The University of Wisconsin-Stout was founded in 1891 in Menomonie, WI and enrolls more than 8,400 students. It is named in honor of its founder, James Huff Stout, and is one of only two universities in the UW System not named for the city in which it is located.

Since 1971, UW-Stout is one of only two special mission universities in the UW System: it provides focused programs “related to professional careers in industry, technology, home economics, applied art and the helping professions.” UW-Stout’s programs prepare students for productive careers in industry, commerce, education, human development through the study of technology, applied mathematics and science, art and design, business, industrial management, human behavior, family and consumer sciences, and manufacturing-related engineering and technologies.

On March 9, 2007, Stout was officially designated “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.” A polytechnic university offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for professional careers. A polytechnic university blends theory with practice to produce innovative solutions to real world problems. A polytechnic university works closely with business, industry and other educational institutions to benefit students and grow the economy.