UW-Madison School of Education Alumni News

Wed
Feb
01

Alum Morgridge helps back new scholarship for international students

A new scholarship program will help prepare young leaders to fight poverty and improve quality of life around the world. The King-Morgridge Scholars Program will launch with a cohort of six students in fall 2017 and will be housed in UW–Madison’s International Division. It will support high-achieving students from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The program is made possible by a $36 million gift from longtime friends Robert (Bob) and Dorothy (Dottie) King, and John and Tashia Morgridge. A 1955 graduate of the UW–Madison School of Education, Tashia Frankfurth Morgridge has maintained close ties with the School, serving on its board of visitors and, with her husband, sponsoring scholarships to support students preparing to become teachers.

Wed
Feb
01

Alum Seyforth to speak to Rotary Club about ‘The Life and Times of Carson Gulley'

School of Education alumnus Scott Seyforth will deliver a presentation, “The Life and Times of Carson Gulley,” to the Rotary Club of Madison at the group's next meeting on Feb. 1 at the Park Hotel. Though now largely forgotten, UW-Madison chef Carson Gulley was a celebrated figure in the mid-20th century known for his groundbreaking efforts crossing racial barriers as a culinary instructor, radio and television celebrity chef and as a pioneer in the local struggle for equal housing.

Sun
Jan
29

UW-Madison alum Brien helps students turn concern into action

A project led by UW-Madison alumna and Madison East High School teacher Kate Brien to show support for undocumented students is garnering local media coverage. Madison's local NBC affiliate reports how Brien and her students designed and sold 2,000 T-shirts to raise money for scholarships for undocumented students and to show unity, celebrate diversity and push back against intolerance.

Thu
Jan
26

UW-Madison alum Meissen named new K-12 consultant for Madison College

Michael Meissen, who earned his Ph.D. from UW-Madison's Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis in 1990, was recently hired as a new consultant for K-12 initiatives at Madison Area Technical College. In his new position, Meissen will lead the process of creating a strategic plan that identifies the key K-12 priority areas for consideration by the college, maximizing student success and advancing Madison College's partnership with K-12 schools.

Mon
Jan
23

WISCAPE blog post shares recommendations for improving UW-Madison's racial climate

A WISCAPE blog post discusses how to improve the racial climate at UW-Madison and introduces a set of recommendations from a collective of black alumni and their allies. The post, titled "Creating a place to remember fondly," was authored by Harvey Long and Valyncia C. Raphael, an alumna of the University of Wisconsin Law School (J.D., 2013) and the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (Ph.D., 2016).

Mon
Jan
23

Alum Holmes highlighted in State Journal's 'Know Your Madisonian' feature

UW-Madison alumnus Edward Holmes was recently featured in the Wisconsin State Journal’s “Know Your Madisonian” report. Holmes was recently named the Overture Center's first executive director of diversity and inclusion. In his new position, Holmes says he will be working on making the Overture Center more inclusive, both in terms of the staff and the patrons it serves. Holmes received a Ph.D. from the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and he also is a member of the School of Education’s Board of Visitors.

Thu
Jan
19

UW-Madison alum Vakunta leads developmental program for Ebola survivors

This month Project 1808, led by School of Education alumna Linda Vakunta, launched the Ebola Survivors Livelihood Skills development program. Vakunta earned her master’s degree in rehabilitation psychology from the School of Education in 2011 and is both the program lead and Project 1808 executive director. The program is funded by a one-year grant from the Sierra Leone U.S. Embassy office and is expected to train over 70 Ebola survivors at Rokel in computer training, catering, driving and tailoring.

Wed
Jan
18

UW-Madison alum Searles named Dance Educator of the Year in Texas

UW-Madison alumna Karen Searles was recently named the Dance Educator of the Year by the Texas Dance Educator’s Association (TDEA). Searles received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a BS in Dance Education from the School of Education’s Dance Department in 2004. Today, Searles leads the dance program at Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas.

Tue
Jan
17

Op-ed co-authored by UW alum Paige argues for abolition of Department of Education

In an op-ed published by the Los Angeles Times, UW-Madison alumnus Mark Paige and co-author Bruce Meredith argue that it’s time to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Paige earned a master’s (2006) and Ph.D. (2011) from the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and also graduated from the university’s Law School in 2007.

Mon
Jan
16

UW-Madison’s Bartlett, Vavrus co-author new book, ‘Rethinking Case Study Research’

UW-Madison’s Lesley Bartlett and alumna Frances Vavrus are co-authors of a recently released book that examines a new and innovative way to conduct research of policy and practice across multiple social fields. Bartlett is a professor with the School of Education’s Department of Educational Policy Studies. Vavrus earned her Ph.D. from the School of Education’s No. 1-ranked Department of Curriculum and Instruction and is now a professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.

Mon
Jan
16

Alum Graves receives Artist Fellowship Award from Tennessee Arts Commission

UW-Madison alumnus Travis Graves recently received an Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Johnson City Press reports. Graves earned his Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the School of Education’s Art Department in 2003. Today he is an associate professor of sculpture with East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) Department of Art and Design.

Tue
Jan
10

Brava magazine recognizes Calloway, Nankin as 2017 ‘Women to Watch’

Brava magazine released its 2017 “Women to Watch” list and two people with ties to UW-Madison’s School of Education are highlighted in the recently released January issue. Christin Calloway, a current Ph.D. student with the School of Education, and Ilana Nankin, an alumna of the School, are among the women being recognized. Brava magazine's 2017 Women to WatchIn previewing its annual “Women to Watch” feature, Brava writes, “Meet 26 influential women who will make Madison -– and good things -– happen in 2017.”

Wed
Jan
04

UW-Madison alum Melko named professor emeritus at Silver Lake College

UW-Madison alumna Sister Michaela Melko was named a professor emeritus during Silver Lake College’s winter commencement ceremony Dec. 17 in Manitowoc, Wis. Melko received a Ph.D. from UW-Madison’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction in 1974.

Tue
Jan
03

UW-Madison alum Herrmann authors ‘Decide to Lead’

UW-Madison alumna Mary Herrmann published a new book for 2017 about leadership and decision-making. Herrmann received a Ph.D. from the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis in 1995. She also earned a master’s in counseling from the School of Education in 1980. Her book is titled, “Decide to Lead: Building Capacity and Leveraging Change through Decision-Making.”

Mon
Jan
02

‘Making Justice’ initiative provides creative space for at-risk youth

Madison365.com recently put the spotlight on an innovative art program that’s designed to provide a creative space for at-risk or court-involved youth. Among those helping out with the "Making Justice" program, Madison365.com reports, is Faisal Abdu’Allah and Carlos Gacharná. Abdu’Allah is an associate professor with the School of Education’s Art Department, while Gacharná is a recent UW-Madison graduate who majored in art.

Thu
Dec
29

Two School of Education alums finalists for Presidential Teaching Awards

Four Wisconsin educators are finalists for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, including two alumnae of UW-Madison’s School of Education. These awards are considered to be among the nation’s highest honors for mathematics and science teachers. Finalists from Wisconsin for the Presidential Teaching Awards who earned degrees from UW-Madison’s School of Education include Rebecca Saeman of Sauk Trails Elementary School and Leigh Kohlmann from Rock River Intermediate School.

Wed
Dec
28

Alum Norrish among eight new National Board Certified teachers in Wisconsin

Eight teachers from Wisconsin public schools recently became National Board Certified, including UW-Madison alumna Lindsay Norrish. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the School of Education in 2009 and today works for the Madison Metropolitan School District. National board certification is considered the gold standard in teacher certification.

Tue
Dec
27

UW-Madison alum Rosenblith named to associate dean post at Clemson

UW-Madison alumna Suzanne Rosenblith was recently named associate dean for Clemson University's College of Education undergraduate programs. Rosenblith earned her Ph.D. in educational policy studies, with an emphasis in philosophy of education. from UW-Madison. According to a Clemson news release, Rosenblith was previously the chair of the college’s department of teaching and learning, and has served as a faculty member at Clemson University since 2002.

Thu
Dec
22

Russell Wilson ad sums up benefits of UW-Madison

"Where would I be without the University of Wisconsin?" UW-Madison alumnus and NFL star Russell Wilson asks this question in a new TV spot. Wilson, noted not just for athletics but also his service work, gives a succinct answer designed to show the impact the university has on its students. In 2011, Wilson attended UW-Madison as a graduate student with the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis before leaving school to join the NFL.

Fri
Dec
16

Burmeister’s gift to create four new endowment funds in School of Education

Alumna Lou Ella Burmeister, a highly regarded professor emeritus of education at the University of Texas at El Paso, recently made a major commitment to UW-Madison’s School of Education in the form of a significant planned gift. This remarkable donation will create four new endowment funds backing initiatives that are both important to the School of Education and that support projects near and dear to Burmeister.