Dennis Cooley, SWTC Executive Director of Advancement, has announced his retirement

After more than eight years of dedicated service to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and a total of 26 years in higher education, Dennis Cooley, Executive Director of Advancement, has announced his retirement. Throughout his tenure at Southwest Tech, Cooley played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between students, donors, regional businesses, and local communities, leaving behind a legacy centered on philanthropy, leadership, and regional empowerment.

Cooley’s career at Southwest Tech was guided by a profound commitment to the region he calls home. Having grown up in southwest Wisconsin, he eventually returned after working in other areas, including Madison, driven by a firm belief in the core values of the local community. His work encompassed fundraising, cultivating community partnerships, and launching impact-driven initiatives designed to help students overcome barriers to higher education.

Among his notable achievements is the establishment of the Raising Chargers Fund, which offered essential wraparound support to help single parents complete their degrees. Beyond student assistance, Cooley helped expand donor support for scholarships, facilities, and workforce training. He also oversaw the college’s leadership academy, which delivered over 200 sessions to foster professional growth across the region, successfully adapting to virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on his journey, Cooley emphasized that his work was always about connecting passionate individuals with causes that make a difference. As he prepares for his next chapter, he plans to remain active in fundraising and leadership training, continuing his lifelong passion for teaching, service, and community advancement.

The SWTC district encompasses a geographical region of 3,800 square miles in southwestern Wisconsin, spanning roughly 80 miles from east to west and 100 miles from north to south. The coverage area is defined by 30 public K-12 school districts and includes all or parts of the following counties: Full County Coverage: Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland counties. Partial County Coverage: Dane, Green, Sauk, and Vernon counties.