University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is a public university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System of schools.
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History
Milwaukee State Normal School
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) originally started as the Milwaukee State Normal School in 1880. This school was formed by the Wisconsin State Legislature after a law was passed requiring the Board of Regents of Normal Schools to form a normal school in order to meet the needs of the soaring population of Milwaukee. A location was picked and the Milwaukee State Normal School opened for classes in 1885 with John J. Mapel as president. Over the next 32 years, the school would see 7 different presidents, the addition of both music and liberal arts programs, graduate programs and rapid growth from an initial enrollment of 46.
Wisconsin State Teachers College
The Milwaukee State Normal School underwent changes in 1922 when the State Normal School Regents voted to discontinue college courses in an effort to refocus on the instruction of teachers. During this time, enrollment in the programs dropped. This caused the school to tighten admission standards and begin to offer education-related four year degrees, such as degrees for kindergarten, primary, secondary and music education. In 1927, the Milwaukee State Normal School became known as the Wisconsin State Teachers College.
The Wisconsin State Teachers College quickly dropped all non four-year degree programs and offered their first Bachelor of Science degree program in 1937 for education. After World War II, the school added a graduate program in elementary, exceptional student, and music education. The Legislature empowered all state colleges to offer liberal arts programs in 1951, and the school’s name became Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
In 1955, a measure which combined the Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Extension Division was passed, forming the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. By 1959, the enrollment in the University included 5369 regular, 848 graduate, 1,399 evening credit, and 1,631 non-credit students. The first UWM commencement was held on June 16, 1957.
Athletics
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee plays in the NCAA Division I Horizon League and their nickname is the Panthers.
In March 2005, for the second time in university history, UWM's Men's Basketball program entered the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament as the 12th Seed in the Midwest regional bracket. Ousting fifth seed Alabama in the first round and Coach Bruce Pearl's Alma mater, fourth seed Boston College in the second round, the University entered for the first time the third round of the tournament. The University's entrance into the Sweet Sixteen was primarily due to Pearl's Full Court Press playmaking style, or as the Boston Globe would call it, the "UWM Press."
Current Events
As of 2004, UWM offers 146 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. The enrollment is over 25,000 students from more than 80 countries. The current research budget is about $22 million dollars, and has an additional $72 million in federal aid, contracts and grants.
Notable UWM Graduates
- Alberto Fujimori, former President of Peru.
- Golda Meir, a founder of the State of Israel, and fourth Prime Minister of Israel.
- Alan Kulwicki, Winston Cup champion
- Mike Reinfeldt, NFL All-Pro defensive back and Chief Financial Officer for the Seattle Seahawks