Governor Evers Visits UW-Parkside, Connects with Students, and Highlights Higher Education’s Impact
KENOSHA, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers visited the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Tuesday, Sept. 23, as part of a series of UW campus visits to celebrate the start of the academic year. The Governor’s visits provide opportunities to connect directly with students and educators, wish them success at the beginning of the school year, and highlight the vital role Wisconsin’s public universities play in strengthening the state.
At UW-Parkside, Gov. Evers was welcomed by university leaders, including Provost Matt Cecil, Senior Vice Chancellor and Dean Lesley Heins Walker, and Executive Assistant to the Chancellor Gia Gutierrez.
The Governor toured the Greenquist Lab, where he observed demonstrations of the Anatomage tables—cutting-edge 3D anatomy and medical education platforms used in applied health and science learning. He met with students in the lab alongside Dr. Chris Noto, professor and chair of the biological sciences department.
“Being able to show off these new resources was exciting, but ultimately it’s about what they mean for our students. Tools like the Anatomage tables help make complex material more approachable and engaging, and that translates into better preparation for their careers. Many of our graduates go on to serve right here in the community, so the impact of this investment is felt well beyond our classrooms,” said Noto.
Annette Barzano, a senior pre-optometry major, shared how valuable the technology is for her future career in healthcare. “It’s an amazing opportunity to have access to these tables. They allow us to study anatomy in incredible detail, practice with real CT scans, and experience simulations that prepare us for what we’ll encounter as medical professionals,” she said.
Holly Skinner, a junior biology major and chemistry minor, emphasized the versatility of the Anatomage tables. “We can explore everything from EKGs and brain scans to embryology and even fossils. It’s such a powerful tool that touches many areas of our education and helps us connect what we’re learning in class to real-world applications,” she said.
Following the lab visit, Gov. Evers joined students in Callahan Commons for a student-led jazz performance, engaging with them about their academic experiences, career goals, and perspectives on the importance of higher education access.
“Whether it’s offering affordable tuition and dozens of academic major options or fostering supportive and inclusive learning environments, UW-Parkside plays an important role in educating Wisconsinites—no matter their income level or background—all while bolstering our state’s workforce and helping communities thrive,” said Gov. Evers. “I was glad to be on campus to help welcome folks back to school and see firsthand the good work folks at UW-Parkside are doing to help us build a brighter and better future and state.”
Chancellor Lynn Akey thanked Gov. Evers for visiting the university. “We are honored to welcome Governor Evers to UW-Parkside and to showcase the incredible work of our students, faculty, and staff. His visit underscores the vital role UW-Parkside plays in preparing the next generation of leaders and building partnerships that drive Wisconsin forward,” Chancellor Akey said.
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Media Contact:
Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Fye@uwp.edu | (262) 771-5419