Travis Wright, an associate professor with the School of Education’s Department of Counseling Psychology, is the new faculty director of UW–Madison’s Morgridge Center for Public Service.
Wright began his new role Feb. 1, following Earlise C. Ward, who returned to her full-time position at the School of Nursing after serving as director for three years.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at the Morgridge Center and contributing to their efforts to advance public and community service on campus and in the broader community,” says Wright, who also serves as director of the MS program in counseling and is the founding director of the Building BASES (Building Academic, Social, and Emotional Supports) Project, a school- and community-based intervention to help children experiencing homelessness.
This spring, the Morgridge Center moved from its home at the School of Education to the Division for Teaching and Learning, a move that will provide new opportunities for both the Morgridge Center and its partners.
The Morgridge Center for Public Service, founded in 1996 with the generous support of John and Tashia Morgridge, connects UW–Madison students, staff, and faculty to local and global communities to build partnerships and solve critical issues through service and learning. Tashia Morgridge is an alumna of the School of Education.
Students shine in Theatre and Drama productions
“A Piece of My Heart”
Written by UW–Madison alumna Shirley Lauro and directed by Professor Baron Kelly, “A Piece of My Heart” in March shared the true stories of six courageous women sent to Vietnam.
“Heathers”
In April, “Heathers: the Musical” — based on the dark and homicidal cult-classic film — had a wildly successful run in the Department of Theatre and Drama’s Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre, selling out all of its shows a week before opening.
Coming soon to the Mitchell Theatre
“First Date”
July 28 – Aug. 7, Sept. 15-25
When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?
“Peter and the Starcatcher”
Nov. 17-20, Dec. 1-4
This Tony-winning magical play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be “The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up,” a.k.a. Peter Pan. It is a wildly theatrical work full of storytelling, magic, invention, and hilarity.
More information: theatre.wisc.edu/productions-and-tickets
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