What began as a passion for hair in a small Wisconsin town has grown into a thriving career on some of country music’s biggest stages. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumna Molly Rivers, a 2007 graduate of the Cosmetology program, is … 
From small-town roots to Music City
What began as a passion for hair in a small Wisconsin town has grown into a thriving career on some of country music’s biggest stages. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumna Molly Rivers, a 2007 graduate of the Cosmetology program, is … Students complete first harvest on new crop ground
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College students brought in their first harvest this fall from the college’s new 80-acre Agricultural Demonstration Lab. This marks a major milestone for Southwest Tech’s agriculture programs and its hands-on learning model. The college purchased the land …Students complete first harvest on new crop ground Read More »
Clay target team finishes strong with fourth-place finish at nationals
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Clay Target Team wrapped up a strong season this fall, earning a third-place conference finish and placing fourth at the USA College Clay Target League National Championship in Bunker Hill, Illinois. Competing in a league that …Clay target team finishes strong with fourth-place finish at nationals Read More »
Nelson reflects on founding of college’s welding program
When David Nelson arrived in Fennimore in 1968, there was no welding shop, no building—just a cement floor in a hayfield and a promise. At 89 years old, Nelson still recalls those early days. “They told me there’d be a …Nelson reflects on founding of college’s welding program Read More »
Sandry honored for statewide fire training leadership
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Lead Fire Service Instructor, Karl Sandry, was honored for his statewide leadership and lasting contributions to fire service education following the Wisconsin Technical College Board meeting on Nov. 5. Ward Lyon, fire service education director for …Sandry honored for statewide fire training leadership Read More »
Automation Systems Technology to launch in Fall 2026
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will launch a new Automation Systems Technology program in Fall 2026, preparing students for careers in one of the fastest-growing areas of modern industry. The program will focus on robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and system …Automation Systems Technology to launch in Fall 2026 Read More »
Lactalis USA presented with Futuremaker Partner Award
The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board has selected Lactalis USA’s Belmont plant as the recipient of its prestigious Futuremaker Partner Award, recognizing the company’s exceptional, decades-long collaboration with Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. The award was presented Nov. 4, at …Lactalis USA presented with Futuremaker Partner Award Read More »
Fall Commencement planned for Dec. 12
The Fall 2025 Commencement at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will be held Friday, Dec. 12. There will be ceremonies at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the campus auditorium. This semester, 111 students are eligible for graduation, while 83 students … Presidential search launched with strong collaboration
The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Board has officially launched the search for the college’s next president, marking one of the board’s most significant responsibilities. The process formally began Oct. 28, following weeks of groundwork that included organizational meetings, stakeholder …Presidential search launched with strong collaboration Read More »
Men’s golf team wins season finale
The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College men’s golf team is swinging high after capturing first place in the season finale, capping off a strong fall campaign that sets the stage for regional and national competition in 2026. Led by Head Coach … Farris builds career in autism support
When Shanan Krystee Farris enrolled in Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Early Childhood Education program, she was a single mother looking for a stable future for her family. What she found was a calling. Originally from Houston, Texas, Farris moved to … From cancer survivor to college graduate
After battling stage three testicular cancer and rebuilding his life from the ground up, Chris Stamness is closing another major chapter—earning his college degree. The 45-year-old Spring Green, Wisconsin, resident will graduate this December from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s online … Dual enrollment participation continues to climb
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is seeing record growth in dual enrollment programs, giving high school students the chance to earn college credit before graduation. Dual enrollment allows students to take college-level courses that count toward both high school and college …Dual enrollment participation continues to climb Read More »
Platteville principal traces roots to Southwest Tech
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 …Platteville principal traces roots to Southwest Tech Read More »
Building Trades – Carpentry students back at it with duplex build
Students in the Building Trades–Carpentry program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College are rolling up their sleeves once again, constructing a new duplex on campus that will serve as both housing and a learning laboratory. According to instructor Andy Reynolds, the …Building Trades – Carpentry students back at it with duplex build Read More »
Gluten-free menu added to cafe options
Starting this week, students, staff, and visitors at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College have new reasons to stop by the Chargers Café. The college is launching a gluten-free menu designed to better serve the diverse dietary needs of its community. Gluten … Holum’s memory lives on through scholarship
Gunnar Holum’s memory lives on, six years after his untimely death. A scholarship in his memory was created to help benefit a Dodgeville High School graduate. He graduated from high school in Dodgeville in May 2019, and from the welding … Southwest Tech launches indoor farming partnerships
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is sowing the seeds of innovation by launching a new initiative that places hydroponic indoor farms in 22 K–12 school districts across its five-county region. The project, made possible through a generous grant from Cummins, a …Southwest Tech launches indoor farming partnerships Read More »
Community celebration planned to honor national recognition
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is inviting the public to a celebration honoring the college’s recent distinction as the #1 two-year college in the nation. Southwest Tech was named the winner of the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the …Community celebration planned to honor national recognition Read More »
New grant to help fund tuition for healthcare students
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College has received a $68,652 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to help drive enrollment in in-demand healthcare professions across Southwest Wisconsin. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, in order of course …New grant to help fund tuition for healthcare students Read More »