Red banner with large word: Inspiration

Nourishing our students, the program, faculty, staff and each other

Become a Partner

A top priority for Kohl’s Center for Retailing (KCR) is to create awareness and excitement about the retailing industry at UW–Madison. Building relationships through financial support, hiring, internships, virtual and in-person class visits, and career fairs helps us to underscore retailing as a positive and prestigious career choice.

icon of a greek columnWe support the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology’s Equity and Justice Network initiative and invite you to learn more and get involved.

headshot of Jerry O'BrienLet’s Talk

Contact Jerry O’Brien at jerry.obrien@wisc.edu

Be a Part of Badger Pride

Icon of gold medal with a star on itPlatinum Corporate Partnership

$20,000 annual contribution and an initial 3-year commitment

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Gold Level Benefits, and More

All access and benefits included in the Gold Level, plus:

  • Special, priority access to faculty
  • Opportunities to fund and suggest relevant research
  • The chance to design a special event on campus
  • Prominent display of your logo at KCR
  • Recognition as a Platinum Level Partner on the KCR website

Get Priority

Platinum Level Partners receive priority consideration of dates to:

  • Present at the Retail Leadership Symposium Course about your company
  • Sponsor a Student Retail Association or group meeting
  • Sponsor a company visit or campus event

icon of a gold medalGold Corporate Partnership

$10,000 annual contribution and an initial 3-year commitment

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Add Value to Students

Add value to the education and future of UW–Madison students by:

  • Generously providing financial and human resources to KCR
  • Aiding in the promotion of the retailing profession and ensuring a steady stream of diverse and qualified graduates prepared to lead, innovate, and succeed

Recruiting Access

Gain meaningful and seamless recruiting access to all UW students by:

  • Using KCR as a portal to connect partners with a wide selection of diverse students from all majors
  • Developing internships that add value to students’ educations
  • Providing executive mentors to students

Link Your Brand to UW

Link a brand to UW–Madison by:

  • Being listed as a partner on the KCR website and related materials
  • Promoting sponsored events and becoming a consistent presence on campus

Additional Benefits

Benefits that come from this access:

  • Collaboration with UW to advance the industry and promote the profession
  • Two memberships to the KCR Board of Advisors
  • Opportunities to display brand logos within KCR and related marketing materials
  • The prospect to provide curriculum advice to the Dean
  • Expanded and improved access to students
  • The opportunity to make one annual presentation at the Retail Leadership Symposium Course or host a club meeting
  • Regular occasions to network with and exchange strategies with other partners for common knowledge and benefits for all

Letter V to look like letter jacketVarsity Individual Partnership

Your personal, flexible support for U-rah-rah, Wisconsin!

Reach back and reinvest with a customizable sponsorship program designed for individual alumni and retail professionals looking to expand and improve the experiences of today’s students.

Our Current Partners

Kohl's logo

  • Blain’s Farm & Fleet
  • Colony Brands
  • The Diamond Center
  • Footlocker.com Eastbay
  • Hy-Vee
  • Irving & Dorothy Levy
    Family Foundation, Inc.
  • Kwik Trip
  • Lands’ End
  • Macy’s
  • maurices
  • Milwaukee Tool
  • Target
  • Ulta Beauty
  • Walgreens

Other Ways to Connect

SPONSOR STUDENT TRAVEL

Too often, students are unable to participate in travel experiences due to lack of funding. Student sponsorships provide memorable insights into the industry and a chance to network with the pros.

GUEST LECTURERS

Open to students on campus, the Retail and Leadership Symposium course features guest presentations focused on the ever-evolving and exciting retailing industry. KCR is also a great connection to other campus instructors looking for guest lecturers.

RECRUITING AND HIRING

Recruit talented Badgers for internships and permanent positions, participate in a Career and Internship Fair, post open positions on the Handshake employment site, and host an informational session or on-campus interviews in beautiful Nancy Nicholas Hall. Email us to learn more about our employer services.

CONNECT WITH STUDENTS

Help expose students to the dynamic retailing industry by organizing company visits, interactive workshops, meetings with student organizations, case competitions, one-on-one meetings, large-format presentations, and a mock interview session. KCR is always open to new ideas for bringing students and employers together.

Email retail@mail.sohe.wisc.edu to learn more.