In 1981, the VTAE District Boards Association celebrated its 10th anniversary.  For that occasion Association President Carl Plaum drafted a brief history of the Association from its early beginning.  In January 2003, the Association asked the undersigned to write a more extensive and updated history.

To prepare for this undertaking, we conducted interviews in 2003 with Richard Anderson, Ed Chin, Joan Jenstead, Harland Kirchner, Eugene Lehrmann, Dennis Nitschke, Carl Plaum, Robert Sorensen and Frederick (Fritz) Wenzel.  Each of these individuals played significant roles in the early years, as did many other individuals.  These interviews provided insights as to how the Boards Association was formed and matured.  The Association’s written minutes also provided direction in the drafting of this history.

Hopefully, this history will help current and future technical college board members realize the commitment made by early members of the Association and will inspire others to further strengthen this organization.  The Wisconsin Technical College System is recognized as one of the very best in the United States and worldwide.  Individual board members from each of the technical colleges, working collaboratively through the Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association, have been an important part of this success story.

The undersigned have appreciated the assistance of Paul Gabriel for his support and use of the Association office, and for serving as editor of this document.  Appreciation is expressed to Moraine Park Technical College for use of their administrative offices.  Without the assistance of Tama Meili, and her many reviews, insights, research, and computer skills, this project could not have been completed.

May, 2004

Earl Mihlbauer, Madison

Executive Director, 1983-1997

Jerald Schoenike, Clintonville

Fox Valley District Board, 1987-97

Association Vice President, 1995-97

Acknowledgements