Spring 2025 College of BILSA Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As some of you have seen on the public announcement with upcoming university transitions, I will be stepping down as dean of the College of BILSA and I have accepted a position as Business Engagement Lead at UW-Platteville. While there are many emotions tied to this transition, what stands out most is my immense gratitude for the relationships, the strong connections, and the privilege of working with all of you as dean.

The Business Engagement Lead role will be a completely new direction for me, but I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to collaborating across the university to help us move forward in this capacity. As the public announcement stated, Dr. Carrie Keller will be appointed interim dean.

When I think back on what we have achieved together in the college, because of your passionate commitment to our students and university, it’s incredibly inspiring. The college is in an excellent place with a strong foundation, and I am also inspired about where we are headed.

Serving as dean has been an incredible honor, and words cannot express my profound gratitude for all of you and the privilege to work together. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the new role.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Wayne Weber

Dean of the College of BILSA

Join us for the Alumni Golf Outing Supporting BILSA Scholarships!

Money raised provides scholarships for students studying within the University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture.

Friday, August 15th, 2025

10 AM - 3 PM

The Oaks Golf Course

Click here for more information

Click here to register.

Morgan Haas

Student Speaker

Integrated Marketing

Olivia Bramstedt

Valedictorian

Environmental Horticulture

Dr. Clay Dean

Commencement Speaker

David Ward

Mace Carrier

Dawn Lee

Processional Leader

Julie Durst

Processional Leader

Good Luck and Best Wishes to Dr. Jodi McDermott!

Thank you for your years of service and dedication.

Dr. Jodi McDermott

Assistant Dean

It is with excitement for Jodi, and trepidation for us, that we extend our deepest appreciation and congratulations to Dr. Jodi McDermott, Assistant Dean for the College of BILSA, on her retirement effective July 5th, 2025. To be honest, we wanted to reject Jodi’s letter of retirement, not because of anything Dr. McDermott has done, but, instead, for everything she has done, in that she has been an incredible part of this university for 30 years.

During that time, she has made significant contributions through her extraordinary leadership and service being highly engaged within the College of BILSA and across the university, serving in multiple leadership roles and committees. From developing numerous articulation agreements, teaching courses and leading advising initiatives to mentoring countless students and championing Women in STEM and leadership initiatives, Jodi’s impact has been profound and lasting. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, creativity, unbounded energy and heart, and we are grateful for everything she has done and undoubtedly will continue to do for our college and university.

Congratulations to the newly elected BILSA Alumni Board of Directors!

Interested in joining or want more information? Visit our website here.

Francesca Delisle

Professional Studies

Class of 2024

Industrial Technology Management

Class of 2009

Biology

Class of 2001

Business Admin

Class of 2015

Industrial Technology Management

Class of 2007

Jeffrey Phillips

Technical Communications

Class of 1979

As we look forward to commencement, one of our favorite times of the year, we celebrate UW-Platteville and the College of BILSA.

As part of that celebration, the university has been active in advocating for our institution as we are going through the state budget cycle. The chancellor has been quite active meeting with legislators and stakeholders and writing an op-ed piece. I have also been active having the opportunity to meet with some legislators, along with several other stakeholders (including presenting at the CESA 3 19th Annual Business and Education Summit). Additionally, I was able to represent UW-Platteville with two of our wonderful alumni (John Busby and Lana Wiese) at the Joint Committee on Finance hearings in West Allis, WI on March 4th.

Click here to read more from Dean Weber.

Logos for BILSA, the School of Business, Department of Applied Engineering Technology Management, Department of Biology, and the School of Agriculture are available to order on your favorite Lands' End clothing.

Select an item, choose your size, and click 'Apply Logo' to see the variety of available options.