MARSHFIELD — On April 3 Dr. Patricia Stuhr, dean and campus executive officer of the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County (UW-M/WC), announced her retirement effective June 30, 2015.

“As an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County, it has been a distinct honor to serve the campus for the past four years as the CEO and dean. I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful supporters of the campus in the city of Marshfield and throughout Wood County and will treasure these relationships and experiences,” she said.

A native of Marshfield, Stuhr became dean of UW-Marshfield/Wood County on August 1, 2011. Stuhr has worked with campus faculty and staff, the UW Colleges, and city of Marshfield and Wood County leaders to bring new initiatives to the campus. During her time as dean, the UW-Marshfield/Wood County helped launch the UW Colleges’ innovative Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) completion degree and served as a host site for the BAAS and UW Colleges accreditation.

Under her leadership the campus planned a year-long celebration of the UW-M/WC’s 50th Anniversary, concluding in May. Stuhr has also served as an enthusiastic partner with the University Foundation, planning the STEM capital campaign, which will kick off its public fundraising efforts this summer. Stuhr is also focused on building donor relations that have resulted in contributions to the campus including the Founders’ Mural, Egyptian papyrus painting, and the marauder sculpture.

She has embraced the community and volunteers with numerous organizations such as the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, New Visions Gallery Board of Directors, Medical College of Wisconsin Advisory Board for Central Wisconsin, Central Wisconsin Arts Network, Central Wisconsin Higher Education Consortium, and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry Crystal Apple Selection committee. Stuhr is also a Noon Rotary member.

“I want to thank Dean Stuhr for her continuing support of the campus mission and specifically for her service as CEO and dean. I appreciate her leadership in planning for the STEM building project and her efforts to bring student housing to the campus community. My office will work closely with Pat and UW Colleges Provost Greg Lampe to ensure a smooth transition,” said Cathy Sandeen, Chancellor of UW Colleges/UW Extension.

Stuhr is the sixth dean to oversee UW-Marshfield/Wood County since it opened in 1964. Professor Julie Tharp was interim dean from 2010-2011, Andy Keogh was dean from 2002-2010, Carol McCart-Brennan was dean from 1991 to 2002, Associate Professor Thomas Bitner was interim dean from 1990-1991, Nancy Aumann was dean from 1985-1990, and Norbert Koopman was dean from 1964-1985.

Stuhr’s background

Stuhr came to UW-Marshfield/Wood County after 24 years of service at Ohio State University. She served at OSU as a professor and chair of the department of art education. She received her associate degree from UW-Marshfield/Wood County, Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Stevens Point, Master of Studies degree from UW-Oshkosh, and doctorate from UW-Madison.

She taught art for 14 years in Oakfield K-12 public schools and evening art classes in maximum and medium security prisons in Waupun and Fox Lake for 11 years. Stuhr has done extensive research and publication in the area of contemporary Wisconsin Native American visual culture and artists, multicultural art education, and the arts in integrated curriculum.

Stuhr received a Fulbright Award to teach and research at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, was named an NAEA Distinguished Fellow, and was appointed as an honorary guest professor of Shandong University of Art & Design. She received the Ziegfeld Award from the United States Society for Education through Art and the NAEA Woman’s Caucus June King Mc Fee Award for her contributions to multicultural art education and issues of social diversity.