Diederich College of Communication Award Recipients
Professional Achievement Award
JEFFREY T. PLALE, SP '90, GRAD '92
South Milwaukee, Wis.
The name Jeff Plale has been synonymous with two words for nearly 15 years: service and Wisconsin.
After representing Wisconsin’s 7th District as a state senator from 2003–11, Jeff in January was named administrator of the Division of State Facilities for newly elected Gov. Scott Walker.
“At Marquette, there is a strong emphasis that the world does not revolve around you,” he says. “You realize the importance of serving others and the community. We do not exist in a vacuum.”
Jeff’s past committee work has included chairing the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy and Rail. He also served on the committees of Agriculture and Higher Education; Small Business; Emergency Preparedness; Workforce Development; Technical Colleges and Consumer Protection; Transportation, Tourism and Insurance; and Wisconsin State Building Commission.
Jeff has received high recognition and several awards, including the 2004 Working for Wisconsin Award from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce; Guardian of Small Businesses Award from the National Federation of Independent Business; and ’06 Voices of Courage Award from Wisconsin Stem Cell Now.
Jeff’s service to the people of Wisconsin began in 1997, when he was elected to the State Assembly as a state legislator representing the 21st District. In 1993, he was elected to the South Milwaukee City Council, on which he served until ’96.
“If you are willing to share credit, you can accomplish just about anything,” he says.
Before serving in public office, Jeff was an investment agent for Strong Investments — with experience in many fields — and a member of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board and College Savings Program Board, or EdVest.
Fun fact: Jeff authored the legislation that made it possible for the creation of the Marquette license plate.
