University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
| Type | State university |
|---|---|
| Established | 1894 |
Academic staff | Over 400 |
| Students | 8,700 |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | Small town, 400 acres (1.6 km²) |
| Colors | Purple & Gold |
| Nickname | Pointers |
| Mascot | Stevie and Stephanie Pointer |
| Website | http://www.uwsp.edu |
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (also known as UW-Stevens Point or UWSP) is a public university located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System, and grants baccalaureate, associate, and master's degrees.
History
UWSP opened its doors in 1894 as Stevens Point Normal School after securing land and funding from the city of Stevens Point and the county. In addition to teacher preparation, "domestic science" (home economics) and conservation education were offered; the latter formed the basis for the College of Natural Resources, nationally recognized for undergraduate and graduate training in natural resources.
In 1927 Stevens Point Normal School became Central State Teachers College and began offering four-year teaching degrees. When post-World War II enrollment became less centered on teacher training and more focused on liberal arts education, the Wisconsin State Legislature intervened, elevating the school to a Wisconsin State College with the authority to grant bachelor's degrees in liberal arts.
Ever larger numbers of students in the 1950s and 1960s led to construction on campus throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. It was during this period, in 1964, that the college became a Wisconsin State University and began offering graduate degrees. Again in the 1970s the school's name changed from WSU-SP to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point after the two state university systems merged. Lee S. Dreyfus became Chancellor in 1974 before going on to become the state of Wisconsin's 40th Governor. Governor Dreyfus was inaugurated on the lawn in front of Old Main on the UWSP campus in 1979.
The campus played host to the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League for their first training camp in 1995. It was part of what was known as the Cheese League, a collection of teams that hold training camp in Wisconsin. Beginning in 1996, the Jaguars have held their training camp in Jacksonville.
UWSP has graduated over 70,000 students since opening its doors. Over 40,000 of these alumni live in Wisconsin.
Radio Station
WWSP-FM is the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's alternative radio station. It is the largest student operated radio station in the entire Midwest. It broadcasts commercial free on 89.9FM 365 days per year from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (with summer hours of 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.)
WWSP hosts the world's largest trivia contest, which was founded in 1969 and has since become a long-standing tradition for both the university and the entire community. Hundreds of teams with thousands of members participate in the contest every year, usually in April.
In addition to the radio station, UWSP also has a campus television station, STV.
Notable alumni
- Mel Laird, U.S. Secretary of Defense (attended)
- Lawrence Eagleburger, U.S. Secretary of State (attended)
- Terry Porter, NBA player and coach
- Ryan Brehm, (attended, transferred from Montana Tech, Butte, MT), Cross Country Commentator
- Andrea Anders, Television Star
- Clint Kriewaldt, NFL player (attended)
- Brad Soderberg, Former men's head basketball coach, Saint Louis University
- John A. List, University of Chicago economist
- Michael Dombeck, Former U.S. Forest Service Chief (currently teaches)
- Tim Bedore Comedian
- Kathy Kinney, Television star, most notable for portraying Mimi on the Drew Carey Show
- Laura Osnes, Actress, Winner of the role of Sandy in "Grease: You're The One That I Want" (attended)
- Patrick Rothfuss, Author of the fantasy novel The Name of the Wind (currently teaches)
External links
