UWM University Center to open on WCTC campus offering expanded access to bachelor’s degrees

“This is what the future of higher education looks like in meeting the needs of local business and industry, and we’re so pleased to build a model for Wisconsin with our closest partner, UWM." -- WCTC President Rich Barnhouse.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Tuesday, June 17, 2025) – Waukesha County Technical College is excited to welcome the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to campus, expanding access to higher education at the baccalaureate level, with the opening of the UWM University Center at WCTC. 

The center will focus on helping students stay local for their education from associate to bachelor's degree. Students beginning their associate degree can explore and plan for future bachelor's degree options at UWM. Associate degree graduates will learn how to best leverage their existing credentials, and individuals with some college credit can work with an advisor to find the most efficient path to a bachelor's degree – right in their community.

>> On Friday, June 20 at 1 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the new UWM University Center, located on WCTC’s main Pewaukee campus, Building L, Room L-117. The event will mark the grand opening of the center and will include a brief program, remarks from UWM and WCTC leaders as well as legislators, and a tour of the facility. Media are welcome to attend.

New level of collaboration

The opening of the center signifies a new level of collaboration between two of Wisconsin's premier higher education institutions. While WCTC and UWM have worked together for many years, this significantly broadens their joint efforts by offering accessible, affordable UWM bachelor's degree completion options right in the heart of Waukesha County.

“UWM and WCTC have a longstanding relationship of more than 20 years, and the new UWM University Center at WCTC exemplifies our continued commitment to student success and providing access to affordable higher education in Waukesha County,” UWM Chancellor Mark Mone said. “This center will make it easier for students to advance their education and pursue their career goals.” 

The University Center model enhances the ability of students in Waukesha County to earn a bachelor's degree from UWM. 

The physical office space will serve as a resource to students for information about UWM and will allow for a smoother transition from WCTC to UWM. As part of the transfer credit agreement between UWM and WCTC, which was signed in January 2024, associate degree holders are guaranteed streamlined admission to UWM, including the transfer of at least 60 credits. In addition to advising current and prospective WCTC students, the University Center can assist WCTC alumni and former students who didn’t complete their associates degree.  

Depending on their major, students can complete their bachelor's degree at the UWM University Center at WCTC, the main UWM campus, online or through hybrid options. This fall, the UWM University Center at WCTC offerings will focus on social work, information science and technology, and business – with the goal to eventually add several more programs in the future. 

Enhanced access to education strengthens workforce

WCTC and UWM are working in tandem to enhance students' access to furthering their education, thereby strengthening the workforce, WCTC President and CEO Rich Barnhouse said. 

“This is what the future of higher education looks like in meeting the needs of local business and industry, and we’re so pleased to build a model for Wisconsin with our closest partner, UWM,” Barnhouse said.

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow strongly supports the creation of the University Center, saying it will positively impact the region.

“By offering a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the evolving demands of the workforce, the UWM University Center aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in competitive fields,” Farrow said. “This highlights the county’s commitment to educational excellence and economic growth.”

For details about the new UWM University Center at WCTC, visit the center’s webpage. 

About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has an ambitious mission as both a top-tier research university and an access institution, striving to ensure that students have equitable opportunities to earn a college degree. UWM educates a diverse student body of more than 22,000 students from 88 countries. About 41% of its undergraduates are first-generation college students. Its unique and top-rated programs include Wisconsin’s only accredited schools of architecture and public health, the only North American school dedicated solely to freshwater sciences and a film program ranked among the top 50 in the world. It has the largest and top-rated online education program in Wisconsin. UW-Milwaukee partners with leading companies to conduct joint research, promote entrepreneurship, provide student internships and serve as an economic engine for southeastern Wisconsin. The Princeton Review named UW-Milwaukee a 2024 “Best Midwestern” university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews.  

UWM media contact: media-services-team@uwm.edu

WCTC media contact: mnelson63@wctc.edu