UWSP at Marshfield looks to the future

For University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Marshfield student Olivia Spencer, her campus offers the best of both worlds – a quality four-year educational experience yet affordable with small class sizes and a close-knit campus family. 

“It’s been a really positive experience,” said the Marshfield resident and first-year nursing student. “I didn’t feel ready to move from home yet and this way I kept my summer job and saved money. I am enjoying my classes, and the professors have been great. They get to know you well and are here for me when I have questions or need help.” 

While UWSP at Marshfield has seen many changes over the years, the focus on students has remained. Despite a loss in the number of high school dual-enrollment students, there is growth in the number of first year and transfer students. Retention has increased by 12 percent over the last year, and efforts to reimagine that dual enrollment program are underway. 

“UWSP at Marshfield is doing well,” said Campus Executive Anthony Andrews. “We’re stabilizing our enrollment and have new opportunities for growth and community engagement that are exciting and keep us looking forward.” 

The university has increased its affordability thanks to the William and Sandra Eiche Scholarship Fund. The gift from the Marshfield natives offered 111 students $82,618 in tuition assistance during the fall semester and $148,236 for the academic year. 

There are also innovative new programs that offer a four-year degree by working with traditional and non-traditional students to meet specific needs. The multidisciplinary studies degree allows students to create a customized bachelor’s degree to fit their interests. The organizational leadership degree offers students leadership, business and communication skills needed in a variety of careers. Students may also earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration. 

In addition, the 1+2+1 nursing degree offers general studies for one year, a partnership with Mid-State Technical College for the registered nurse courses and another year of classes to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

For students like Spencer, the nursing program is a great fit because Mid-State is just down the road from UWSP at Marshfield. “I have quite a few nurses and health care workers in my family who were so helpful when my grandparent was sick,” she said. “They inspired me to want to offer that care for my patients and my family.” 

UWSP at Marshfield has also been beneficial for Andrew Sieracki, a second-year student preparing to study kinesiology. He is following in the footsteps of his sister, Leigh Anne, who was a leader on campus and is now completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UW-Madison. Like her, he is also serving as president of Marshfield’s Student Government Association. 

“Taking that role has built my leadership skills and has made me more outgoing,” Sieracki said. “Along with three other officers, we are a voice for the students on campus. I attend Steering Committee meetings with faculty, which is helpful to give them a student perspective for their decisions.” 

Sieracki said attending Marshfield made the transition to college life easier, helping him adjust to the faster pace of courses. He now feels ready to go to the larger Madison campus and looks forward to earning a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, and eventually, a doctorate degree in physical therapy. 

UWSP at Marshfield is also working to create engagement with the community. Next month, a new restaurant, The Hungry Hub, will open on campus, offering American cuisine to students and the public. The campus is also home to the semi-pro soccer team, the Wisconsin Conquerors, which is practicing, training and playing at UWSP at Marshfield. The team and coaches partner with the Marshfield Youth Soccer Association to develop players and coaches from the Central Wisconsin community. 

Additionally, the campus hosts the Marshfield Area Cultural Festival, the largest indoor event in the community. First held in 2004, it drew 1,300 visitors in 2024 and is set to be held again Feb. 22, 2025. 

Andrews was drawn to the role of campus executive, having led in various roles at educational and health care institutions in New York City before coming to Marshfield.  

“I saw an opportunity to make a difference and build a legacy while meeting the challenges of building enrollment and strengthening retention,” he said. “I was also drawn to a city that was creating leaders and offered a major health care system.” 

His students are incredible, he said. “There are lots of students seeking to become first generation college graduates, like me,” he said. “It’s been heartwarming to help them and see them be successful.” More students are considering the baccalaureate degree than in past years, he said. 

“We like to say that UWSP at Marshfield offers a ‘small town, big dreams’ experience, where you can discover your purpose close to home.”