Increased enrollment, unconditional reaccreditation, the construction of a Student Recreation and Wellness Center and a 400-stall parking ramp, national attention resulting from awarding honorary doctorates to the Mercury 13 women, and the addition of new programs and certificates are just some of the successes of the 2006-2007 academic year highlighted in the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s annual report.

“Despite a series of budget cuts and tuition increases since 2000, UW Oshkosh has had many remarkable accomplishments in the past seven years,” said Chancellor Richard H. Wells. “While we are proud of our many successes, perhaps the best news in many years is the state’s investment in the University’s role in the Wisconsin Growth Agenda. As a result, we will be able to hire up to 24 new faculty members and have received $97 million of facilities construction funding authorization. It is a very exciting time to study, work and live at UW Oshkosh.”

Among the highlights outlined in the annual report are:

• UW Oshkosh has seen larger enrollments and an increased number of students of color and adult students, as well as higher retention rates for first-year students. Overall headcount enrollment has increased by 8.6 percent to 12,700. Meanwhile, degrees conferred increased 19.9 percent with an all-time record of 2053 degrees awarded in 2007.
• The University has received more grants and gifts than ever before. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation saw pledges increase from $1.7 million in 2000-2001 annually to $4.4 million in 2006-2007 and is estimating that nearly $9 million will be raised in 2007-2008.
• Students attending UW Oshkosh are more academically prepared. More than 21 percent more students are from the top 25 percent of their high school class.
• UW Oshkosh has added new academic majors, graduate certificate programs and baccalaureate degree completion programs. New programs include majors in theatre arts and environmental studies; an Accelerated Math and Science Teacher Education Program in collaboration with five UW colleges; 11 new graduate certificates; a collaborative master’s degree in social work with UW-Green Bay; an accelerated bachelor’s degree program for non-nursing graduates; a MBA Foundations Online Program; and the state’s first bachelor of applied studies degree.
• The University has enhanced its facilities by completing more than $100 million in building projects, including classroom and lab upgrades; renovations to several buildings; a $21 million Student Recreation and Wellness Center; and a $7.7 million, 400-stall parking ramp.
• UW Oshkosh has received the nod from the state for another $100 million in capital improvements, including a new $48 million academic building – the first on campus since 1971; a new $8.5 million Elmwood Student Support, Development and Referral Center; a new $34 million Residence Hall; and a new $6.3 million Facilities Maintenance Center.

“We are pleased to report that UW Oshkosh continues to provide high-quality education to the residents of northeast Wisconsin’s New North,” said Wells. “As we look to the future, thanks to the Governor and the Legislature and the investment of private donors, we expect to even further enhance the educational experiences of our students, which is vital to the economic development of the region.”

In addition to these successes, UW Oshkosh entered the initial phase of its pride.promise.purpose capital campaign, the first such campaign in the University’s history.

“The University is in better alignment with the needs of the region, its residents, businesses and communities,” said Wells. “As a result, we are receiving greater support from private donors, as evidenced by the nearly $9 million raised during the last year – nearly twice the previous fundraising record. It is imperative that we continue to receive that support, especially with regard to the $8.6 million needed to match the state’s funding for a new, state-of-the-art academic building.”

To view the entire UW Oshkosh annual report, visit http://www.uwosh.edu/strategicplan/chancellor/0607highlights.php.