Central Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and Northcentral Technical College (NTC) have announced a partnership aimed at expanding degree options for students in north central Wisconsin. The agreement will see UWSP at Wausau relocate to the NTC campus, where both institutions will share space, programming, and community engagement initiatives. This collaboration is set to begin in fall 2026.

Under the new arrangement, NTC will continue to offer associate’s degrees while UWSP at Wausau will provide bachelor’s and master’s degrees on the NTC campus. Both schools plan to leverage their strengths to support workforce needs in the region.

“UW-Stevens Point and NTC are long-standing partners that have created successful programs for students within the region,” said Interim Chancellor Pratima Gandhi. “An expanded partnership presents the opportunity to build on these successes, further enriching the educational experience for students while benefiting the northcentral Wisconsin area.”

Gandhi also noted, “UWSP and NTC are being good stewards of taxpayer dollars by working together towards the state’s degree attainment goals. The partnership will further prepare students for Wisconsin’s workforce by developing programs that fit regional business and industry needs.”

Miranda Gentry-Siegel, Wausau Campus Executive, emphasized student support: “Students will have a seamless connection between UWSP and NTC. Advisers from both schools will work together to find options that fit students’ interest and finances.”

Through this partnership, students enrolled with UWSP at Wausau will gain access to facilities available to NTC students, including laboratories, student support services, and extracurricular activities.

NTC President Jeannie Worden stated, “NTC and UWSP have shared a strong and lasting partnership, and this next step deepens our commitment to the students and communities we serve. This collaboration aligns with NTC’s Strategic Plan by expanding educational opportunities, keeping talent local and strengthening our region’s workforce. Our community truly has it all with outstanding K-12 education, innovative businesses, generous philanthropic partners and exceptional higher education institutions. By working together, we ensure that north central Wisconsin remains a place where students, families and employers can thrive.”

UW-Stevens Point intends to maintain its instructional presence in Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau. In conjunction with NTC, plans are underway to expand degree offerings in high-demand fields such as healthcare and business. There are also ongoing discussions about launching a collaborative surgical technician program between UWSP and NTC.

The partnership offers several benefits for both institutions: development of joint programming tailored to regional needs; enhanced professional development opportunities for faculty; expanded collaboration on new program design; streamlined transfer processes for more flexible student pathways; joint student support toward degree completion; as well as operational cost savings through curriculum streamlining.

A working group consisting of UWSP officials and members of the Marathon County Board contributed guidance leading up to this agreement. Ongoing discussions between UWSP and Marathon County will address future use of current UWSP at Wausau facilities.

“Discussions on partnerships between higher education institutions in Wausau and county buildings have been part of a collaborative effort between UWSP and representatives from the county,” said Kurt Gibbs, Marathon County Board chair.

Further information about the partnership is available at www.uwsp.edu/ntc-partnership-faqs/.