Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Approves University of Wisconsin–Stout Polytechnic as New Name for Menomonie Campus
The university’s polytechnic identity positions graduates for success
MILWAUKEE, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has approved a new name for the Menomonie campus – University of Wisconsin–Stout Polytechnic.
The unanimous vote Thursday occurred at the Board’s meeting in Milwaukee.
“Employers increasingly seek graduates who can contribute on day one, and UW-Stout 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 UW-Stout Polytechnic degree,” said 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.”
UW-Stout Polytechnic is among the 3 percent of universities nationally with a polytechnic designation.
“At a time when the relevance of higher education is being questioned by many, UW-Stout 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 Chancellor Katherine Frank. “Our distinctiveness as a university is now called out in our name, and we are proud to be UW-Stout Polytechnic.”
The “Polytechnic” in UW-Stout Polytechnic signifies a university model that blends rigorous academics with applied learning, industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences, which ensures students graduate not only with knowledge but also with the ability to apply it immediately in the workforce. These three pillars form what UW-Stout Polytechnic calls its “Polytechnic Advantage,” a comprehensive educational approach designed to connect theory with practice and prepare graduates to solve real-world challenges. The university emphasizes hands-on, experiential education.
Through partnerships with hundreds of businesses and organizations, UW-Stout Polytechnic integrates industry insight into its curriculum and provides students with opportunities to work on sponsored projects using professional-grade technology. Students routinely engage with industry leaders – including through internships, co-ops, and research opportunities – gaining valuable experience and feedback while building professional networks that begin long before graduation.
To learn more about UW-Stout Polytechnic and the Polytechnic Advantage, visit UWStout.edu.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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