Collaboration leads to new
manufacturing engineering program

Leaders of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, UW-Stout and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College signed a groundbreaking agreement Tuesday, Feb. 19 to offer a new manufacturing engineering degree to students from the New North region. The signing ceremony on the NWTC campus was well-attended by local and state elected officials, the news media and officials from the three campuses. UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard said the new degree program meets the changing economic needs of the state.

UW-Stout Chancellor Charles Sorensen traveled across the state to attend the signing ceremony at NWTC.

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard said the collaborative manufacturing engineering program is an excellent example of how the state's universities and technical colleges can work together.

The audience attending the signing ceremony at NWTC's Manufacturing Technology Center listens to Chancellor Shepard.

Among those participating in the signing ceremony were Dan Clancy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System, and UW Regents Mary Quinnette Cuene and Judy Crain. Cuene also serves as president of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

NWTC President Jeffrey Rafn said the new manufacturing engineering program will allow residents of the New North region to complete their engineering studies close to home.

State and local officials and representatives of the three campuses pose for a group photo during the signing ceremony. Included in the group were state Rep. Tom Nelson, Rep. Karl Van Roy, Rep. Jim Soletski and Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.

From left, President Rafn, Chancellor Shepard and Chancellor Sorensen sign the agreement to establish the manufacturing engineering program.

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sue Hammersmith (center) also attended the signing ceremony, representing UW-Green Bay.