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About Us

For over 110 years, Blackhawk Technical College has been a cornerstone of education in Rock and Green counties. We are committed to empowering every student to shape their future with flexible education in a supportive environment. Join us and discover the endless possibilities that await you!

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A Message From the President

Blackhawk President Dr. Tracy Pierner

It’s an exciting time to be part of the Blackhawk Technical College family as we embrace transition and growth. Our promise to every student is to provide flexible education in a supportive environment.

We cater to a diverse range of students: part-time, full-time, working adults of all ages, high school graduates, and those pursuing new careers or job certificates. We understand education at Blackhawk is a stepping stone to achieving your goals.

Our flexible learning options include online courses, MyEdChoice interactive video classes, and customizable flex labs. We are dedicated to supporting your success with a diverse and accommodating learning environment.

Our faculty and staff are committed to providing the tools, guidance, and support you need to navigate any challenges. Whether you're starting a program for workforce entry or leveraging our regional college and university partnerships, Blackhawk Technical College is the place to be. Our tomorrow starts today.

Dr. Tracy Pierner, President

Office of the President

Dr. Tracy Pierner has been the President of Blackhawk Technical College since 2016, marking his return to his home state and the Wisconsin Technical College System, where he began his career in higher education. Prior to joining Blackhawk Technical College, Dr. Pierner was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. In this role, he oversaw all academic programs, online learning, the library, faculty development, tutoring, workforce development, and continuing education. He also served on several influential boards, including the Workforce Intelligence Network, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, Michigan Project Lead the Way Executive Leadership Committee, and the business advisory board of the Advanced Technology Academy.

Before his tenure at Henry Ford College, Dr. Pierner was the Dean of Technical Education at Aiken Technical College in Aiken, South Carolina, where he led technical education programs and developed training partnerships with industry. Under his leadership, the college's flexible approach to education earned the faculty the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award in 2012. His contributions were recognized by the South Carolina Technical Education Association, which named him Administrator of the Year for 2011-2012, in addition to receiving the same honor from Aiken Technical College.

Dr. Pierner began his higher education career in 1999 as an Engineering Technology instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. There, he developed an Automation Engineering Technology program and played a key role in redesigning the Electromechanical Technology program. He was also part of the team that designed the Manufacturing Technology Center and introduced a flexible, modular delivery model for several associate degree programs, fostering strong industry-education partnerships.

Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Pierner worked as an engineer at Rockwell Automation, serving in their facilities in Milwaukee, Mequon, and Appleton, Wisconsin, as well as in Cleveland, Ohio. His professional experience also includes engineering consultation with Kimberly-Clark Corp.’s research and engineering division in Neenah, Wisconsin, and service in the Army Reserves.

Dr. Pierner holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management with a focus on Manufacturing Systems from Indiana State University, a Master’s degree in Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin.

Tracy Pierner, Ph.D.
President
(608) 757-7772
Email President's Office

Julie Barreau
Assistant to the President/District Board
(608) 757-7772
jbarreau@blackhawk.edu

Jim Nemeth
Vice President of Finance and Operations/CFO
(608) 757-7700 
jnemeth@blackhawk.edu

Karen R. Schmitt, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
(608) 757-7737
kschmitt3@blackhawk.edu

Kathleen Broske
Executive Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development
(608) 757-7773
kbroske@blackhawk.edu

Anthony Landowski
Executive Director of Student Services
(608) 757-7726
alandowski@blackhawk.edu

Jon Tysse, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness
(608) 757-7754
jtysse@blackhawk.edu

Liz Paulsen
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
(608) 757-7769
lpaulsen@blackhawk.edu

Our Mission & Vision

Explanatory text about our mission & vision and how it was created.

We help you build your future with a flexible education in a supportive environment.

Delivering innovative education to enrich our communities.

  • Responsive: Meeting students when and where they learn best, providing supportive services empowering them to succeed.
  • Collaborative: Creating critical partnerships, adapting to community needs.
  • Empowering: Building an inclusive, aligned, and supportive culture, allowing students and employees to develop, grow and succeed.
  • Strategic: Optimizing college resources to meet the needs of learners and employers through data-informed decisions and innovative solutions.
  • Process-driven: Developing transparent, consistent, aligned, and repeatable processes and procedures, focusing on efficiency, accountability, and excellence.
  • Inclusive: Cultivating a climate in which all students and employees feel welcomed, valued, and included.

The core abilities were developed to define the expectations of all graduates from Blackhawk Technical College programs, unifying all academic divisions and contributing to student success.

Blackhawk has identified five core abilities:

  • Think Critically
  • Demonstrate Accountability
  • Exhibit Respect for All
  • Use Technology Skillfully
  • Communicate Effectively

Our Campuses

Serving the communities in Rock and Green counties, Blackhawk Technical College has two campuses - the Beloit-Janesville Campus and the Monroe Campus. 

Exterior of Central Campus main building

Our promise to every student is to provide an opportunity to build a future through flexible education in a supportive environment.

110+

Years that Blackhawk has been providing educational opportunities to the communities it serves

2

Locations in Rock and Green counties

Employment Opportunities

Working at Blackhawk Technical College means becoming part of a community that strives to help build futures with flexible education in a supportive environment.

Rent Our Facilities!

Blackhawk Technical College offers various rooms for rental to the community. We will work with you to match your needs with our facility to build a successful event.

Conference Center on Central Campus