[1] The founding of a University of Wisconsin System campus in Washington County began with the purchase of land owned by local farmer Carl Pick and UW Regent approval of the site on November 12, 1965.
The campus has consistently expanded from 1980 to 2009 because of increased enrollment and University program offerings.
On February 18, 2009 a dedication was held for the approximately 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2) of space that was added, including a new Learning Center, state of the art lecture halls and classrooms, engineering labs, faculty offices, and a commons area where students can relax or study.
The campus was part of the College of General Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Dr. Simon J. Bronner was its dean.
UWM at Washington County, through collaborative arrangements with four-year campuses, offered bachelor's degree programs in addition to a guaranteed transfer to any University of Wisconsin System four-year university.