The Marshfield Rotary Club recently marked an exciting milestone, gathering for our very first morning meeting at the Forward Bank Community Room. The fresh setting provided the perfect backdrop for an inspiring presentation by Kevin Neuman, a 21-year veteran of UW-Stevens Point and the Assistant Dean of the College of Professional Studies. Kevin shared the transformative journey of the Sentry School of Business and Economics, which became a named business school in 2022 following a landmark $10 million donation from Sentry. This investment has served as a powerful validation of their mission, allowing the school to expand its profile and strengthen the talent pipeline right here in Central Wisconsin.
The school’s philosophy is captured in the motto, “Others Talk, Sentry Does,” focusing on three core pillars: learning by doing, teaching with passion, and active student support. Every student participates in an internship, and the curriculum is packed with hands-on opportunities like A81 (a student-run marketing agency), Case in Point (creating business solutions for non-profits), and The Pitch (an entrepreneurship competition). Beyond the classroom, the Anderson Classroom to Career Center ensures students aren't just earning a degree, but are actively guided through internships and professional advising to keep local talent thriving in our region.
Looking ahead, the Sentry School is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of the modern economy. Having launched a successful MBA in 2019, they are set to debut a B.S. in Sports Business in the fall of 2026. Perhaps most exciting is the vision for the remodeled Sentry Hall, slated for completion in Spring 2029. This facility will feature a front-facing Anderson Center and team-based learning classrooms designed to foster collaboration. It will serve as a premier space where the community can engage directly with the next generation of business leaders, ensuring the school remains a cornerstone of growth for Central Wisconsin.