New STEM Faculty and Engineering Pre-Major Expand Opportunities at Nicolet College

This year, the University Transfer and Liberal Arts program at Nicolet College welcomed a new face in STEM. Dr. Sharon Anthony joined Nicolet as a new instructor in mathematics and physics. Sharon brings with here nearly 30 years of experience in teaching higher education, including 17 years of teaching at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. Sharon will serve as one of the primary faculty supporting the recently added Associate of Science Engineering Pre-Major.

The engineering pre-major program is the latest addition to Nicolet College’s pre-major agreements. This particular program is offered in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and allows students to earn their Associates of Science – Engineering Pre-major degree at Nicolet College while simultaneously working toward a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Platteville. Students can pursue one of three engineering fields: Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial and Systems Engineering.

The creation of this pre-major expands academic opportunities in the Northwoods through improving the accessibility of engineering degrees, while allowing students to remain local and benefit from the affordability, flexibility, and academic rigor that Nicolet College offers. In addition, working adults who need to balance current careers with aspirations in engineering can accomplish both in studying from home.

“I chose the Nicolet-UW Platteville pre-engineering distance partnership program because I wanted to acquire and education without taking on the heavy debt that usually accompanies one. When I learned of the partnership, I immediately knew it was perfect for me; it offered a path to becoming an engineer while staying rooted in the Northwoods and maintaining the connections I have formed here,” said Jesse Schoonover, a current student in the program.

Pre-Majors allow students to begin their academic journey at Nicolet College and finish at a partner 4-year university that has demonstrated strength in the field being offered, such as UW-Platteville’s engineering program or UW-Stevens Point’s Natural Resource program.

The pre-majors now offered at Nicolet College include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Natural Resources, Engineering, Business Administration, Elementary Education, and Psychology.