For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: June 25, 2024
Hill finds success with University Transfer program
Fennimore -Matthew Hill, Montfort, took advantage of the University Transfer Liberal Arts (UTLA) Associate’s Degree program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and he is now just one semester away from earning a Master’s degree.
Hill graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 2018 and found his way to Southwest Tech. “I have a physical disability and I have to be cognizant of the things that are presented with that,” he said. “So, I decided I would check some smaller places out, some places that have similar characteristics to the small school I went to for high school.”
Southwest Tech appeared on Hill’s radar thanks to his high school guidance counselor. He attended an open house at the college and moved forward from there. “I learned about the place, and learned about how it was set up, as far as the buildings and everything, and I thought, well this could be a great kind of small step, from high school until you eventually reach the four-year school,” he said. “Once I met the people, I was like, hey, this will be really good for me.”
During his time at Southwest Tech, Hill was able to work on his college skills, while being in smaller class sizes with more individualized attention. “I asked myself, can I be successful and what can I learn about myself here,” he said.
The time spent at Southwest Tech was a positive one for Hill. “The people made it easy to learn and grow.”
He graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in spring 2020 and went on to enroll at UW-Platteville. While at UW-Platteville, Hill formulated an individualized major program. He worked with professors and staff in three areas on campus to design his own major. He graduated in spring 2022, with a Bachelor’s of science degree in sports management/communication and marketing. He will earn a Master’s degree from UW-Platteville this fall.
Hill enjoyed the fact that his academic journey was laid out in front of him, starting with Southwest Tech and moving through his studies at UW-Platteville. “Once I started, I knew I could handle it, and a four-year school.”
In general, Hill is interested in something to do with athletics. He has always been around sports and has even volunteered as a statistician. In 10 years, he hopes to be working in the athletic area at a college or a professional organization. “There are so many opportunities and possibilities that are out there,” said Hill.
About the University Transfer – Liberal Arts degrees
These degrees provide a foundation for anyone who intends on continuing their education at a baccalaureate degree granting college or university. It does this by offering general education courses equal to those found in the first two years of a four-year degree.
By completing this degree, students have the benefit of a degree-to-degree transfer, where universities grant junior status and waive specific lower division requirements. Students can transfer individual courses, or their completed University Transfer Associate of Arts/Science degrees.
Students enrolled in these programs can save money by taking classes at a lower cost per credit.
Associate of Arts
These students focus their studies on humanities and social sciences coursework.
Associate of Science
These students focus their studies on mathematics and natural sciences coursework.
Complete information can be found at swtc.edu/utla.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |