What Makes Southwest Tech Successful?

L-R: SWTC President Jeremy Pickard, Optimist Barb Stockhausen, SWTC Foundation Director Stacia Stephenson, and Optimist President Terri Ellis

Jeremy Pickard is just 90 days into his new position as President of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC). He began by asking us how we think colleges have measured success. After listening to our input, he explained that SWTC measures success by looking at Access, Completion, and Post College Success.

People pursue a college education because they want to improve their employment opportunities, get a good job and / or make more money.  Today, jobs are increasingly requiring a college degree or certificate.  Nationally the average graduation rates of technical or community college students has increased from 20% in 2011 to 33% in 2023 (that number includes anyone who takes a class, not just degree seekers). In comparison, the three-year graduation rate at SWTC is 54%.

Southwest Tech was named the 2025 winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, making it the first Wisconsin institution to receive the nation's top honor for community colleges. SWTC's motto is The Standard by Design. They plan to maintain this standard by implementing three strategic directions for 2026-2027.

College 1.0 - Access

The college has a Fall 2026 enrollment of 3,631, including 150 students who live on campus. One of SWTC's goals is to have all program students complete a Student Success Plan, including a faculty touchpoint to discuss work-based learning. A Student Success Plan includes a career conversation to learn if your program choice aligns with your strengths and career goals, an academic map/supports and services to ensure you know every course you'll take and have a plan to successfully complete them, and a financial plan to get expert help creating a budget for life during college. 1,099 active program students have started their plan and 96% completed their plan by September 16, 2026.

College 2.0 - Completion

This goal focuses on the four work-based learning pillars.

1. Pre-career awareness - discover interests and explore possibilities

2. Career exploration - learn about careers and connect with real world opportunities

3. Career preparation - Build skills and confidence through hands-on experiences

4. Career Application - apply learning in workplace settings and take the next step toward employment

College 3.0 - Post-College Success

One of goals of the strategic direction is for 60% of SWTC graduates in the workforce will earn a high wage within one year of graduation, and 100% will earn a high wage within five years of graduation. High wage based on family-sustaining wages is $27.65 and above. Success does not end at graduation. 94% of SWTC graduates are employed within one year. They have a $14K earning advantage in 5 years.

Stacia Stephenson

Stacia Stephenson, Director of Foundation at Southwest Tech accompanied President Pickard to our Friday morning meeting. The Foundation is an integral part of the Student Success Plans. After students have completed their budgets and identified what funds they have to cover the cost of college, the Foundation helps fill the remaining gap. Your donations to the foundation help students overcome financial barriers like tuition, academic materials, and living expenses. Each contribution empowers students to pursue their education, graduate, and succeed in their careers.

Each year the Southwest Tech Foundation hosts a Day of Giving. This year the Southwest Tech Chargers Day of Giving took place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, raising over $112,000 to support student success.

SWTC is a great asset to our region. Southwest Wisconsin is incredibly fortunate to have Southwest Technical College.