WAUSAU – The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Northcentral Technical College on Sept. 10 announced a partnership between the two local colleges that will relocate the UWSP at Wausau campus on Stewart Avenue to NTC’s campus on College Drive.
Relocation will allow the colleges to share space, programming and community engagement and to use each college’s strengths to support the regional economy, according to a news release announcing the partnership. NTC will continue to offer associate’s degrees and UWSP at Wausau will offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees at NTC beginning with the 2026 fall semester.
“UW-Stevens Point and NTC are long-standing partners that have created successful programs for students within the region,” Pratima Gandhi, interim UWSP Chancellor, said in the release. “An expanded partnership presents the opportunity to build on these successes, further enriching the educational experience for students while benefiting the northcentral Wisconsin area.”
How will the partnership impact UWSP students?
UWSP will continue to offer instruction in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau following the full implementation of the partnership, according to the release. UWSP plans to increase degree programs in high-demand fields including health care and business as a result of the partnership including a surgical technician program already in discussion, according to the release.
“NTC and UWSP have shared a strong and lasting partnership, and this next step deepens our commitment to the students and communities we serve,” Jeannie Worden, NTC president, said in the release. “This collaboration aligns with NTC’s Strategic Plan by expanding educational opportunities, keeping talent local and strengthening our region’s workforce.”
UWSP students will gain access to resources and facilities available to NTC students that include state-of-the-art laboratories, student support services and extracurricular activities, according to the release. The two colleges already have 26 programs with “articulation agreements” in place to allow students to transfer credits from those programs to either school, according to the UWSP website.
“Students will have a seamless connection between UWSP and NTC,” Miranda Gentry-Siegel, Wausau Campus executive, said in the release. “Advisers from both schools will work together to find options that fit students’ interest and finances.”
How do leaders say the partnership benefits both colleges?
The release lists six benefits of the partnership for both colleges. These benefits include:
“UWSP and NTC are being good stewards of taxpayer dollars by working together towards the state’s degree attainment goals,” Gandhi said. “The partnership will further prepare students for Wisconsin’s workforce by developing programs that fit regional business and industry needs.”
What will happen to the UWSP at Wausau buildings and properties?
A working group including UWSP officials and Marathon County Board supervisors helped guide the two colleges toward the expanded partnership and will continue discussions on the future use of UWSP at Wausau facilities on Stewart Avenue. The three properties − which contain the main campus building, the UW Center for Civic Engagement, the fieldhouse and arts buildings, and a former dorm building − are all owned by Marathon County.
“Discussions on partnerships between higher education institutions in Wausau and county buildings have been part of a collaborative effort between UWSP and representatives from the county,” Kurt Gibbs, Marathon County Board chair, said in the release.
UWSP and Marathon County will meet this fall to discuss the future of UWSP at Wausau campus buildings. The university will continue to use the buildings through December 2026 allowing 16 months of planning for their next use.
Will programs or positions be eliminated?
The most significant changes resulting from the partnership will not impact students until the 2026-27 school year, according to the UWSP website. While the enhanced partnership will mostly add opportunities for students, both schools will work to eliminate positions or programs that are duplicated between the colleges and UWSP at Wausau will no longer offer competitive athletic programs, however, intramural and club sports programs will remain and will likely expand.
Faculty and staff who work at the UWSP at Wausau campus may see reductions in their positions but will be given the opportunity to connect with other positions at UWSP or through Marathon County, according to the website.
“Our community truly has it all with outstanding K-12 education, innovative businesses, generous philanthropic partners and exceptional higher education institutions,” Worden said. “By working together, we ensure that northcentral Wisconsin remains a place where students, families and employers can thrive.”
Planning and implementation of details of the expanded partnership between the colleges will continue through the coming months, according to the website.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: UW-Stevens Point at Wausau plans move to NTC campus as part of partnership
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Wausau Daily Herald / Wausau Daily Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
