WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Extension, Education, and Economic Development committee has given its blessing to the University of Wisconsin system to move forward with a re-branding of the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County as part of the upcoming merger with the Stevens Point campus.
Committee Chair Sara Guild says no final decision on the name has been made, but it appears leaders are leaning towards The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point-Wausau. Given the success of many Wausau business brands and the plans to bring more 3 and 4-hundred level business courses to the campus, it seems like a natural fit. “Wausau Insurance, Wausau Window and Wall systems, and all of the other Wausau-branded business that have become so successful around the world, they really want to build upon that recognition and turn this into a thriving location in Marathon County.”
There’s also the possibility that an MBA program could come to the Wausau campus.
And while it may be hard for some to give up the name, Guild says the new identity could help fight the stigma that the campus is a low-level County College. “We just want to see this location succeeded and thrive. If something as simple as putting a more recognizable name on that title will do that, we are just fine with it.”
She adds that could mean more new businesses and new ideas in the communty if students choose to start their business in town upon graduation.
UWMC currently has the highest enrollment decline of all the 2-year campuses in the UW system.
Tuesday’s vote was largely symbolic, as Guild said the name would be changing regardless of the county’s take. However, she said it does give the Regents the support that the county will continue to work with the campus. “It does not have any impact on the relationship or legal agreements and other agreements that we have in place right now. It is purely symbolic, saying we love working with you and we are happy with the UW system thus far and we are excited to see where it goes in the future.”
Guild adds that the matter will not have to move to the full county board.
