University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Name	University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Established	1956
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$258.1 million (2022)
Chancellor	Mark Mone
Academic staff	1,548 (Fall 2022)
Students	21,921 (Fall 2023)
City	Milwaukee
State	Wisconsin
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 104 acres (main campus)
Colors	Black & Gold
Nickname	Panthers
Affiliations	University of Wisconsin System, Urban 13
Website	uwm.edu

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. It is a public research university and the largest institution in the University of Wisconsin System within the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Founded in 1956 through the merger of existing institutions, it is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The university is known for its strong programs in architecture, freshwater sciences, and nursing, serving a diverse student body on an urban campus.

History

The institution was created by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 1956, merging the Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee (formerly Milwaukee State Normal School) with the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Milwaukee extension center. This action followed decades of advocacy by local leaders, including Frank Zeidler, to establish a public university in the city. A significant early development was the 1964 opening of its Kenwood campus, designed by architect A. Epstein. The university later joined the University of Wisconsin System upon its creation in 1971. Throughout the late 20th century, it expanded its research mission and physical footprint, absorbing the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee at Waukesha in 2018.

Campus

The main campus is located in Milwaukee's residential East Side neighborhood, anchored by the landmark Golda Meir Library. Notable facilities include the School of Freshwater Sciences building on Greenfield Avenue, the Lubar College of Business, and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning. The university also operates the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Field Station in the Cedarburg Bog and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee at Washington County in West Bend. The Manfred Olson Planetarium and the Union Cinema are key cultural venues. Campus architecture ranges from mid-century modern designs to contemporary structures like the Kenwood Interdisciplinary Research Complex.

Academics

It is organized into multiple colleges, including the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Peck School of the Arts. The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare and the Joseph J. Zilber College of Public Health are also prominent. The university offers numerous doctoral programs and is particularly recognized for its School of Information Studies. Professional programs in the College of Health Sciences and the College of Nursing are highly regarded. It maintains academic partnerships with institutions like the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Research

Designated an R1 research institution, it is a leader in freshwater science research through its School of Freshwater Sciences and the Great Lakes WATER Institute. The Center for 21st Century Studies fosters interdisciplinary scholarship. Significant research occurs in the fields of advanced manufacturing, public health, and urban studies. The university manages federal research centers in collaboration with agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. The Electrochemistry and Corrosion Laboratory and the Institute for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation are other key research units.

Student life

Student life is centered around the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Student Union and over 300 student organizations, including chapters of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The annual Pantherfest concert and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Lecture Series are major events. Students participate in governance through the Student Association of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The campus media includes the UWM Post newspaper and WUWM, a National Public Radio affiliate. Fraternities and sororities are governed by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panhellenic Association.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, the Milwaukee Panthers, compete in the NCAA Division I Horizon League. The men's basketball team has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The women's basketball and soccer programs have also achieved conference success. Teams play at venues like the UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Klotsche Center. The university also fields teams in baseball, softball, and swimming and diving.

Notable alumni and faculty

Notable alumni include astronaut James S. Voss, actor Gene Wilder, and former Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir. Business leaders like Sandy Greenberg of Discovery World and politician Gwen Moore are also graduates. The faculty has included Nobel laureate in physics Jack Steinberger, poet Mona Van Duyn, and architect Gunnar Birkerts. Other distinguished former faculty include historian John Gurda and anthropologist Ruth Landes.

Category:University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Category:Universities and colleges in Wisconsin Category:Public universities and colleges in Wisconsin