UW-Sheboygan unveils new Center for Engagement Learning
Dr. Terry Grall to serve as Interim Director

The University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan welcomes a new face to the campus this summer and unveils a new department that will provide area businesses and working professionals with a local resource for their business development and professional training needs.

Dr. Terry Grall, local entrepreneur and former business owner, joins the campus as the new Interim Director of the Center for Engagement Learning (CEL). Grall, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, a master’s degree in Environmental Design and a Ph.D. in Ergonomics, comes to the position with more than 30 years of business experience. Most recently, Grall served as the founder and CEO of Consumer Care Products, Inc. of Sheboygan and Plymouth. After selling the business in 2007, Grall has worked as a consultant in the ergonomics and safety field, developing a number of devices that have led to five U.S. patents and numerous professional honors.

As the new CEL Director, Grall will work to develop new and engaging programs that will assist Sheboygan County businesses to educate their their leaders in areas such as Executive Management, Human Resources, Research/Engineering and other Business Development teams.

The department will expand on the previous services offered through UW-Sheboygan’s Continuing Education Office and will add three new focus areas: Business Development, Professional Training and Research & Technology Transfer.

“My interest in this position is centered on my wish to help UW-Sheboygan and the local community more fully gain the value of using higher education to address real world business development, sustainability and leadership problems and issues,” Grall said. “The ultimate goal is to create a new and exciting professional level foundation for assistance to the businesses that exist or want to start or move here. I also believe there is a large and strong professional core of talent here that has been untapped that can help to expand these real world learning experiences for both UW-Sheboygan faculty, staff and students.”

New programs in development under Grall’s leadership are a series of courses on Chinese politics, language, history and culture, as well as others focusing on India and Brazil – all of which are fast emerging as new markets for area manufacturers.

Other new projects that are under consideration include Water Quality Testing and Research; Special Education Primer Courses; Prevention of Eating Disorders; Seniors Fall Prevention; Historic Travel and Study on the Mississippi and Australia; Vibration Technology and Health/Wellness, and many more. More new programs are also in development for the Continuing Education and CEU branch of the department. Grall said new ideas for programs are always welcome.

“UW-Sheboygan has the full university networking capability to find the answers to the questions that area businesses may have and can provide the continuing education area professionals need to succeed and stay ahead of their competition – both now and in the future,” Grall added.

Grall is a graduate of Sheboygan North High School and lives in Plymouth with his wife, Lisa, and daughters Alivia, Arianna and Greta.

For more information about UW-Sheboygan or the Center for Engagement Learning & Professional Training, visit www.sheboygan.uwc.edu or call (920) 459-6617.