Graduates of the UW–Madison School of Education are enjoying successful careers in fields across the arts, health, and education — and we are excited to share what they are doing today.
Following is a Q&A with Dori Ingram, who graduated in 2024 with a BS in Rehabilitation Psychology.
How did you get interested in this field/major?
After a very long talk with myself, I decided to change my major one final time to Rehabilitation Psychology (I changed my major three times). This major was perfect for me as it highlighted advocacy for people who were unable to advocate for themselves. Personally, there is nothing more fulfilling to me than being able to learn how to support others in achieving their independence, maximizing their full potential, and overcoming any challenges they may be facing in life.
How did you decide that UW–Madison was the right place to pursue this degree?
The School of Education at UW–Madison is ranked #1 among all other schools of education in the United States. UW–Madison is also one of the most affordable public universities that offers a stellar education.
What are you doing today (professionally, or where are you pursuing further education)?
I am now a first-year graduate student in the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program here at UW.
What was your most meaningful experience with the Rehabilitation Psychology program?
My most meaningful experience in the Rehab Psych program was my internship. Being able to see what my future career would be like while still being a junior in college was a blessing. Being encouraged that I am on the right career path and other people noticing my growth as a young professional was something that I will always be grateful for. The connections I have made and the knowledge I have gained will stay with me throughout my graduate career and boost me to higher places once I get my master’s degree.
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
The class that had the most impact on me was RPSE 135: Disability and the Criminal Justice System. This class opened my eyes to the complete and utter failure America’s prison systems have become, especially for those with disabilities. They get no help when it comes to being reintroduced into society, often returning to prison quickly. The prisons are in horrible condition and offer little to no help getting these people the lasting rehabilitation they truly need to live a successful life once they leave prison.
How, if at all, has the Rehabilitation Psychology program at UW–Madison helped you get to where you are today?
This program showed me that there is more to this study than just psychology. The rehabilitation aspect of psychology is the part that is often unheard of. Knowing that I could become a counselor that specializes in helping all people no matter what they are going through is a skill that I needed to have.
Can you tell us about a time when an academic advisor helped you?
I had the absolute best academic advisor; his name is Jerry Jordan. He encouraged me to challenge myself and do what felt right. He also helped me realize that I could go to graduate school. For so long I thought I did not deserve to be at this school, but the more I felt supported by Jerry the more I felt I belonged at this university. I owe a lot of my academic success to him.
Can you tell us about a time you connected with someone at the Career Center?
In the Rehabilitation Psychology program you must complete an internship. They have a list of internships available for your choosing, and if you need any help many people will aid you in the process… all you have to do is ask. I wanted to intern at a place that would show me what someone who is interested in rehabilitation work would do. I ended up getting a paid internship at ARC Community Health Services. I worked alongside the director and aided her in case management, stocking the food pantry, outreach work, and keeping the client files organized.
Is there anything else that’s important to you about yourself or your studies you’d like to share?
I want to make it clear that I do not see disability, illness, and disorders as something that is wrong or hinders an individual’s ability to live a great life. Rather it is us as a society that sets (disabled people) back, because we do not design our world to have them fit in it. I am determined to change that.