​Chancellor Retires: A Look Back

Accomplishments

• Patterson has helped raise $46 million in private contributions during his leadership, more than 90 new scholarships, 60 new program funds and six endowed academic chairs, professorships and assistantships were created.
  

• During his time, the university added 10,000 new donors and celebrated several significant gifts: more than $4 million from Sentry Insurance to create a data analytics program; the Berard Gateway and Berard endowed scholarships for first-generation students; the Anderson Classroom to Career Center in the School of Business and Economics, the Joan North Place in the College of Professional Studies and the university's largest individual gift ever, $4.3 million from alumna Dorothy Harju to further elementary education in Wisconsin.

• Instrumental in bringing about more than $120 million of investments in campus, including the new Chemistry Biology Building that opened in 2018, and the complete renovation of DeBot Dining Center and five residence halls. A new welcome center for visiting students and families is expected to open in the fall. The university also expanded its footprint with the integration of branch campuses in Wausau and Marshfield, which now offer bachelor's degrees and a master's program. 

• He introduced the Chancellor's Medal for Commitment to Diversity in 2017, honoring campus and community leaders.

• Helped start the new Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning and the expanded role of the Office of Diversity and College Access. 

• In 2012, Patterson commissioned the building of a wooden replica of the cupola atop Old Main. The replica serves as a tangible part of key university ceremonies, including fall convocation for new students and commencement. The creation of the replica took 250 hours and was crafted from materials found in the local community and on the Stevens Point, Wausau and Marshfield campuses.

• Several new master's degrees and two doctoral programs were initiated during Patterson's tenure. 

• He established UW-Stevens Point's first Office of Sustainability, as well as its first Office of Economic and Community Development. 

• Patterson supported the reorganization of shared governance at UW-Stevens Point into a joint council that represents everyone, including faculty, university staff and academic staff. He is a proponent of strong student government.

• Recognized more than 600 graduates for strong leadership and service on and off campus with the Chancellor's Leadership Awards. 

• He awarded the university's first-everhonorary doctorates to long-time community supporters John and Patty Noel and former Congressmen Melvin Laird and David Obey.

• Helped run UW-Stevens Point's first-ever comprehensive capital campaign, which raised $41.6 million in six years, exceeding its $30 million goal.

• He serves on the boards of directors for Marshfield Clinic Health System and Worzalla Publishing Company, and on the Associated Bank North Central Advisory Board.
  

Bernie Patterson, has announced he will retire in December 2020. Patterson has served as chancellor since July 2010.  

See the full press release, here!