Polytechnic accolades

University ranked at the top based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition

Co-op Q&A: Noah Klenner, Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidson

‘My internships built on the strong foundation Stout has given me by showing me how concepts are used in actual production environments.’

Co-op Q&A: Ayush Patel, SMK Global, New Jersey

‘This experience confirmed that I want to build my career in food safety and quality assurance.’

University ranked at the top based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition Students walking on 91��Ƭ Polytechnic campus fall 2025

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University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focus

giffeyt — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:15:00 +0000

University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focusgiffeyt June 4, 2026

After 135 years of innovation, ‘polytechnic’ officially added to university’s name

Tom Giffey

Throughout its long history, the educational institution that bears the name of its founder, James Huff Stout, has continuously evolved and maintained its position at the vanguard of higher education. Over the course of 135 years, two things have remained constant. The first is the presence of its founder’s name. The second is a commitment to applied learning — what was known as “manual training” in the 19th century and is called “polytechnic education” in the 21st.

Now for the first time, these two constant factors will be combined into the institution’s name: What was founded in 1891 as the Stout Manual Training School and became University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1971 will now be officially known as University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved the name change at a June 4 meeting in Milwaukee. The Regents’ decision is historic not only for 91��Ƭ Polytechnic but also for the Universities of Wisconsin as a whole: It marks the first time since 1971, when a merger created the current 13-campus system, that one of Wisconsin’s public universities has changed its name.

The new name reflects what 91��Ƭ Polytechnic truly is: A distinctive institution with a proudly held polytechnic identity.

“At a time when the relevance of higher education is being questioned by many, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic has proven its relevance and shown its impact on the state of Wisconsin and far beyond through a focus on our educational mission and the subsequent success of our graduates,” said 91��Ƭ Polytechnic Chancellor Katherine Frank. “Our distinctiveness as a university is now called out in our name, and we are proud to be 91��Ƭ Polytechnic.”

91��Ƭ Polytechnic students and faculty members examine a coffee table designed by 2024 graduate Micah Loder during a tour of Room & Board headquarters in Minneapolis.

Following the unanimous Board of Regents vote, the decision was lauded by Universities of Wisconsin leaders.

“Employers increasingly seek graduates who can contribute on day one, and 91��Ƭ Polytechnic stands apart by embracing the meaning of ‘polytechnic,’” said Universities of Wisconsin Regent President Amy B. Bogost. “This designation reflects the university’s fundamental commitment to applied learning.”

“The significance of the polytechnic name is that it clearly communicates the value proposition of a 91��Ƭ Polytechnic degree,” added Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “It represents an education intentionally designed to meet the needs of students, employers and communities now and into the future.”

91��Ƭ Polytechnic environmental science major Cayanna Erickson spoke about her research on zebra mussels in Lake Menomin at Research in the Rotunda March 11, 2026.

New name emphasizes polytechnic advantage

As a polytechnic university, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic is focused on applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The campus has three times as many labs as traditional classrooms. Each year, students take part in approximately 1,000 co-op and internship experiences, more than one-third of which lead to job offers. In fact, this spring 77.4% of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic students were hired before graduation, while in recent surveys 99% were hired or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. Those graduates’ average starting salaries – $59,000 for undergraduates, according to the most recent survey – are consistently higher than their regional peers.

Labs at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic feature industry-standard equipment, such as this Stratasys powder bed fusion 3D printer in Fryklund Hall.

Over the past five years alone, 3M has hired 29 91��Ƭ Polytechnic graduates, whose degrees range from manufacturing engineering to management and packaging to graphic design.

“91��Ƭ Polytechnic has been a valued talent partner for 3M Menomonie for more than 50 years,” 3M Menomonie Site Director Janice Neitzel said. “In fact, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s presence was a key factor in 3M’s decision to open the Menomonie manufacturing plant in 1974. We continue to value 91��Ƭ Polytechnic graduates for their strong foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and readiness to contribute from day one across engineering, operations, supply chain, and other key functions.”

Andersen Windows also relies on a strong partnership with 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, having hired 37 graduates over the past five years from a dozen degree programs, including management and leadership, risk control and safety management, and computer networking and infrastructure engineering.

“Our relationship with 91��Ƭ Polytechnic provides Andersen with a reliable pipeline of career-ready talent across manufacturing, supply chain, IT and operations leadership roles,” said Stanley Lichucki, senior director of operations at Andersen. “The combination of applied learning and a strong internship-to-full-time pipeline strengthens our workforce while supporting long-term manufacturing competitiveness in western Wisconsin.”

The university’s polytechnic advantage means finding impactful solutions to real problems. Like conducting sustainable plastic research for John Deere. Creating equipment solutions for Ashley Furniture. Designing furniture for Room & Board. Developing award-winning packaging for Pringles. Mitigating the danger of space debris. Helping manufacturers adapt with AI. Measuring the economic impact of statewide conservation measures. Increasing access to cultural heritage objects through 3D imaging. Using AI to research products that meet the nutritional needs of GLP-1 users – and much more.

The Menomonie campus of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, the only polytechnic university in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Name evolves, mission continues

The name change is the culmination of a decades-long effort to enhance the university’s polytechnic identity. In 1974, just a few years after adding “University of Wisconsin” to its name, the institution was designated by the Board of Regents as a “special mission university,” dedicated to preparing students for a distinct array of professional careers focused on the needs of society.

In 2001, 91��Ƭ became the first university to win the coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest award for performance excellence. A few years later, in 2007, the Board of Regents voted to officially declare 91��Ƭ as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University,” and in 2024 the board amended Regent Policy Document 1-1 to place 91��Ƭ in its own “Polytechnic University” category, further distinguishing its core mission and differentiating it from other universities in the system.

Op-Ed: The Unmatched Value of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

Chancellor Katherine Frank discusses the importance of polytechnic universities after the Board of Regents modified RPD 1-1 to recognize 91��Ƭ.

Fewer than 3% of the universities in the United States are designated as polytechnic. 91��Ƭ Polytechnic is the only one in Wisconsin or Minnesota on the list, which across the nation includes the likes of MIT, Cal Poly and Georgia Tech.

Since its founding in 1891, the university has had six different names:

Stout Manual Training Schools (1891–1908)
The Stout Institute (1908–1955)
Stout State College (1955–1964)
Stout State University (1964–1971)
University of Wisconsin-Stout (1971–2026)
University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic (2026-present)

The polytechnic tradition dates to the institution’s founder, James Huff Stout, a businessman, philanthropist, legislator and education reformer. Stout’s approach, as described during his lifetime, was decidedly polytechnic: “The best education is that which best equips a young person for practical life work” and that gives “the greatest usefulness and encourages the highest and best citizenship.”

Now, as 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, the university requests that members of the media and other outside organizations use University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic or 91��Ƭ Polytechnic rather than 91��Ƭ or Stout.

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University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focus

After 135 years of innovation, ‘polytechnic’ officially added to university’s name

After 135 years of innovation, ‘polytechnic’ officially added to university’s name 91��Ƭ Robotics Lab tour

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Hero Caption: Visitors, including philanthropists Ronald and Joyce Wanek, tour the 91��Ƭ Polytechnic Robotics Lab in March.

Katherine P. Frank

Katherine P. Frank became the eighth chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic in March 2020, after a distinguished career as an administrator and faculty member.

During her time at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, Chancellor Frank has led efforts to codify and amplify the university’s distinct mission as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University in Board of Regents’ policy documents and a formal university name change, the first throughout the Universities of Wisconsin since 1971. The university has celebrated a balanced budget, enrollment gains, major capital investments, increase in research expenditures, and fundraising successes under Chancellor Frank’s leadership.

Chancellor Frank serves in leadership roles for several national boards and councils, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, National Collegiate Athletic Association, and Alliance for Innovation and Transformation. She is actively engaged throughout the state, region, and local community through her work with such organizations as the Wisconsin Technology Council, Momentum West, the Menomonie Area Chamber and Visitor Center, and the Greater Menomonie Development Corporation.

Before her appointment at 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, Chancellor Frank served in administrative and faculty roles at Central Washington University, Northern Kentucky University, Indiana University East, and Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Chancellor Frank, the first female leader of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, grew up in Colorado and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine. She has master’s and doctorate degrees in English from the University of Washington, Seattle. Frank’s research interests include Romantic and Victorian English literature, rhetoric and composition, the scholarship of teaching, and academic leadership.

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91��Ƭ honored for strong support of employees in National Guard and Reserve

goersab — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:22:08 +0000

91��Ƭ honored for strong support of employees in National Guard and Reservegoersab March 18, 2026

Tech. Sgt. Nelson nominates Infrastructure Services Deputy CIO Janicki with Patriot Award

Abbey Goers

91��Ƭ, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, and its Learning and Information Technology (LIT) department received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Certificate of Appreciation on March 17. ESGR is a Department of Defense program that fosters strong relationships between civilian employers and their National Guard and Reserve employees.

Presenting 91��Ƭ and LIT with the ESGR Certificate of Appreciation were United States Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Nelson, System Engineer III with 91��Ƭ’s Infrastructure Services, as well as Wisconsin ESGR Area 6 Chair Mike Hallquist and ESGR volunteer Martha Stratton.

Mike Hallquist, Chancellor Katherine Frank, Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Nelson, Tom Janicki, Sue Traxler and Martha Stratton

Accepting the recognition on behalf of the university and LIT were Nelson’s supervisors, Assistant Chancellor of LIT and Chief Information Officer Sue Traxler and Deputy Chief Information Officer and Director of Infrastructure Services Tom Janicki. They were joined by Chancellor Katherine Frank. Janicki also received the organization’s Patriot Award.

“I’d like to thank Tom, Sue, the Chancellor, and everyone at 91��Ƭ for the incredible support they’ve shown me throughout my Air Force Reserve career,” Nelson said. “I nominated Tom for the Patriot Award because he consistently demonstrates understanding, flexibility, and encouragement for my military obligations, ensuring I never feel conflicted between my responsibilities here and my service to our country.”

Janicki is honored by the recognition, but feels the real credit belongs to 91��Ƭ. “Our policies and culture empower supervisors to support Guard and Reserve members effectively, making service and work responsibilities easier to balance,” he said.

Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Nelson presents Deputy CIO Tom Janicki with the ESGR Patriot Award.

Within its Statement of Support from the Guard and Reserve, 91��Ƭ affirms, “We recognize the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our Nation and the well-being of our communities.

“Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that:

We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills Service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning Service members and Veterans.
We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.”

91��Ƭ employs 34 individuals who identify as veterans.

The Patriot Award is given to patriotic employers for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

Chancellor Katherine Frank, Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Nelson, Deputy CIO Tom Janicki and CIO Sue Traxler

91��Ƭ has also been recognized for its support of veteran and active service students. The university was named a 2025 Best for Vets College by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans and their families, ranking first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities and placing 24th in the Midwest.

Last spring, the university received a silver designation as a Military Friendly® School because of its efforts to create sustainable and meaningful education paths for members of the military community. It was the 16th consecutive year that 91��Ƭ earned a place on that list.

“At 91��Ƭ, we are proud to support veteran and active service students and employees across the university. Recognition from organizations like ESGR and others is important confirmation that we are succeeding as a university in support of our students, faculty, and staff. The fact that an employee nominated their supervisor for this recognition makes the award even more special, and we are ‘Stout Proud’ of the example set by Tom Janicki and LIT,” Chancellor Frank said.

Stout saluted as 2025 Military Friendly School for servicemembers, veterans, spouses

For the 16th consecutive year, university honored for efforts to help vets make most of their benefits

91��Ƭ Veteran Services can provide advice on veteran and military education benefits and assists with applying for benefits. It can be reached by calling 715-232-1659 or emailing veteranstudents@uwstout.edu.

The university’s most recent First Destination Report, released earlier this month, stated that 100% of veteran graduates were employed within six months of graduation.

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91��Ƭ honored for strong support of employees in National Guard and Reserve

Tech. Sgt. Nelson nominates Infrastructure Services Deputy CIO Janicki with Patriot Award

Tech. Sgt. Nelson nominates Infrastructure Services Deputy CIO Janicki with Patriot Award ESGR Certificate Award, March 2026

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91��Ƭ announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

giffeyt — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:33:20 +0000

91��Ƭ announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs giffeyt February 18, 2026

Dr. Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

Tom Giffey

91��Ƭ has announced that a new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin on Aug. 1.

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, currently special assistant to the provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will advance strategic priorities and foster academic initiatives that reflect 91��Ƭ’s status as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramakrishnan to 91��Ƭ. She brings the background, ideas, and experience that will help advance 91��Ƭ’s distinct polytechnic identity and support student success,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment on Feb. 16.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Dr. Ramakrishnan will work closely with faculty, staff and stakeholders to address regional and state needs and support student success. 

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan

“I am excited to join 91��Ƭ and contribute to its vibrant polytechnic identity,” Ramakrishnan said. “I am inspired by the ‘Do More on Day One’ spirit, and I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to lead Academic Affairs. Together, we will advance academic excellence in alignment with our core polytechnic tenets to better serve our students.”

Glendalí Rodríguez, who has served as 91��Ƭ’s provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs since 2019, will return to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.

Ramakrishnan will come to 91��Ƭ with considerable academic and administrative experience, having served as a professor, chairperson, program director, dean and associate provost (interim). During her tenure at St. Cloud State University and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, she secured or contributed significantly to securing more than $9 million in external grants, including several National Science Foundation grants, which provided scholarships in STEM, improved student success, and enhanced research infrastructure. At Commonwealth University, she established the college’s first external advisory board and empowered faculty to lead the development of the first college strategic plan.

During her interview process at 91��Ƭ, Ramakrishnan demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and excitement to lead the Academic Affairs unit in advancing 91��Ƭ’s polytechnic mission. Ramakrishnan holds a Ph.D. in physical polymer chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science; a M.S. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; and a B.S. in chemistry from the Sri Sarada College for Women. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Research Associate at Cornell University from 2000 to 2006, including a year as Epilepsy Foundation and Milken Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow.

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Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center

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91��Ƭ announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

Year of Design celebration central to 91��Ƭ's spring 2026 event schedule

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PODCAST: Chancellor Frank tells TechEd Podcast about reframing higher ed

hugginsm — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:20:00 +0000

PODCAST: Chancellor Frank tells TechEd Podcast about reframing higher edhugginsm January 23, 2026

91��Ƭ chancellor, CVTC president discuss streamlining pathways for learners

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Higher education is shifting toward a connected model where colleges and universities function as one learner ecosystem. The goal is simple: make credentials stackable, transfer predictable, and pathways flexible enough for learners to move in and out of education as their careers evolve.

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner speaks with 91��Ƭ Chancellor Katherine Frank and Chippewa Valley Technical College President Sunem Beaton-Garcia about how their institutions have developed streamlined pathways for learners that support lifelong learning.

They break down how institutions can design on-ramps and off-ramps, align programs across tech/community college and university systems, expand credit recognition, and keep partnerships active so transfer works in real life (no more “credits to nowhere”). The conversation also expands to what this shift means nationally as technology and workforce needs change rapidly.

Learn more about the Tech Ed Podcast and listen to other episodes at techedpodcast.com.

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PODCAST: Beyond the Bell highlights 91��Ƭ STEAM Summer Camps

STEAM Camps invite sixth- to 12th-grade students to delve into science, technology, engineering, design and more in Stout labs.

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91��Ƭ chancellor, CVTC president discuss reframing higher education

PODCAST: Provost Rodriguez speaks to TRANSFORMED podcast about comprehensive academic planning

Rodriguez shares how her team developed a forward-looking roadmap to guide institution

91��Ƭ chancellor, CVTC president discuss reframing higher education CVTC President Sunem Beaton-Garcia and 91��Ƭ Chancellor Katherine Frank

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91��Ƭ, CVTC are working together to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century

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Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: 91��Ƭ top story highlights of 2025

giffeyt — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: 91��Ƭ top story highlights of 2025 giffeyt January 21, 2026

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year’s notable headlines

It was a year of big things at 91��Ƭ, from breaking ground for the biggest construction project in university history to posting some of the most notable enrollment growth in the Universities of Wisconsin to being chosen as the area’s Large Business of the Year.

In 2025, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University also earned big accolades, such as being named one of America’s Best Colleges by Money Magazine for the second year in a row and made big waves by continuing to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century.

These milestones are just some of the university’s Stout Story highlights as it looks back at 2025.

Reinvigorating renovations

The university began its fall 2025 semester with a groundbreaking for the long-awaited $144.3 million Heritage Hall renovation project, which will transform the half-century-old building into a cutting-edge educational hub to help meet Wisconsin’s workforce needs. The project, which is expected to be finished in 2028, will be paid for with funding from the state as well as $13.5 million donated by university supporters, industry partners and alumni.

‘Power of Partnership’: 91��Ƭ celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Chancellor, lawmakers, community and campus leaders join to highlight project that will boost Wisconsin workforce

“The renovation of Heritage Hall is a direct reflection of our mission as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University: to provide career-focused, applied learning and research, and industry collaboration that meets the evolving needs of the state’s workforce and communities,” Chancellor Katherine Frank said.

The campus also looked forward to another major project, a $31.7 million revitalization of the Recreation Complex. Funded through the 2025-27 state budget as well as a record-setting $5 million gift, the renovations are expected to begin this year. And in October, 91��Ƭ celebrated the opening of a $1 million Esports Arena, a new high-tech home for the championship-caliber esports team.

Advances in AI

Artificial intelligence isn’t a stand-alone subject at 91��Ƭ — it’s been integrated across all programs, a 360-degree approach to create tomorrow’s AI-ready workforce.

“Equipping students from every major with AI skills is not only important but necessary,” said engineering and technology Assistant Professor Yuan Xing, who is working with applied social science Professor Tina Lee on a cross-disciplinary program focused on an AI-enhanced farming robot.

AI, fully integrated: 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all degrees

‘Equipping students from every major with AI skills is not only important but necessary.’

The university’s AI Fellows and AI Innovation Committee, led by faculty and staff, ensure AI is embedded into learning, operations and innovation, while directing AI integration, governance, ethics and literacy. Among the many examples of faculty engagement with AI include employing machine learning in engineering and manufacturing processes as well as comparing human and AI-generated written communication.

Assistant Professor Cami Banger, program director of business information technology and digital marketing technology, created a business technology class with AI “baked in,” while Professor Betsy Pudliner used AI-driven prompts to transform hospitality industry experiences into interactive online course content.

Meanwhile, a $647,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will allow 91��Ƭ’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence – CAM-AI – to provide advanced manufacturing and AI support to small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

Upgrading STEMM spaces

The completion of a two-year, $7.4 million renovation project ensured that labs in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing provide the technology, accessibility and visibility necessary for students to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management.

Some of the new equipment in labs in both Jarvis and Fryklund halls — including production-level 3D printers, a fully-integrated automated manufacturing system and more — was funded through a $3.1 million donation from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation. The gift was the result of an ongoing partnership between 91��Ƭ and the Wanek family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia.

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences

Such campus labs create space for innovation, such as work by Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald, director of the B.S. construction management program, and his students to create innovative low-carbon concrete using blast-furnace slag, which was tested in April in a campus project.

Labs also provide workspaces for students like mechanical engineering senior Heidi Benningfield, who received more than tuition and an internship through the U.S. military’s SMART Scholarship program. After graduation, she’s guaranteed a job with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, Alabama.

Other students brought research on optimizing plant growth through the use of robotics to the national stage, while a faculty-student collaboration created software for making better 3D models of priceless objects in museums from Minneapolis to Amsterdam.

Degree and university programs honored

91��Ƭ and its programs continued to rake in top rankings in 2025. Princeton Review listed 91��Ƭ’s undergraduate game design programs, which include the B.F.A. game design and development and B.S. computer science – game design concentration, No. 5 in the Midwest and No. 24 worldwide.

Game design programs ranked among international best by 2025 Princeton Review

Side gigs at Roblox, Respawn strengthen students’ skills; Stout Game Expo on May 8

91��Ƭ’s Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity was named a Top 25 Best Value Cybersecurity Degree Bachelor’s Program in the U.S. by Programs.com, the only Wisconsin program on the list. And U.S. News and World Report said 91��Ƭ had some of the Best Online Programs in the nation, including the M.S. manufacturing engineering online (Top 20 in the Midwest), the M.S. education online (Top 45 in the Midwest), and the B.S. management and leadership online (Top 15 in the Midwest).

University programs also garnered state and national honors, with the Grow, Persist, Succeed on-campus job program earning an Academic Staff Excellence Award from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents and the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute receiving the annual W.F. Faulkes Award from the National Rehabilitation Association for its nearly 60 years of helping tens of thousands of Americans with disabilities.

High-ranking services for veterans

For veterans and active military students, 91��Ƭ was named to the 2025 Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans and their families, ranking first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities.

Serving those who served: Stout among top 25 in Midwest on 2025 Best for Vets list

University lauded by Military Times for services to veterans, their families

The university was also honored as a Military Friendly® School. Its silver designation marked the 16th consecutive year the university was named a Military Friendly® School for its efforts to offer service and support to meet the needs of military students. It was also named a 2025-26 Military Spouse Friendly School.

Army ROTC Northwoods Battalion students learn leadership theory, time management skills, basic soldier skills, map reading and other skills from experienced Army leaders. 91��Ƭ has a long-standing agreement with the Air Force ROTC program at University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul – a unique agreement among Wisconsin universities – that allows students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes while completing their degrees.

Top design awards

While 91��Ƭ's School of Art & Design celebrated its 60th anniversary, students from across degree programs celebrated top wins in state, national and international competitions.

Interior design senior Khendra Thompson rose to the challenge at the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition and won with her design of a 16,000-square-foot workplace spread across two floors in a Chicago office building, beating four other finalists from a field that began with 1,600 students from across the continent.

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge.

To address the concern of microplastics in food and water, Master of Fine Arts in design student Ashley Jandro created a social awareness campaign called “MicroWhat?,” for which she received a Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Silver Pin at the Minnesota AdFed awards, sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota.

A team of four packaging students won first place among university teams from around the globe in the 2025 International Molded Fiber Association Student Competition. They created a sustainable packaging solution for a waffle iron, previously packaged in polystyrene, and replaced the components with molded fiber.

The claustrophobic, cooperative game Dread Not, in which players try to survive a sinking submarine, won the award for Best Student Entry at M+DEV, the largest game industry conference in the Midwest. Dread Not was developed by a team of 15 game design students.

With a design inspired by her adventures with her black lab, Max, studio art major Jaelyn Logterman won the 2026 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission pass design contest, announced by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Students lending a Helping Hand

Two interior design students are working to ensure their peers have a more efficient, comfortable and warm experience at Helping Hand Food+ Pantry, the university’s student pantry. Emma Walstra and Klaire Johnson, project co-leads, reimagined the pantry space to create an “atmosphere that reflects the care 91��Ƭ places in serving its students.”

Interior design program partners with Helping Hand Pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

Student design team reimagines pantry space to ensure peers have comfortable, warm experience

In a cross-disciplinary collaboration, four groups of students in a Light Construction Methods class built two raised garden beds, one raised tool bench and one raised tool holder for The Neighbors of Dunn County, a senior living home. The project was part of a service-learning activity and was launched last summer during a new STEAM camp for high school students.

A team of animation and digital media students collaborated with Dunn County Humane Society to develop a public service announcement as part of the Animation Production junior capstone class. Their 72-second 2D animated film, “Stray,” was created to help advocate for pet adoption. The informative short features Bow, a stray orange tabby cat rescued during Wisconsin’s bitter winter.

Industry-sponsored projects are standard practice

Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture sponsored multiple engineering student projects in 2025. A team of students, including Inspiring Graduates Luke Mertens and Zachary Morgan, designed an innovative nonstandard pallet stacker. Ashley Manufacturing Engineer Erik Kramer, the team’s project manager, said, “The 91��Ƭ team built a better system, a better product for us. Now, with the team’s documentation, our automation team can replicate their functional design to build six more stackers for our facilities.”

Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company’s facilities

Students also developed toolless bed connections for Ashley and worked in eight cross-disciplinary groups to research market trends, ideate preliminary designs, test materials and build professional prototypes. The class traveled to Ashley for a tour of the facility and to present their prototypes to the R&D team.

Packaging faculty and student research is poised to help Madison-based Tricky Foods deliver its tasty but temperature-sensitive charcuterie boards coast to coast. Associate Professor Kate Liu of 91��Ƭ’s packaging program worked with Tricky Foods to test the insulating abilities of two eco-friendly packaging options – one made of cornstarch, the other of recycled paper.

Three industrial and product design students were awarded a cash prize by Room & Board in exchange for the rights to produce their designs if they choose. The senior’ project focused on storage solutions for media, dining, living, entry, bathroom and kitchen systems.

Blue Devil athletes excelling

The 91��Ƭ Blue Devil women’s basketball team’s Cinderella run to the Final Four last March marked the team’s best-ever performance in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. They completed their historic season with a 23-8 record, going 10-4 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference. Senior Raegen Sorensen became 91��Ƭ's all-time leading scorer with 1,754 career points.

Blue Devil women’s basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

Records set in tenacious battle against undefeated, defending champions NYU

Gymnast Jamie Beatty delivered a historic performance at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association National Championships, capturing national titles in both the all-around and the uneven bars and being named WIAC Newcomer of the Year.

The inaugural women’s flag football team hoisted the Midwest College Women’s Flag Football League Championship trophy at the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in April. 91��Ƭ was a founding member of the collegiate league, which was kickstarted with support from the Vikings.

Women’s golf took the WIAC conference championship, where they triumphed by a near-record margin. Sophomore Julia Imai and junior Brin Neumann placed first and second individually.

Blue Devils football made history at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium, earning the program’s first-ever postseason victory with a 31-23 win over Washington University in the Culver's Isthmus Bowl. 91��Ƭ finishes the season 6-5 for their second straight winning season.

Officer Harvey: University Police therapy-dog-in-training is already warming hearts

The newest police officer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is also the department’s furriest.

BONUS: Introducing Officer Harvey

Officer Harvey, a therapy dog in training, joined 91��Ƭ's University Police as its newest member in March. Once Harvey is fully trained, he will serve University Police by assisting people experiencing mental health crises as well as victims of crime and will help the department bridge the gap with members of the community, said University Police Chief Gregory Kalosis.

University Highlights

All University Highlights News

91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals

Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

Students get hands-on access to specimens through 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s unique on-campus lab

Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year’s notable headlines Dignitaries with shovels at Heritage Hall groundbreaking

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Our Polytechnic Advantage

Incredible employment rates. Guaranteed practical experience. Industry-aligned facilities. Tuition discount for South Dakota residents.

Inspiring Graduates Share Their 91��Ƭ Polytechnic Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

Hero Caption: Representatives from the campus, community and state took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking.

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Doctoral student’s AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor’s seasonal greeting card

giffeyt — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Doctoral student’s AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor’s seasonal greeting cardgiffeyt January 8, 2026

Like her artwork, educator’s dissertation explores using AI to supplement student creativity

Tom Giffey

For more than 125 years, University of Wisconsin-Stout’s stately Bowman Hall and its distinctive clock tower have served as landmarks for the campus and the community.

This holiday season, they provided artistic inspiration for a doctoral student who designed an annual greeting card sent by 91��Ƭ Chancellor Katherine Frank to hundreds of recipients. The image — created with a combination of digital tools, including an artificial intelligence assistant — shows the familiar campus building reimagined as a glowing 3D blueprint.

Desiah Melby / Contributed photo

“I wanted the design to capture both my student experience and the character of 91��Ƭ,” explained Desiah Melby of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, who is pursuing an Ed.D. in career and technical education leadership. “My mind went to the clock tower — but I wanted to reimagine it to reflect the changes in education right now!”

Among those ongoing changes is the use of AI in higher education, which Melby is examining as part of her doctoral dissertation as well as in her professional career at Mid-State Technical College, which has four central Wisconsin campuses. Melby is a communications instructor at Mid-State, where she teaches courses in writing, literature, workplace communication and technical reporting while also leading institutional initiatives around AI integration in teaching, learning and faculty development.

91��Ƭ’s iconic Bowman Hall in winter.

‘A Blueprint for the Future’

“We are excited about this year’s design, which shows, through student work, what it means to learn at a polytechnic university,” stated Frank, who sends out the seasonal cards annually. “Desiah’s design is the result of applied research and learning. What she has produced tells a story about the tangible results of a polytechnic education that have an impact today through the card’s design and message, and will continue to impact students through the innovative educational experience that Desiah creates in her own classroom well into the future.”

This is the third year that 91��Ƭ students have been invited to submit designs for the chancellor’s seasonal card. Melby learned about the contest through a campus email, and she pursued the opportunity to connect her current academic pursuit with her personal curiosity and creativity.

“This design reimagines 91��Ƭ’s iconic Bowman Hall clock tower as a glowing, holographic blueprint — blending history with innovation,” Melby wrote in an artist’s statement. “The tower honors the university’s proud traditions, while the futuristic aesthetic reflects its role as Wisconsin’s only polytechnic and its forward-facing embrace of technology, creativity and applied learning.”

In addition to the artist’s statement, the card carried the phrase “A Blueprint for the Future” emblazoned on its front.

Melby’s creative process integrated both traditional and cutting-edge processes. After sketching an initial concept by hand, she refined the composition using a photograph in Adobe Illustrator. Next, she uploaded the image to Midjourney, a generative AI service, where she used iterative prompting to reach the holographic-style blueprint style she was seeking. From there, Melby brought the image into Photoshop, where she adjusted the color palettes, layout and background until she was satisfied with the result.

“For me, the refinement stage is always the most enjoyable: adjusting compositional balance, nudging elements and reworking details,” she said. “That’s the ‘play’ part of the process.”

Supporting creativity with technology

A close-up of the image created by doctoral candidate Desiah Melby for the chancellor's annual seasonal card. / Submitted image

Melby completed her M.S. education with an emphasis in curriculum and instructional design at 91��Ƭ in 2023, and soon after decided to pursue her doctorate at 91��Ƭ as well.

“My master’s experiences left me with a sense that my work wasn’t finished — I knew there were deeper questions I wanted to explore, especially around educational leadership, instructional design and emerging technologies,” Melby said. 91��Ƭ’s Ed.D. program was a “perfect fit,” she explained. She is now writing her doctoral dissertation and expects to graduate in May.

“Crucially, the program lets me focus on my professional passions: innovative pedagogy, workforce preparation and the evolving landscape of digital learning,” she said. “It has also informed much of the work I am doing both in my classroom and leading AI in teaching and learning at my college.”

As a full-time faculty member and committee leader at Mid-State, Melby is grateful that 91��Ƭ’s online model has allowed her the flexibility to integrate what she’s learning into her professional life. “Instead of education happening outside of my work, it has genuinely shaped the work I do every day,” she said.

Likewise, both her work in the classroom and her academic interests lie at the intersection of traditional and AI-enhanced methods. “My dissertation examines how integrating AI tools into first-year writing instruction influences student perceptions of writing, confidence and learning,” she said. “I created a curriculum model that integrates AI literacy, workplace use cases and ethics into writing instruction. Instead of replacing critical thinking, I believe that AI can serve as a scaffold — supporting brainstorming, revision and idea development — when students are taught to use it transparently, responsibly and with academic integrity.”

Melby said she is surprised that her design was chosen but is grateful for the opportunity to represent her educational journey at 91��Ƭ in a unique way.

“This project embodies the heart of my dissertation: student learning and creativity supported by technology,” she said. “I used digital tools to extend, not replace, my artistic intent — much like I ask students to use AI to extend their thinking and writing, not bypass it. The design is my practical demonstration of human creativity augmented by thoughtful technological choices, which is exactly the paradigm I believe education must embrace.”

Designer’s Statement
“This design reimagines 91��Ƭ’s iconic Bowman Hall clock tower as a glowing, holographic blueprint — blending history with innovation. The tower honors the university’s proud traditions, while the futuristic aesthetic reflects Stout’s role as Wisconsin’s only polytechnic and its forward-facing embrace of technology, creativity, and applied learning.
“I created this piece in collaboration with an AI design assistant, making the creative process itself a reflection of Stout’s identity — where human vision and emerging technologies meet. This choice is also deeply connected to my doctoral research, which focuses on how AI can enhance education and workforce readiness. By incorporating AI into my creative process, I extend my scholarly work into the artistic realm.”
Desiah Melby (’22)
Ed.D. Career & Technical Education Leadership Communications Instructor
Mid-State Technical College

School of Education

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Construction camp introduces young students to careers, degree paths

Tour led by Boldt Company in Chippewa Falls gives campers a behind-the-scenes look at construction site

Inspiring Graduate: Kloie Potts, B.S. Family & Consumer Sciences Education

Shaping students’ futures through real-world applications

Like her artwork, educator’s dissertation explores using AI to supplement student creativity Seasonal card 2025 on white background

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Do you want to provide vision, direction, and leadership in high schools, technical colleges, or universities? Our highest awarded degree is for you.

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Hero Caption: Using a combination of digital tools, Desiah Melby created this image of Bowman Hall that was used in Chancellor Katherine Frank’s annual seasonal greeting card.

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10 Favorite 91��Ƭ Photos of 2025

goersab — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:50:00 +0000

10 Favorite 91��Ƭ Photos of 2025goersab December 23, 2025

StoutFam voted for their favorite!

We asked our StoutFam community to vote for their favorite 91��Ƭ photo of 2025, based on our university photographer's, videographer's and social media manager's 10 favorite photos of the year.

And the results are in! "Women's Flag Football Champions" is this year's winner (pictured above and below), followed by a close second place, "A Walk Past Harvey Hall," with just one vote separating the two!

Jack, Zach and Rachel love to share these moments that capture life at Stout – they take literally tens of thousands of photos each year. Their favorites this year circle around outdoor activities, science lab experiences and student gatherings.

Thank you for taking the time to celebrate our campus with us!

Women's Flag Football Champions

The Blue Devils women’s flag football team celebrates their inaugural season championship.

A Walk Past Harvey Hall

Two students enjoy a spring day on campus, walking past Harvey Hall.

Chemistry Lab Research

A student pours a solution into a beaker, progressing their research in a chemistry lab.

A Video Production Interview

Students in a Video Production introductory class use the Sorensen Hall studio to learn how to set up a professional interview set.

Outdoor Printmaking

Two students carry a freshly steamrolled relief print to hang-dry near the bell memorial outside of the Applied Arts Building.

Recess Concert at WOO

The band, Recess, performs at Fireside Cafe during Week One Orientation events.

A Proud Stout Grad

A Stout graduate poses in front of the iconic Clock Tower.

Zoology Lab

Two students in a Zoology class are having a great time during their squid and clam dissection lab.

Student Athletes

Student athletes walk to practice together during the first week of class.

Butterfly Sculpture

Students display a butterfly sculpture in a tree outside of Applied Arts

Bonus Photo: Whitetail Buck at Bowman Hall

This photo was taken by 91��Ƭ Police Officer Samantha McCluskey, while safely moving a group of deer off campus for people’s safety.

University Highlights

All University Highlights News

91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

Chancellor Frank joins other Universities of Wisconsin leaders to discuss Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin proposals

Cadaver Lab trains future medical professionals through STEAM camps, high school programs

Students get hands-on access to specimens through 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s unique on-campus lab

Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

StoutFam voted for their favorite! Women's flag football champions

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10 Favorite 91��Ƭ Photos of 2024

StoutFam voted for their favorite!

Hero Caption: Voted 2025's favorite: Blue Devils hoist their championship trophy at the inaugural Midwest College Women’s Flag Football League Championship.

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Marketing Communications

Leading 91��Ƭ's marketing  and communications

Our Mission

We lead and implement marketing communications, strategies and research to help drive 91��Ƭ's enrollment, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.  

Marketing Communications (MarCom) works collaboratively across campus to lead campus-wide marketing strategies through:

Development and implementation of strategic marketing plans and campaigns that support a wide variety of campus goals
Oversight of branding guidelines, imagery, and our internet presence
Engagement of students, donors, and partners through the effective implementation of story-telling via news stories, web, publications, email campaigns, advertising, social media, and video
Data and research to help inform strategic decision-making
Leadership, education, and outreach with various campus committees and constituencies

Request Marketing Services

Faculty and staff can submit requests for marketing support related to following needs through MarCom's StoutCloud services page.

Design/Print Requests
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Email Design Requests
Photo or Video Requests
Faculty & Staff Profile Support

Visit the MarCom StouTCloud Services Page

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Marketing Communications

Office: 301 Sorensen Hall

715-232-5409

Email: marcom@uwstout.edu

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The following student positions are available on the MarCom team:

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Please email web content and page development requests to webmaster@uwstout.edu.

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Op-Ed: Reframing Higher Education

giffeyt — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Op-Ed: Reframing Higher Educationgiffeyt September 16, 2025

91��Ƭ, CVTC are working together to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century

By Dr. Katherine Frank, Chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Stout
and Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President of Chippewa Valley Technical College

As leaders of institutions committed to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals, we find ourselves aligned as regional partners at a decisive moment in the evolution of American higher education. We acknowledge that higher education is changing, that this is a good thing, and that we are uniquely positioned to reframe what higher education means in a 21st-century economy.

In place of perceived rigid educational silos, a more dynamic ecosystem is emerging. One where credentials are increasingly stackable, learning is lifelong, and value is measured not solely by credit hours earned but by competencies gained and career opportunities unlocked at different points in time and flexible to learners. This is particularly true at the intersection of technical education as offered at Chippewa Valley Technical College and polytechnic learning and research at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Together, our institutions serve as launchpads for students and professionals of all backgrounds to enter the workforce, upskill, or transition into new careers. Our aligned missions are not just to educate, but also to connect education directly to employment. Whether a student is earning an industry certification, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a graduate degree, the ultimate goals remains the same: to make the on and off ramps for students seamless as they navigate educational pathways, and to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills and experience to thrive in today’s — and tomorrow’s — economy.

What sets technical colleges like CVTC and polytechnic universities like 91��Ƭ apart is our intentional focus on aligning learning with labor market demand across our entire program array. We are uniquely equipped to translate credits into careers and experience into impact. From advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to healthcare and clean energy technologies, our institutions respond rapidly to evolving industry needs and emerging technologies such as the integration of artificial intelligence and automation.

Moreover, we are actively breaking down barriers between credentials by recognizing a wider range of qualifications. The future of higher education is not linear. It’s modular, flexible, and deeply connected to industry. A student may start with a short-term credential and then stack that into an associate degree at a technical college, and go on to pursue a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree at a polytechnic university — all while working and gaining real-world experience. This fluidity is no longer the exception; it’s the new norm through strong transfer agreements and program alignment between CVTC and 91��Ƭ.

As we look to the future, higher education must be reframed. Not as a one-size-fits-all model rooted in tradition, but as an agile, inclusive system that meets learners where they are and takes them where they want to go. Credentials must be transparent, portable, and a return on investment. Equally important, every student must see a clear connection among what they are learning today, the opportunities that await them tomorrow, and the impact they will have on society.

This is where our institutions excel. At the heart of our work is a shared belief that education should be transformational for the individual learner, their families, their communities, and the broader economy. Our institutions are not just adapting to change; we are driving it.

It’s time to reframe higher education. The future isn’t about competing models; it’s about complementary missions that support all learners, at every stage, and help them turn their education into a lifelong advantage. Together, we are building a model that is more responsive, equitable, and aligned with the needs of a rapidly changing world.

As we welcome new and continuing students this fall, and into the future, we do so with pride in our shared commitment to the communities we serve. Our campuses are more than places of learning. They are engines of opportunity and hubs of innovation. Together we are catalysts for a stronger, more vibrant future for all.

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Op-Ed: Reframing Higher Education

91��Ƭ, CVTC are working together to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century

Op-Ed: The Unmatched Value of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

Chancellor Katherine Frank discusses the importance of polytechnic universities after the Board of Regents modified RPD 1-1 to recognize 91��Ƭ.

91��Ƭ, CVTC are working together to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century 91��Ƭ Chancellor Frank and CVTC President Beaton-Garcia

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Hero Caption: Dr. Katherine Frank, 91��Ƭ chancellor, right, and Dr. Sunem Beaton Garcia, president of Chippewa Valley Technical College, at a Sept. 15 ribbon-cutting at CVTC’s Menomonie campus.

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Learn about the Chancellor's Office, who we are, and what we do.

The Chancellor’s Office provides leadership to the university in fulfilling its Mission, Goals and Strategic Initiatives. The office is the primary contact with the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents, local and state government leaders, business and industry and is active in developing and maintaining close relationships with alumni and donors.

Chancellor Katherine P. Frank

Katherine P. Frank became the eighth chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Stout, after a distinguished career.

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News

91��Ƭ Polytechnic announces budget proposals to build state workforce, next generation of businesses

Applied Learning & Research

Business & Industry Collaboration

Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to 91��Ƭ Polytechnic accolades

Blue Devil grads get blue-chip jobs with Fortune 500 firms

Money Magazine names Stout one of America’s 2025 Best Colleges, second year in a row

University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic amends name to reflect longstanding applied, career focus

New name emphasizes polytechnic advantage

Name evolves, mission continues

Op-Ed: The Unmatched Value of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University

91��Ƭ honored for strong support of employees in National Guard and Reserve

Stout saluted as 2025 Military Friendly School for servicemembers, veterans, spouses

Veteran Services

91��Ƭ announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

Provost's Office

PODCAST: Chancellor Frank tells TechEd Podcast about reframing higher ed

Op-Ed: Reframing Higher Education

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: 91��Ƭ top story highlights of 2025

Reinvigorating renovations

‘Power of Partnership’: 91��Ƭ celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Advances in AI

AI, fully integrated: 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all degrees

Upgrading STEMM spaces

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Degree and university programs honored

Game design programs ranked among international best by 2025 Princeton Review

High-ranking services for veterans

Serving those who served: Stout among top 25 in Midwest on 2025 Best for Vets list

Top design awards

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Students lending a Helping Hand

Interior design program partners with Helping Hand Pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

Industry-sponsored projects are standard practice

Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Blue Devil athletes excelling

Blue Devil women’s basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

Officer Harvey: University Police therapy-dog-in-training is already warming hearts

BONUS: Introducing Officer Harvey

Our Polytechnic Advantage

Inspiring Graduates Share Their 91��Ƭ Polytechnic Experiences

Doctoral student’s AI-enhanced artwork featured on chancellor’s seasonal greeting card

‘A Blueprint for the Future’

Supporting creativity with technology

Designer’s Statement

Ed.D. Career & Technical Education Leadership Online

10 Favorite 91��Ƭ Photos of 2025

10 Favorite 91��Ƭ Photos of 2024

Our Mission

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Op-Ed: Reframing Higher Education

Chancellor Katherine P. Frank

Chancellor's Office Staff

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