KENOSHA, Wis. – University of Wisconsin–Parkside Chancellor Lynn D. Akey highlighted significant progress across the university during Fall 2026 Convocation, celebrating first-year student enrollment growth, expanded student success initiatives, and strengthened business partnerships.
UW–Parkside expects its largest incoming first-year class since 2019, with nearly 15% growth over last year, following an 8% increase in first-year enrollment in Fall 2025. The university also reported success in its Accelerated Online Learning programs serving working adults and learners seeking flexibility, as well as dual-enrollment partnerships serving regional high school students.
During the past year, UW–Parkside also identified three Areas of Academic Distinction that reflect established strengths and exceptional student outcomes: Health Sciences, Business and Technology, and Performing and Creative Arts. In Health Sciences, students achieve acceptance rates to medical and other professional programs that exceed national averages. The university’s AACSB-accredited Business and Technology programs place UW–Parkside among a select group of business schools worldwide. In Performing and Creative Arts, Parkside’s Theatre Arts program continues a tradition of nationally recognized productions and award-winning educational experiences.
The university’s commitment to career-connected learning received national recognition this year through selection as one of only 16 institutions nationwide for Lumina Foundation’s Campus to Career initiative. UW-Parkside is also advancing regional workforce and innovation efforts through Parkside Works and the National Science Foundation-supported ARISE initiative.
Student success remains central to UW–Parkside’s mission. More than half of the university’s students are first-generation college students, and the institution continues investing in support systems that help students persist and thrive. “Student success is personal,” Akey said. “When students know someone believes in them, they persist. When they feel connected, they thrive.”
The university also recognized faculty and staff whose contributions have advanced teaching excellence, research, service, and community engagement. Faculty award recipients included Dr. Megan Parietti and Dr. Greg Richards, recipients of the Stella C. Gray Teaching Excellence Award; Dr. Erin Graham, recipient of the Early Career Excellence in Teaching Award; Dr. David Higgs, recipient of the Faculty Distinguished Service Award; Dr. Anjuli Brekke, recipient of the Early Career Excellence in Research and Creative Activity Award; Dr. Meredith McGinley, recipient of the Excellence in Research and Creative Activity Award; and Dr. Caitlin Curtis Whitaker, recipient of the Community Engaged Learning and Research Award. Staff honorees included Catherine Mantuano, recipient of the Academic Staff Distinguished Service Award, and Sherry Craig and Sergeant Jessica Walkowiak, recipients of the University Staff Distinguished Service Award. University leaders praised the award recipients for their dedication to student success, scholarship, service, and community impact.
“Because of the work happening across this campus, we are increasingly positioned to turn momentum into lasting impact and greater opportunity,” Akey said.
About the University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Since 1968, the University of Wisconsin–Parkside has been turning ambition into achievement. Through undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and hands-on learning experiences, UW–Parkside empowers students to launch careers and strengthen the regional workforce. Located in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor, UW–Parkside connects students with employers, internships, and partnerships that drive innovation and economic growth across southeastern Wisconsin.