ThedaCare and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh: A Dynamic Partnership for Growth

On Friday, November 15, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh celebrated its longstanding partnership with ThedaCare by awarding the prestigious Regents Business Partnership Award. Recognized for fostering university collaborations that underpin Wisconsin’s economic vitality, this award underscores the significant relationship between these two entities.

The Significance of the Partnership

ThedaCare has emerged as a cornerstone partner for UW Oshkosh, acting as both an academic ally and a major employer for many UW Oshkosh graduates. This synergy between education and industry highlights how crucial university partnerships are for regional development and economic strength.

Why ThedaCare Stands Out

• A committed employer for UWO graduates across diverse disciplines.
• An initiator of cutting-edge healthcare projects, like the upcoming health center near the UWO riverfront campus.
• A participant in innovative academic programs such as the rural telehealth initiative with UW Oshkosh.

Regent Desmond Adongo, a dynamic force at UWO, praised ThedaCare’s integral role, stating, “UW-Oshkosh is fortunate to have a business like ThedaCare as such a vital partner.”

Benefits to Students and Graduates

UWO’s commitment to furnishing ThedaCare with well-prepared graduates is evident. With a vast array of majors, students gear up for careers that not only fulfill ThedaCare’s staffing needs but also contribute to healthcare excellence.

• 60+ Graduates Employed: ThedaCare hired more than 60 Titans from the classes of 2022 and 2023.
• Interdisciplinary Talent Pool: UWO graduates possess degrees from Finance to Psychology, Microbiology, and Kinesiology, showcasing a wide-ranging academic repertoire.
• Seamless Transition: Many have prior experience with ThedaCare through internships and training programs, ensuring a ready pool of skilled professionals.

A Winning Proposition

For ThedaCare, UWO graduates represent more than just healthcare professionals. Dr. Robert Cavagnol, North Region President at Froedtert ThedaCare Health, highlighted the benefits, stating: “Our new team members who are graduates from UW-Oshkosh provide high-quality care for our communities.”

UWO’s Continued Excellence in STEM and Healthcare Education

President Jay Rothman emphasized the significant role the Universities of Wisconsin play in nurturing a workforce tailored for today’s demands.

• STEM and Healthcare Focus: Nearly 40% of current graduates focus on STEM and health fields.
• Addressing Workforce Needs: UWO and Wisconsin’s universities are continually developing programs that align with market demands, ensuring their students have the skills required by employers like ThedaCare.

Academic Innovations

A standout initiative includes the rural telehealth program. This collaborative effort funded by a Universities of Wisconsin Innovation Grant aims to enhance chronic illness outcomes via remote healthcare delivery.

Looking Toward the Future

The future is promising for UW Oshkosh and ThedaCare. With the construction of the new ThedaCare campus in downtown Oshkosh, the partnership is set to blossom further. This campus aims to centralize patient care and create approximately 60 new jobs, further cementing ThedaCare’s role in the community’s economic and healthcare landscape.

• Enhancing Local Healthcare: The upcoming ThedaCare Medical Center-Oshkosh will support the city’s revitalization efforts.
• Employment Growth: New health campus expected to create additional employment opportunities.

Continued Collaborations

Vice President Jenny Nikolai of ThedaCare Medical Centers in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh shared her enthusiasm: “Our graduates are passionate about serving patients and providing high-quality care for our communities.”

Nonetheless, the success story is mutual. As Chancellor Andrew Leavitt articulated, the experiential learning and professional opportunities offered through this partnership empower UWO students to meet industry demands and exceed them.

Conclusion

The ThedaCare and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry. It’s a dynamic model for cultivating skills, starting careers, and achieving excellence, ensuring that both sides — students and organizations — continue to fuel each other’s growth and success in Wisconsin and beyond.

Source: https://www.uwosh.edu/today/125252/thedacare-receives-regents-business-partnership-award-at-uwo/