A number of staff members from Nicolet College have been busy recently, participating in a wide variety of professional activities that include completing advanced degrees, earning professional credentials, presenting at a national conference and being honored by a state-wide organization.

“These accomplishments translate directly into a high-quality learning environment for our students,” said Nicolet College President Elizabeth Burmaster. “We have a strong commitment to student success and that starts by having a highly-skilled staff.”

Recent accomplishments include:
• Jim Begotka, director of Student Success, completed his doctorate in education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership through North Central University. His research focused on student assessment and options for students who need a higher level of preparedness in order to be successful in college classes.
• Dr. Lenore Mangles, dean of health occupations, gave a featured presentation at the National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Conference in Kansas City. Mangles presented on the three pre-college academies Nicolet holds for Northwoods 9th and 10th graders. Each academy meets for five Saturdays and is filled with hands-on activities, giving students the opportunity to explore careers in environmental science, engineering and health occupations.
• Career and placement coaches Kelly Anunson, Nancy Burns and Erika Warning have all been credentialed as global career development facilitators in their roles as career coaches. They each completed 120 hours of training through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The training, coupled with relevant work experience, provided certification for their career coach positions at Nicolet. As career coaches, they assist people in meeting career goals by providing early career assessments and facilitation.
• In the category of significant achievement, Janelle Cary, a disability case manager in the college’s learner success department, was appointed secretary for Wisconsin Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), an organization for post-secondary professionals who work with students with disabilities.
• Cosmetology instructor Suzi Sandmann earned her master’s in education degree in December from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
• Admissions specialist Amy Gensler completed her associate of arts degree from Nicolet College.
• Kelly Haverkampf, grants manager, received recognition for distinguished service from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for her contribution and support for serving six years on the State Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Rural Schools, Libraries and Communities. Teri Phalin, Nicolet PK-16 coordinator and career coach, is now serving on the council.