The UW–Madison School of Education offers academic excellence in areas spanning the arts, health, and education. We are a proud community of innovative leaders, creative thinkers, and fearless trailblazers. Our talented students are committed to making their college experience a meaningful journey that aligns with their interests and helps them achieve their future goals.
Following is a Q&A with Heaven Williams, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Health Equity, with two certificates in African-American Studies and Disability Rights and Services, and graduating in May 2026.
How did you become interested in this major?
I came in as a neurobiology major but realized that wasn’t my calling. However, I still wanted to be pre-med to help people and bring positive change to the community. I met Zoe Hurley, the amazing program adviser who recommended two courses to take to ‘get my feet wet’ and ‘dip my toes’ into the overall themes of health promotion and health equity. By the time I finished those classes, I fell absolutely in love with the major. I found so much community within HPHE and an amazing support system.
How did you know that UW–Madison was the right fit for you?
I knew that Madison was for me ever since I was little. The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been my dream school since I can remember. UW is known for having the best of the best when it comes to research and that is amazing to me. Also, the presence on campus is what I’ve always envisioned for myself when thinking about college. And why Wisconsin? Because of the Wisconsin idea: We have humility, empathy, and the encouragement to be relentlessly curious, which is really beautiful.
What class or professor has had the greatest impact on you and why?
Dr. Tanya Schlam taught my Kinesiology 150 class and she was very intricate and detailed about the information she was giving us. Her words felt very purposeful which made it feel like it wasn’t just any other lecture. She helped me think critically about the social determinants of health and how understanding the whole situation allows us to be more equitable in serving public health in the community.
Professor Erin McGowen was another professor who had an impact on me. She is very wholesome and sweet and wants to make sure her students are doing well. She recognizes that we are people first and then students, something that I find admirable. She understands we have lives outside of our academics and values our success in and outside the classroom, which is a great quality to have.
What are some tips you have for students starting college?
One, prioritize yourself. You are human and if you don’t prioritize yourself, nothing else will matter. Also, go to office hours. Talking to your professors or TAs will definitely lead you to the right path. And last, be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace in times when your plate is full, but you still have to get stuff done.