With a recognizable face to many students on campus, Rich Egley has worked for UW-Platteville for 30 years. As current dean of students, Egley’s start at UW-P wasn’t a permanent fixture when he originally signed on.

Egley attended Penn State University and worked as a resident assistant during his time there.  He enjoyed that type of work and began looking into the possibility of making student affairs into a career. He graduated from Penn State with a Bachelors Degree in Science and Psychology and a Masters of Education.

Photograph by Melissa Rakow
Rich Egley, dean of students, works with three organizations on campus. Egley has been with UW-Platteville for 30 years, and continues to enjoy working with students.

He began working at UW-P in 1979 in a trial basis position as associate director of student housing.  Egley was originally hired for only three-to-five years, but instead worked his way up to become the dean of students.

Egley’s involvement extends into three main areas on campus: Behavior Review and Recommendation Team, student affairs with student housing, and Student Senate.

“The BRRT is designed for a central point to monitor student behaviors,” Egley said. The group stems from the Virginia Tech tragedy, in which the shooter had over 70 complaints about him, but nothing was done.

Egley said the BRRT is the central point for students and other university personnel to express concern.  Egley is there to help those people and resolve the problems.

Egley is also involved with University Student Housing and works closely with Rhonda Viney, director of student housing.  Viney has worked with Egley on campus since 1985.

Viney said when she receives a student behavioral complaint on a student, she deals directly with Egley to decide not only the resident halls consequences but the UW-P student conduct consequences as well.

Viney said her most memorable moment about Egley is his dedication over the years to UW-P students and her time learning from his impeccable writing skills.

David Nevins works closely along side Egley with Student Senate. “Together, they help students get through the election process and training of administrative aspects with the executive board,” Nevins said. “Rich is very good with the students and very good with worthwhile projects.”

Egley loves studying the Civil War, specifically the Battle of Gettysburg. His love is seen through several guest lectures in some history classes on campus.

Egley said his goal upon retirement is to become a licensed battlefield tour guide, focusing on the Battle of Gettysburg.

Family is also important to him, and he has two grown sons with his wife, Kathy, of 36 years, Egley said. They enjoy various outings, such as dinners at his favorite restaurant, Pizzeria Uno.

Egley said he enjoys riding his motorcycle to work whenever possible, and encourages students to talk to him about any concerns or a simple chat about life.