UWEC is a good school. My sister went there in the 90s. I live in rural WI–most of the kids here who choose EC are interested in nursing and/or not competitive for Madison. The tippy top kids here pick Madison first. La Crosse is seen in my town as more of a “party” place than Eau Claire. Oshkosh for the real parties though. Milwaukee for kids who want urban. Platteville for engineering or ag. (This is what kids say/I see–I’m certain you can get an excellent education at all these schools).
My spouse and I have worked (one or both of us) for UW system for more than 15 years. Morale is horrific right now. Most (not all of course) faculty and staff have feelers out for other jobs. Many are leaving. While it is true not everyone will go, it is not a good situation at all. I fear they will lose the more dynamic and passionate educators and keep the less motivated. The universities are trying to protect students from cuts, but I think that is a pipe dream. My kid wants to get out for her own reasons, and that is fine with us.
I would still visit and see what you think.