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About COLS

College of Letters and Science
2101 Fourth Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Phone: 715-346-4224
Email: cols@uwsp.edu

Our Mission and Vision

Mission: The College of Letters and Science is dedicated to providing students high-impact learning experiences across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences that create thinkers, collaborators, leaders, and innovators. The college nurtures intellectual growth, personal well-being, sustainable development, and lifelong learning.

Vision: The College of Letters and Science cultivates an inclusive community empowered to thrive in a dynamic and diverse world.

Campus Map

The College of Letters and Science office is located in the Chemistry Biology Building, number 44 on the UWSP Campus Map The closest space for parking is Lot T, between Reserve Street and Fourth Avenue.

By the Numbers

    • 2,150 undergraduate and continuing students currently enrolled in the College of Letters and Science.
    • Fall 2022: 323 major and minor degrees awarded
    • Awarded 1,060 degrees for 2020-2021
    • $142,979 in scholarship support awarded in 2022

Quick Facts

About COLS Students

About COLS Staff

Distinguished Alumni

COLS Historical Achievements

1951- Warren G. Jenkins named first dean of the College of Letters and Science

1963 – Science Building opened, constructed for $2 million.

1966 – Majors added in philosophy, psychology, and Spanish

1969 – International Programs office opened.

1970 – Reorganization and existing four colleges named. S. Joseph Woodka, previous chair in Department of Political Science, named dean after Jenkins’ retirement. Albertson Learning Resources Center opened including University Library and Museum of Natural History.

1980 – Math professor Howard Thoyre named third COLS dean after serving as assistant dean. Served twice as interim chancellor, in 1989 and 1995.

1986 – History professor Justus Paul named fourth COLS dean, experienced peak enrollment of 9,555.

2004 – Professor Lance Grahn, history chair of Marquette University, named fifth COLS dean.

2009 – Professor Christopher Cirmo named sixth COLS dean. Cirmo launched a civil discourse initiative, a number of degree programs, and was involved in the planning for the CBB at the time of his death.

2017 – Professor Eric Yonke, history, named interim COLS dean. He joined the History and International Studies Department faculty in 1990. He created the peace studies minor. He served as study abroad director for over a decade.

2018 – Opening of the Chemistry Biology Building.

2020 – Dr. Joshua Hagen, former dean at Northern State University, named eighth dean of the College of Letters and Science.

2020 – Reorganization for UWSP colleges. Thirteen departments in COLS organized into four schools: School of Behavioral and Social Sciences; School of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry; School of Humanities and Global Studies; and School of Mathematics, Computing, Physics and Astronomy.


Source: The World is Ours: A History of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students