The new School of Human Ecology building rendering.

A Retailing degree was established in the School of Human Ecology in 1962. Shortly thereafter, the Center for Retailing Excellence was established. In 2005, a blue ribbon committee surveyed top retailers nationwide to gain insight into this program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The survey concluded that the University did, in fact, have one of the strongest and most comprehensive programs in the country. However, it was not widely known or recognized. The survey and benchmarking study of similar programs at other U.S. universities demonstrated that the creation of a “Center for Retailing Excellence” was essential to appropriately market and grow the retail program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Center highlights and promotes the retail industry and business as a positive and prestigious career choice for students. We bridge the gap between students and employers by stimulating connections and providing networking opportunities. The Center reaches beyond the retail major into other specialties to provide the best of the best in educated undergraduate and graduate students. Our promotion throughout the campus draws the attention of our brightest students to look at retail first. We look to deepen the relationship with our partners by offering access to all of our diverse majors.

In May of 2008, Kohl’s Department Stores announced a $3 million gift to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish the Kohl’s Department Stores Center for Retailing Excellence. In addition to an endowment to provide administrative and programming support, the gift will help fund a state-of-the-art facility within an expanded and renovated School of Human Ecology building. This marks the largest corporate gift to the School of Human Ecology.

Timeline

• 1962: Retailing Degree established at the UW
• 2005:  Committee of high level retailers assembled to survey the program and determined a Center was necessary to market and grow the retail program
• 2008:  Center for Retailing Excellence established
• May 2008:  Kohl’s Department Stores donated $3 million dollars to the School of Human Ecology for naming rights to the Center and expansion of the building
• 2012:  New building will open with the new space for the Kohl’s Department Stores Center for Retailing Excellence.