UWM at Waukesha to Cease Operations in 2025, WCTC to Host UWM University Center

Waukesha, Wis (Civic Media) – In a significant development for higher education in Waukesha County, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has announced the closure of its UWM at Waukesha campus and the end of its associate degree offerings in 2025. This decision comes in response to a directive from the Universities of Wisconsin, citing declining enrollment, shifting demographics, and budgetary constraints as key factors.

As part of a strategic restructuring, UWM and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) have unveiled plans to establish the UWM University Center at WCTC. The move aims to ensure that students in Waukesha County can access associate degree programs at WCTC and transition to pursuing a four-year degree at UWM.

The closure of UWM at Waukesha will impact over 100 employees, including tenured faculty members. However, WCTC has expressed its intention to hire affected UWM at Waukesha employees as its enrollment grows.

Discussions about the future of the 86-acre UWM at Waukesha campus are already underway. Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow revealed that a task force is being assembled to determine the best use of the property.  

In 2018, UWM at Waukesha was established through the merger of UW-Waukesha with UWM, as part of the University of Wisconsin System’s reorganization of the former UW Colleges.

The University of Wisconsin has closed several branch campuses recently, including locations in West Bend, Fond Du Lac, and RIchland Center