For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: September 29, 2025
Platteville principal traces roots to Southwest Tech
Platteville -When Laura Rhode walked into her first evening class at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in 1991, she had no idea that decades later she would be leading the Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center in Platteville as principal.
Rhode, who grew up in Cuba City, Wisconsin, began her career by operating her own childcare center in Muscoda, Wisconsin. As a single parent, she found the flexible evening classes at Southwest Tech both affordable and accessible. She steadily pursued her early childhood education degree, taking one class a semester until her graduation in 2000.
“Southwest Tech made education possible for me,” said Rhode. “The classes worked with my schedule, and the affordability allowed me to take those first steps toward a career I’ve been passionate about for more than 30 years.”
After graduating from Southwest Tech, Rhode transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She later pursued additional credentials at Viterbo University, completing certifications in reading, curriculum and instruction, and earning her principal licensure and master’s degree.
Her career path has taken her through classrooms at every grade level, as well as into higher education, where she continues to teach early childhood education courses for UW–Platteville. Rhode also served as an instructional coach for nine years before stepping into her current role as principal of the Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center in 2023.
“Early childhood has always been a passion of mine,” she said. “Seeing the joy on children’s faces when they walk through the doors each day reminds me why I do this work. Every day is new and rewarding.”
Looking back, Rhode says her journey underscores the importance of local access to higher education. “Having Southwest Tech close by gave me the opportunity to pursue my degree while raising a family,” she said. “The more you know, the more you grow—and that education helps you better support children and families.”
Now, as both an administrator and instructor, Rhode is committed to building connections among students, families, and educators. “There’s nothing more important than helping children grow, learn, and discover the power of reading,” she said.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |