Viterbo University President, Dr. Rick Trietley, joined us in studio to discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a private university, his 22 years of military service — including jumping out of airplanes — and the importance he places on building community.

Trietley has served as Viterbo’s president since 2022 and has been with the university since 2017. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served for 22 years, including deployments to Afghanistan, and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

That’s where we begin — talking about his experience in the military, jumping out of planes, and serving overseas.

From there, we dive into the current challenges facing Viterbo and many other universities, including declining enrollment, recent layoffs, and managing a budget deficit. We also explore Viterbo’s strong reputation as a nursing school and the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education — and whether it’s truly enhancing learning, or potentially hindering it.

On the topic of community, we highlight how Viterbo is deeply integrated into La Crosse — from hosting the Boys and Girls Club at the Mathy Center, to being a leading force behind local Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, and its commitment to preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors through annual events.

We also touch on whether Viterbo could play a role in a proposed partnership — still in early discussions — to build a new indoor pool in La Crosse. So far, the city and the La Crosse School District are involved in those talks.

Viterbo University President, Dr. Rick Trietley, joined us in studio to discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a private university, his 22 years of military service &mdash; including jumping out of airplanes &mdash; and the importance he places on building community.
Trietley has served as Viterbo&rsquo;s president since 2022 and has been with the university since 2017. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served for 22 years, including deployments to Afghanistan, and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.
That&rsquo;s where we begin &mdash; talking about his experience in the military, jumping out of planes, and serving overseas.
From there, we dive into the current challenges facing Viterbo and many other universities, including declining enrollment, recent layoffs, and managing a budget deficit. We also explore Viterbo&rsquo;s strong reputation as a nursing school and the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education &mdash; and whether it&rsquo;s truly enhancing learning, or potentially hindering it.
On the topic of community, we highlight how Viterbo is deeply integrated into La Crosse &mdash; from hosting the Boys and Girls Club at the Mathy Center, to being a leading force behind local Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, and its commitment to preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors through annual events.
We also touch on whether Viterbo could play a role in a proposed partnership &mdash; still in early discussions &mdash; to build a new indoor pool in La Crosse. So far, the city and the La Crosse School District are involved in those talks.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.