UW-Stevens Point, Northcentral Technical College to partner in Wausau

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Northcentral Technical College (NTC) are working together to develop a groundbreaking, seamless partnership to provide degree options for students in north central Wisconsin.

The collaboration will allow UWSP at Wausau to relocate to the NTC campus, sharing space, programming and community engagement while leveraging the strengths of each institution to support the regional economy. NTC will continue offering associate's degrees, with UWSP at Wausau offering bachelor's and master's degrees at NTC starting fall 2026.

"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."

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

"Students will have a seamless connection between UWSP and NTC," said Miranda Gentry-Siegel, Wausau Campus Executive. "Advisers from both schools will work together to find options that fit students' interest and finances."

Students will have access to resources and facilities available to NTC students, from state-of-the-art laboratories and student support services to extracurricular activities.

"NTC and UWSP have shared a strong and lasting partnership, and this next step deepens our commitment to the students and communities we serve," said NTC President Jeannie Worden. "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 will continue to offer instruction in the Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau communities. In partnership with NTC, UWSP plans to increase degree programs in high demand fields, such as healthcare and business. Discussions have begun on a collaborative UWSP and NTC surgical technician program.

The benefits of the partnership for both institutions include:

• Development of joint programming that addresses regional needs
• Enhancement of professional development for faculty and staff with a culture of shared learning and excellence
• Expanded faculty collaboration in new program design, development and delivery
• Streamlined transfer processes to provide students with more flexible and accessible pathways towards their educational goals
• Joint student support towards achieving college degrees
• Saving operational costs by curricular streamlining and the reduction of duplication in programs and services

A working group, including UWSP officials and members of the Marathon County Board, provided critical guidance that helped lead to this partnership. UWSP and Marathon County will continue discussions to determine the future use and timeline for the 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.

To learn more about this partnership, go to https://www.uwsp.edu/ntc-partnership-faqs/.