Brandon Arbuckle

UW Flexible Option’s First Applicant Reflects on IST Program and How His Degree Helped Him Land a Leadership Role

December 23, 2024 -

When we last met with Aaron Apel in 2019, he had graduated from the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) program offered through UW Flexible Option.

The first UW Flexible Option applicant back in 2014, Aaron now works in a leadership role at UW-Madison Office of the Registrar. A father of three daughters and full-time IT professional at the time, his road to graduating in 2019 was a busy one, but the destination was more than worth the journey.

“You’re not obligated to take a full class load. You can take breaks if needed, but forward is a direction, and forward is progress. Any effort you can dedicate to and put into pursuing that degree, the UW Flexible Option is a great option to work at your own pace, apply the knowledge that you have, and actually apply the things that you’re working on currently.”

As UW Flexible Option celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we’re also celebrating adult learners like Aaron who found a convenient way to complete their degree and learn new skills.

We sat down with Aaron as he reminisced on his time in the IST program and how it prepared him to take on a new career opportunity.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your time in the IST program?

I had taken quite a long road. Thinking back to when I first started the program, working full-time, a full-time parent, dad of three, just busy in all aspects of life. I was really grateful for the flexible opportunity to be able to work at my own pace.

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already. I remember the long nights doing coursework and studies and completing assignments while my daughters were at various sporting practices and so forth. It was a lot of work but worthwhile overall.

The thing that comes to mind when I look back is the hectic nature of life at that point, and it’s continued to be so. The kids have since graduated high school and college, and I’ve moved along in various roles at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It’s a different kind of busy, but it’s also been a good reflection.

When you last met with us, you discussed how your degree would open new doors for your career. How has the program helped you with reaching your career goals?

One of my goals and drivers toward pursuing the Flex IST degree was to attain a higher level of understanding in the information systems and technology space, but also to earn a degree that would open doors for career advancement here at UW-Madison.

Without that bachelor’s degree, I had limited career progression options. In 2021, the Office of the Registrar underwent some organizational realignment, and as a result, there was a position that opened up. I had the opportunity to apply for a leadership role as the Assistant Registrar for Enrollment and Residency. Without my IST degree, I wouldn’t have qualified for the position.

“Without that degree, without completing the Flex IST program in 2019, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to apply for the Assistant Registrar position, and then eventually my current role as Associate Registrar.”

Happily, I was the successful candidate in that recruitment. That was my first step into leadership and supervision, and my first experience leading a highly skilled team of five professionals focused on enrollment and residence for tuition purposes at UW-Madison in our Registrar’s Office.

I’m really grateful for that opportunity, and that set the stage for further advancement. In January 2024 another position became available, and I was fortunate to be selected as the Associate University Registrar for Student Services. Now, I lead a team of 19 professionals and broadened my portfolio of responsibilities. I now lead our student records team, in addition to enrollment, residency, and credit evaluation services here at UW-Madison, and am part of the senior leadership team for the Office of the Registrar and Division of Enrollment Management.

Without that degree, without completing the Flex IST program in 2019, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to apply for the Assistant Registrar position, and then eventually my current role as Associate Registrar.

In what ways has your degree impacted the work you do at UW-Madison?

When I look back at some of the skills that I developed when pursuing the degree and how the completion of the degree helped me transition into this leadership role, I think the organization and time management skills that were needed to complete the degree were particularly impactful. The determination and dedication to getting the work done has helped me prioritize work and manage time in my current position.

Part of my portfolio in the Associate Registrar role is to oversee functional day-to-day activities in the Student Services area. We’re responsible for transfer credit evaluation, posting of transfer equivalencies, maintenance, upkeep, and support of our student enrollment system, maintenance and creation of student records, and residence determination for tuition purposes.

“The soft skills I learned, and the technical knowledge gained as part of my journey while pursuing my degree, set me up well for taking on these challenges and succeeding in higher education leadership.”

We update and maintain the student information system, post student degrees upon conferral, and coordinate the ordering and delivery of print and certified electronic diplomas. We’re responsible for enrollment and degree reporting, as well as issuing transcripts and enrollment credentials for all of our students at UW-Madison. We’ve got quite a few of them.

More in the leadership space, I’m responsible for setting the strategic direction of Student Services and providing assistance and advice on key policy initiatives at the university for our Deputy and University Registrar and other senior university administrators and leaders on campus. I work very closely with our academic deans and other campus leadership on a variety of projects.

I also serve as a business process expert, subject matter expert, product owner, and policy expert when leading our functional staff and collaborating with our technical teams on integrations, enhancements, and maintenance of our student information system and other ancillary software systems that are integrated with our platforms.

The soft skills I learned, and the technical knowledge gained as part of my journey while pursuing my degree, set me up well for taking on these challenges and succeeding in higher education leadership.

Having graduated in 2019, what changes have you seen in the IT industry compared to 5 years ago?

One thing I’ve noticed is the significant shift in higher education to software as a service (SaaS) platforms; vendor-provided solutions that fulfill the operational needs of the university. Specifically in relation to my focus around course enrollment, degree audit, degree clearance, course catalog management, and other functional areas.

There’s also been a pivot to cloud-hosted software versus on-premises software. A lot of the vendors in the space are transitioning away from client server on-premises installations of a software solution to cloud-hosted applications. We’re even seeing that in the software that we develop internally.

There was a point in time where mobile applications were all the rage. Everyone’s got a device in their hand, right? But there’s been a shift toward mobile responsiveness; developing an application that’s responsive to the size of the device you happen to be using, but having a single instance of that application.

More workplace-related, there’s been a significant shift in remote work and supporting the needs of our team and staff. It’s not just isolated to the IT industry, per se, but we’re seeing a change across the board in flexibilities around working from home and establishing remote work agreements.

Is there any advice you would give to the version of yourself who started the IST program in 2014?

I think my general advice would be, “Stick with it.” My journey in the Flex IST program was extended longer than it probably should have been. But again, life happens and circumstances change.

If you’re thinking about doing the program, it’s definitely worthwhile. I did end up taking a few semester-long breaks just because of ebbs and flows in capacity and life circumstances. But stick with it. It’s definitely worth it in the long run.

I wouldn’t have the opportunities, or be where I’m at today, if I had started the program and then dropped out for one reason or another. The staff, advisers, and folks working in the UW Flexible Option that administer the program are helpful and very understanding. I’m extremely grateful for the experience and the doors it has opened.

Want to learn more about the Information Science and Technology degree? Call an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or send an email to flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu for more information.

‘An Incredible Opportunity For Me’: Cybersecurity Expert Returns to School and Completes Online IST Degree

March 15, 2024 -

With over 25 years of experience in IT, Torry Crass always wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree, but his demanding jobs in cybersecurity made it difficult to make room for courses. Between his career, military service, and volunteer activities, he needed a program that would work with his schedule rather than against it.

Torry found it in the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) offered through UW Flexible Option and completed his degree in spring 2023 using credits from an earlier try at college. Right before his graduation, the Wisconsin native was hired to work in an executive-level position for the state of North Carolina, where he now oversees cybersecurity initiatives throughout the state.

Whenever he faced challenges in the 100 percent online program, Torry received plenty of support and guidance from Jenna Swartz and the Success Coaching team.

“They made a huge difference in both the value I came away with from the program as well as navigating the sometimes complex policies and options that can exist,” he said. “I can’t express enough the positive impact they’ve had on my experience and success in the program.”

Torry’s dedication led him to finishing the IST program with a 3.5 GPA. By completing his bachelor’s degree, he opened new doors for his education and hopes to one day earn a master’s degree. Not only this, but the program’s affordability allowed him to graduate completely debt-free.

Learn more about Torry’s experience in the IST program below:

“Look Mom, I finally did it: I graduated with a 4-year degree thanks to the UW Flexible Option! I chose UWM and the Information Science and Technology program through UW Flex for a few important reasons.

First and most important—flexibility. When I began the program as a nontraditional student, I was already tackling demanding jobs. These jobs meant that the ability to work on coursework at my own pace rather than on a rigid schedule was essential. Without this, I likely would have had to discontinue the program long ago or quite possibly have failed completely.

I’ve been extremely fortunate to advance as far as I have prior to receiving a 4-year degree, but the need to continue—and complete—what I had started in the fall of 1997 was both a personal goal and one that I knew would help with future opportunities.

Today, I have the amazing opportunity to serve as the State Chief Risk Officer for the state of North Carolina with responsibility for overseeing cybersecurity initiatives across the state—a job I started just days before heading to graduation in Milwaukee.

Being able to finally list a completed 4-year degree on my job application was the result of a great program and great experience through UW Flexible Option and the IST program. You might say, ‘Sure, that’s what degrees do, right?’ This isn’t always the case, and many times in the program, I was on the edge of failure. But perseverance and support from Success Coaches always came through, and as a team we made it to this finish line.

Torry standing with his Success Coach, Jenna Swartz. — **Torry received support and guidance from his Success Coach, Jenna Swartz.**

The major challenge was balancing a busy career in cybersecurity with classes. Technology jobs often come with long hours and unpredictable scheduling—mine were no exception. In addition, any ‘free’ time I had already competed with more than its share of volunteer activities that were personally important to me. To point out just a few:

Military service in the South Carolina State Guard, which includes helping put on the largest unclassified cybersecurity exercise called Cyber Shield
Serving on the board of directors for a community-focused cybersecurity conference known as BSides Charlotte
Leading the InfraGard National Members Alliance Cyber Camp Program, which works with chapters around the country to put on week-long cybersecurity camps designed to promote interest in STEM careers for high school students
Teaching cybersecurity at The Citadel for two weeks during the summer for National Guard training

All while also attending school.

These activities provided me experience that helped with a variety of coursework tasks, and that same coursework also provided refinement of my existing skills, things I was able to bring back to these various activities. Who would have thought it possible to both be taking a class and using real-life experience to complete the coursework while using bits of the course to enhance those out-of-school activities?

“The flexibility, quality, and affordability of what UW Flexible Option has to offer made this an incredible opportunity for me to finally complete my 4-year degree and begin to look forward to master’s programs in the future.”

Ironically, while I was engaged in public speaking activities outside of school—including for a Carter Center initiative on fair, safe, and secure elections where I was sharing cybersecurity expertise—I was also on my third attempt after appeal to complete the Introduction to Public Speaking course, the very thing I was doing as part of my career.

Retakes saved the day, and even with my experience it was extremely beneficial to have such flexibility for when school and other priorities collided in ways that ended up with my coursework temporarily losing out, and I just couldn’t get the material across the finish line.

Through all these efforts, I was also looking for a school that was more than just a proverbial ‘piece of paper’ accomplishment. A degree and program with a reputation that I could be proud to be a part of throughout my attendance and subsequent graduation was important to me.

Having grown up in northern Wisconsin where the graduating class size at Phelps High School is almost never beyond 20 students in a year, I had always been aware of the Universities of Wisconsin and knew there were great schools and programs that were a part of it.

The UW Flexible Option program offered me an opportunity to return to my roots in Wisconsin and attend UW-Milwaukee in pursuit of an IST degree. While I initially chose to start my college career at the University of Kansas for a degree in Astronomy, life’s twists and turns simply weren’t seeing fit to allow me to finish that pursuit. In contrast, the UW Flexible Option degree program—with its structured All-You-Can-Learn [tuition model]—was a windfall a few times, allowing for focused bursts of effort that helped get me to the goal of finishing an IST degree.

Let’s face it: college costs are significant and certainly something I was looking at as well. The program’s cost was so affordable in comparison to other programs that I was able to cover tuition costs out-of-pocket without a need to take out potentially expensive student loans. Instead, I was able to budget enough money term over term to graduate with absolutely no student debt!

The flexibility, quality, and affordability of what UW Flexible Option has to offer made this an incredible opportunity for me to finally complete my 4-year degree and begin to look forward to master’s programs in the future. I can, without a doubt, recommend this program to anyone looking to pursue and complete their degree. I’m honored and excited to finally be a UW- Milwaukee alumni!”

Want to learn more about the Information Science and Technology degree? Call an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or send an email to flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu for more information.

Director at Microsoft and IST Faculty Member Uses Dual Careers to Help Others Cultivate Their Potential

March 8, 2024 -

Dee Piziak’s career in IT is an illustrious one. Her CV includes roles at IBM, Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls, Oracle, and Google. She’s currently a Director of Data and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft, where she leads pre-sales technical specialists on her team and works with organizations in the eastern half of the US to help them identify practical use cases and applications for AI.

In addition to her job at Microsoft, Dee shares her decades of industry experience with students as an adjunct instructor in UW-Milwaukee’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) offered through UW Flexible Option.

Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Dee earned her BS in Computer and Information Science from the University of Florida and received her MS in Computer Science from UW-Milwaukee. Her connection to Milwaukee goes beyond her graduate degree: it’s also where she got her first IT job at IBM and started a family with her late husband. As someone who has spent her entire career as an IT professional, Dee is grateful for the opportunities working in tech has provided.

“Due to family circumstances, I raised two children on my own for a very long time, unexpectedly. I picked it up without missing a beat. If I didn’t have this career and all the opportunities and the breadth, what would have happened to us? I think about that every day. It’s very personal for me what this field has done for me, and how it’s enabled us to have a really good life.”

Dee has taught at UW-Milwaukee for over 28 years, and has played a role in the online UW Flexible Option IST program since its inception. She was teaching courses on campus when she learned about the school’s efforts to branch out into online learning and competency-based education.

She worked closely with Chad Zahrt, the assistant dean for UW-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies (SOIS), to help build out the IST program and begin teaching online. Some of her courses today include INFOST 250X: Introduction to Network and Systems Administration, INFOST 350X: Introduction to Application Development, and the program’s Capstone course. For Dee, it’s a true joy being able to teach students from her alma mater and support other women who are working toward STEM degrees and careers.

“I have an emotional attachment to UW-Milwaukee that has stayed with me for decades,” she said. “I feel very strongly about what that school did for me. And it really drives and motivates my desire to be part of that community, as I have been for the last 28 years, and to give back.”

In the following Q&A, we spoke with Dee to learn about her approach to teaching, her career advice for working in the tech field, and how she helps inspire women to pursue STEM roles.

What can students expect from you as an instructor in an online degree program?

I know what the work environment is like, and because I know what employers are looking for and how teamwork works and how collaboration works, I really try to bring that into how I write the classes and how I interact with the students.

“Everybody deserves to be in a field that has a timelessness to it, that has sustainability to it, that earns them a good living, that gives them job security.”

For example, my telephone number: I hand it out. It’s on the syllabus. They call me nights, weekends, evenings. Oftentimes, they’re like, “Wow, thank you. I’m sorry to bother you.” And you know what? You’re not bothering me.

In our business, things move so fast and we always have deadlines, that you [have] to be able to pick up the phone and call somebody and get a proper answer. I feel like I’m bringing that part of the culture, the can-do, always available, let me help you get to the next step, call me [kind] of a thing to the classroom, because I want to show students that as an example of how we work out here.

What’s your favorite part about teaching in the IST program?

I’ve been teaching for a very long time, and I’m also in sales in my day job, so I have been interacting with people for a very long time. I consider myself to be a pretty good judge of people. What gives me the greatest joy is when I am working and speaking with the students and helping them. When I have that moment, that flash where I’m like, “Yeah, this person is going to be OK and they’re going to do great,” it’s almost as though they were my own kid.

I can see their path to completion. They’ve got the motivation. They’re doing well in the program. If I were an interviewer, I would love them because they would interview really well. They’re going to be competitive for a good job. They’re set. I think that those are the most satisfying and gratifying moments for me, when I can tell, boom, they’re off.

I have a very interesting story. I was visiting FedEx in Memphis, one of my clients, when I was at Oracle. I walked out of one of the buildings, and walking in was one of my students. He’d gotten hired by FedEx in Memphis, Tennessee. I almost fell over with shock. He gave me a big hug. So you never know where they’re going to end up and how they’re going to do. You just wish them well wherever they are.

As a sponsor for women pursuing tech degrees and careers, why is it important for more women to be represented in the STEM field?

When I went to graduate school, there were 57 students in my Master’s class, [and] of that 57, only 2 women. So just some quick math, that’s 4 percent. It’s grown slowly over the years, but it really hasn’t gotten anywhere near [a] 50/50 kind of thing.

“You have to show people the art of the possible and build their confidence and their potential.”

In many ways, I try to be gender-blind. I just think it’s a great field for everybody, really. If a gentleman came to me and asked for some help or coaching or mentoring, I would never say no. My door is open to talk to anybody.

That being said, I think that it happens in the early years, that women get deterred from STEM fields. My own two daughters are STEM graduates. I feel like I don’t have to worry about them. As a parent, there’s such a relief knowing that they’re established and they’re in a good place, and I think their educational backgrounds are a huge part of that.

I want that for everybody, but especially for women, who have such demanding obligations in this day and age—family, children, job, daycare, …etc. I just think everybody deserves to be in a field that has a timelessness to it, that has sustainability to it, that earns them a good living, that gives them job security. Everyone needs that, but especially women.

What are some ways we can support women who are pursuing STEM careers?

That starts early. It starts by keeping STEM in their mind and on their radar. And then when they do enter an academic program that is STEM, giving them the support and making sure that they know where to go to get help. You have to mentor and coach people at the tactical level, but you also have to continue to give them that big picture strategic motivation.

“Have patience and know that our business is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You don’t have to become CIO in three years. You’ve got a whole lifetime.”

And you heard my own personal story that, where would I have been if I didn’t have the career that I have? That’s why I feel very strongly that this is a good path for women, and I do whatever I can in my own small way to encourage and sustain that every day. I do that at Microsoft, as well. When I hire, I try to look for female candidates that are highly qualified. They’re out there.

That’s the other thing, too, is that we do have women in the field, but they aren’t always getting elevated. Their potential isn’t always seen. And you have to cultivate potential, right? People don’t know what they don’t know. They don’t know how good they can be, and sometimes their confidence is not where it should be.

You have to find that diamond and bring that out in people, and then allow them to flourish. Otherwise, they’re going to think they’re going to be a Python programmer their whole lives. When, no actually, you have the talents to be a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), for example.

You have to show people the art of the possible and build their confidence and their potential. I truly believe everything I just said. I’ve gotten so much help from people in my career—it’s just paying back.

How does someone get their start in the tech field and advance their career?

To get your foot in the door, be open to all different roles. Unless you’re a really good programmer and have demonstrated that skill, usually the entry-level openings are like support or help desk. Get with a good company, the best [and] biggest company that you can, because then you can stay there for the longest [time] as possible and do different things.

Once you get your foot in the door, do a really, really good job, no matter how boring you might think it is. And then learn. Look to the left, look to the right. Learn what other people are doing. If you have to pick up those skills, pick up those skills. Keep up with your reading. See what the mainstream high-value areas [are] to be in IT, and then just sort of raise your hand, volunteer. Let your manager know what you aspire to do.

Be open to different opportunities and see what comes. You can always say no. But I like to say, the best compliment is if you get up to bat, right? When you swing, you don’t always have to hit the ball. But to be invited up to bat and asked if you’re interested in something is a huge compliment.

Also have patience and know that our business is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You don’t have to become Chief Information Officer (CIO) in three years. You’ve got a whole lifetime, right? And our business is also not just about moving up—our business is like a lattice. Sometimes you move over, then you move up. You might come down a little bit, move over. So again, be open.

Why should prospective students consider the IST program?

So it is a competency-based program. You have to demonstrate, through assessments, that you have competencies in this area. If you’re already working in the field or have some experience, look through the curriculum. Look at the classes you have to take. If you feel that you could demonstrate competency through the assessments, then try it. You can mix and match [courses] at some level.

But do try it, because it is faster than a traditional degree program. The speed, the economics, and the flexibility of it—that perfect storm has really worked out well for a lot of students.

Are you ready to earn your Information Science and Technology degree on your own schedule? Call an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or email at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get more information.

Partner at Accounting and IT Firm Fulfills Personal Goal of Earning Degree in UW Flexible Option

July 13, 2023 -

Michael Senkbeil’s first time taking classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was in the early ‘90s when he enrolled in the Computer Engineering program. Working in several technology-forward companies while in school, his college roommate introduced him to Chortek LLP, an accounting firm based in Milwaukee that focuses on small businesses and their owners.

At the time, Chortek was looking to expand from a traditional certified public accounting firm to add services supporting business use of information technology. In his more than twenty-five years with the business since then, Michael has played a significant role in Chortek’s growth and expansion into new services as a partner at the firm.

Michael put his higher education pursuits on hold because he was focused on his career and raising a family. That said, earning a college degree remained a personal goal. He was excited to learn about UW-Milwaukee’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) offered through UW Flexible Option.

“I’d already had a lot of success in growing a career, building a business, and doing the type of work I really, really enjoyed,” he said. “But I did have that one regret, that I wanted to complete that education, and I’m really happy that it was able to be done.”

The program is part of UW-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies (SOIS), which has been a part of the online learning space for over twenty years. Michael says the 100 percent online bachelor’s degree program fit perfectly into his busy schedule, and being able to return to the same school where he began his undergraduate education was a special experience.

“I’m encouraged by the fact that our traditional education system in Wisconsin is embracing this online approach and catering to the demographic like me who want to maintain a career and family life while making progress on education,” he said. “It’s a great combination there.”

Flexibility at the Forefront

The UW Flexible Option IST bachelor’s degree is a competency-based program, meaning students learn at their own pace and enroll in 12-week subscription periods instead of traditional semesters. With the All-You-Can-Learn tuition model, there are no limits on the number of credits you can take, so Michael was able to complete as many courses as he wanted to during each subscription period—be it one course or several. With his pre-existing credits from UW-Milwaukee transferring seamlessly, he also entered this bachelor’s degree program with junior standing.

“It was time-efficient, cost-efficient,” he said. “The topics and the way I get to spend the time on the curriculum and on classwork were well worth the time as opposed to going back to a program just to get a degree that didn’t apply to what I was doing in my business or my career. It was a win-win.”

While in the program, Michael championed the expansion of IT consulting services at Chortek’s new office in Washington, DC. Despite needing to commute from Wisconsin to DC for a full week each month, Michael made significant progress on his degree thanks to the UW Flexible Option. The firm has since divested of that office in order to focus on their southeastern Wisconsin home market.

“The competency-based design of learning at my own pace and sometimes four or five hours at night after work, and being able to make a lot of progress several days during the week allowed me to still have a life outside of school and work,” he said.

The online learning format helped Michael maintain a work-life balance and still have time for hobbies. This includes spending his winters as a certified National Ski Patroller at the Ausblick Ski Club in Sussex, Wisconsin, where he serves on the board of directors. Michael also enjoys time on the golf course with his wife, Virginia. Her support during the UW Flexible Option program was critical to ultimate success.

Coursework That Complements Career Work

At Chortek, Michael leads the managed IT services team that provides an outsourced IT department to businesses from ten to 250 users. Components of managed IT services include management advice, vendor management, and cybersecurity consulting. The firm’s focus on IT services has increased considerably throughout Michael’s tenure, as over one-third of Chortek’s revenue and personnel are now technology-oriented.

“Continually evolving the IT solutions to match the business needs is the name of the game,” he said. “We have a great team which delivers that, and I’m definitely having more fun than I’ve ever had in my career as we continue to grow.”

Michael says course materials in the IST program matched up nicely with his responsibilities at the firm, and he’s been able to take much of what he’s learned and apply it directly to his work. Courses on the business software system selection process have improved his ability to collaborate, while courses on cybersecurity provided a solid framework for expanding his knowledge of the field.

After completing the UW Flexible Option program with a 4.0 GPA, Michael has used the new skills he’s acquired to further support his team at Chortek, including one of his employees who is enrolled in the UW Master of Science in Cybersecurity.

“It’s great to have had that experience, to be able to work on a capstone project with this team member,” he said. “It’s come full circle pretty nicely.”

Both Michael and Chortek are proponents of the UW System. He and a colleague (who happens to be his former college roommate) have shown support for nonprof-IT, a program through UW-Milwaukee that offers students real-world experience by assisting local nonprofit organizations with website redesign, social media campaigns, and technology assessment. They watched students give their final presentations last year and are interested in continuing to serve as mentors for upcoming semesters.

If you’re considering the online IST program to further your education and IT expertise, Michael’s biggest piece of advice is to form connections while working toward and completing your degree:

“The program is a very efficient way of getting the course knowledge and experience that you need to earn your degree, but make sure not to underestimate the value of networking with the colleagues, businesses, and organizations that you interact with in real life after having your degree. The academic knowledge is important, but so are the experiential and social connections that you need to build during your education.”

Diagnostic Imaging Degree Helps Graduate Earn Promotion

February 1, 2023 -

Working full-time for a medical device company, Brian Holben looked for a bachelor’s degree program that would fit into his schedule and help him land a promotion. He came across UW-Milwaukee’s 100 percent online and competency-based Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging offered through UW Flexible Option, a program which gave him everything he needed to further his career.

A Desire to Help Others

Brian enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduating from high school. Having served eight years, he was inspired to change careers after his father’s cancer diagnosis.

“I saw the importance of healthcare workers and the positive influence nurses could have on their patients,” he said.

Brian earned a two-year degree in radiology and began working as a radiology technologist for health systems near Charlottesville, Virginia, before becoming a clinical specialist in peripheral vascular medical devices at Medtronic.

Brian was determined to advance his career when a promotional opportunity at work presented itself, but the new role required a bachelor’s degree. During his national search for online degree programs, Brian discovered this bachelor’s completion program through the UW Flexible Option.

Earning a Degree on His Own Schedule

Brian was drawn to the Diagnostic Imaging program after seeing an emphasis on medical imaging courses not offered in similar programs. He also appreciated the focus on radiological science and being able to use his previous experience to aid him in his coursework. Instructors in the program include faculty from the UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences, the largest school of its kind in Wisconsin.

Brian loved the program’s engaging curriculum and the ability to design his own course plan in the UW Flexible Option. In this competency-based program, students take courses in 12-week subscription periods rather than in traditional fall and spring semesters. This gave Brian the freedom to increase his course load during slower quarters at work, as well as take fewer courses for the busier periods in his life.

“UW Flexible Option is a huge advantage for people with busy schedules,” he said. “During my time [in the program], my wife and I welcomed our first child. The program’s flexibility let me take a couple of months off to focus on family.”

A Team Effort

As a Marine, Brian entered the program with a strong work ethic that helped him complete coursework without losing focus or feeling overwhelmed. UW-Milwaukee is one of the top ten military-friendly schools in the country and offers benefits to help veterans make a successful transition from service to school.

Brian had already been working from home prior to the Diagnostic Imaging program, so the online learning experience felt natural. His instructors were available for assistance whenever he had questions, and his Success Coach provided him with guidance on everything from registration to staying organized and on task.

Brian’s hard work paid dividends: In addition to graduating summa cum laude, he was offered a promotion at Medtronic and started the same day he finished his degree.

Launching Into a New Role

Brian became a territory manager of sales for the medical device company, which operates and provides healthcare services in more than 100 countries. Now he primarily works with clients to promote the company’s products and coordinates with physicians and other staff to spread awareness of best practices for the devices.

Brian recently worked on a product launch, which involved introducing a new procedure for using a device and educating clients on the legal issues related to using it. Brian took what he learned in HS 311x —Law for Healthcare Professionals to ensure a successful launch.

The UW Flexible Option gave Brian the skills to support others on a larger scale and grow within the medical field. For those interested in doing the same, he recommends having a constant willingness to learn new things. Brian has additional advice for prospective students considering UW-Milwaukee’s Diagnostic Imaging bachelor’s degree through the UW Flexible Option:

“Students need to stay organized, set goals, and finish them.”

What’s Next?

Are you ready to earn your Diagnostic Imaging degree on your own schedule? Call an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or email at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get more information.

Healthcare Positions Abound in U.S. News’ List of Top Jobs

September 25, 2024 -

The healthcare field is projected to see above-average growth in the next ten years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Health expenditures are also expected to make up roughly 20 percent of the nation’s economy by 2031. The demand for healthcare professionals will add an estimated 1.8 million new jobs each year over the next decade, making now the time to prepare for a healthcare career.

Given the positive growth projections, it’s no surprise that several healthcare careers have earned a spot on the annual U.S. News and World Report list of the 100 best jobs in America. Factors such as salary, work-life balance, and future job prospects were considered when choosing which jobs made the list.

Most healthcare positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. The University of Wisconsin offers both online collaborative and competency-based programs, allowing graduates to build the skills and knowledge that will position them for highly sought-after jobs in both clinical and non-clinical healthcare settings.

The following is a look at some of the jobs available within the ever-growing healthcare field:

Medical and Health Services Manager

U.S. News ranking: #6

Annual median salary: $104,830

Medical and health services manager was among the top ten best jobs in this year’s U.S. News list, ranking higher than careers as a dentist, pharmacist, or registered nurse. With a rise in group practices and elderly patients in need of more options for care, the demand for healthcare administrators has rapidly increased.

Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning and coordinating services in health facilities to improve patient care at an administrative level. In addition, they may collaborate with insurance providers, vendors, and other administrators, depending on their organization. Successful health services managers should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to make important decisions.

According to the BLS, health services managers will see a projected job growth of 29 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the national average of 4 percent. Couple a high salary with job satisfaction, and you have one of the most in-demand professions.

For those interested in becoming a medical and health services manager, a health sciences bachelor’s degree can put you on a path for success. You can also consider the University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, which gives you the knowledge to improve health facilities from within by developing skills in strategic leadership, workforce development, healthcare law and policy, and healthcare financial management.

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

U.S. News ranking: #31

Average median salary: $49,710

Substance abuse affects families and communities every day. Many of those suffering from substance abuse have not received proper treatment, which for some has led to fatal results. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, deaths related to drugs have increased over the last decade, and the number of drug overdose deaths involving opioids has more than tripled in the state since 2010.

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors treat and assist those recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, as well as those experiencing mental health disorders. Some counselors also run outreach programs to help spread awareness of addiction and its harmful effects. The position ranks as one of the top social services jobs in the country, and the BLS predicts the role will see a growth of 19 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Many states require certification to become a substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor. Mental health or human services professionals who are working toward a bachelor’s degree and are interested in this role can consider the University of Wisconsin-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program offered through UW Flexible Option. The program is state pre-approved and fulfills the 360 specialized educational hours needed to become a substance abuse counselor (SAC) or clinical substance abuse counselor (CSAC) in Wisconsin.

Community Health Worker

U.S. News ranking: #40

Annual median salary: $46,190

Community health workers help others learn healthy behaviors by promoting wellness. As public health workers on the frontline, they work to eliminate the barriers that limit access to healthcare and advocate for community members who require more resources.

Community health workers serve as a bridge between the community and healthcare providers to coordinate care, and they often work in the field to meet with community members and collect public health data. Those in the role work closely with registered nurses and social workers to identify specific needs and health issues for different groups in their community. Since some groups include people who have faced oppression or experienced poverty, they also aim to provide social support by creating a sense of belonging.

Community health workers typically require a one-year certificate in wellness or other form of postsecondary education. The University of Wisconsin Sustainability and Well-being Graduate Certificate is a great option for those wanting to create a healthier and more equitable community. If you wish to progress further in the field, the UW Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management can give you the knowledge to take on more leadership roles.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

U.S. News ranking: #43

Annual median salary: $81,350

Careers as diagnostic medical sonographers come out near the top of the Best Healthcare Support Jobs section in the U.S. News ranking. Sonographers use ultrasound technology to conduct tests and diagnose medical conditions for patients. Professionals in this field are able to specialize in different parts of the body to capture images and ensure the most accurate diagnosis.

Some examples of positions include:

Cardiac sonographer
Musculoskeletal sonographer
Vascular sonographer

Sonographers are often the first point of contact for patients who might be nervous about getting monitored for certain conditions, which makes strong social and communication skills invaluable. Sonographers also work with physicians before, during, and after procedures to share important findings from the images they’ve created.

While an associate degree is commonly required to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, students may seek a bachelor’s degree in order to move into management or teaching. If you want to leverage your two-year or technical degree, a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or diagnostic imaging provides a great foundation to advance to other healthcare occupations.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

U.S. News ranking: #44

Annual median salary: $65,450

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help patients learn to perform daily tasks that allow them to live independently. Many of their patients have been injured in a traumatic accident or are experiencing a lifelong condition, so OTAs need to show empathy and encouragement in what can be the hardest periods of patients’ lives. Treatment also requires teamwork, as occupational therapy assistants provide care based on the goals established by the occupational therapist in charge.

Similar to health services managers, the job outlook for occupational therapy assistants is looking bright: the BLS predicts an employment growth of 21 percent over the next decade. The position is especially popular for nontraditional students wanting to return to school and change careers.

Occupational therapy assistants must have an associate degree from an accredited program and 16 weeks of fieldwork. If you’d like the opportunity to advance your career and become an occupational therapist, a bachelor’s degree in health sciences can help you prepare for a graduate or professional school program. The UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences program offered through UW Flexible Option features an interdisciplinary course load that will help you develop in-depth healthcare knowledge for career progression.

Registered Nurse

U.S. News ranking: #50

Annual median salary: $81,220

Registered nurses work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to care for patients. In addition to clinical care, nurses connect patients to resources and inform them of best practices for their health conditions. Other responsibilities include operating medical equipment, performing diagnostic tests, and administering treatments.

Nurses must be compassionate, have effective communication skills, and be detail-oriented to provide the best care possible for patients. Nurses can work in many different settings, and there are a number of pathways for career progression. Nurse practitioners are one of the fastest-growing jobs in the nation, with the BLS predicting employment growth to increase 46 percent over the next ten years.

To become a registered nurse, you must be licensed in your state. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an approved program can lead to more opportunities for your career, including roles in administration, consulting, and nursing education. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program offered through UW Flexible Option will further build your critical thinking and leadership skills so you can take the next step in your healthcare career.

Biochemist

U.S. News ranking: #69

Annual median salary: $103,810

Biochemists study the principles of living organisms and biological processes such as cell development and disease. Sometimes referred to as molecular biologists or cellular biologists, biochemists conduct research and scientific experiments to find solutions to problems and create new products. They’re also responsible for managing laboratory teams and researching the effects of drugs and nutrients.

Biochemists who work in healthcare are responsible for researching treatments for cancer and other diseases. They help develop tests to detect infections and genetic disorders by using their research findings for new drugs and medicines. Biochemists must have analytical skills and be able to communicate effectively when sharing their research reports. They can also go on to pursue careers as professors and teachers.

A PhD is required to work in independent research and development positions, but those with a master’s degree are still qualified for entry-level biochemistry roles. In the University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology students will analyze data sets to solve biological problems and learn the practices necessary to test new drugs. In the research and development specialization track, students will also learn about product implementation across healthcare and other industries. The UW Applied Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate is available for working professionals who want to learn how to process biological and molecular data from research and further their career in healthcare.

Medical Records Technician

U.S. News ranking: #71

Average median salary: $47,180

Technological advances in healthcare and the adoption of electronic health records have made medical records technicians an essential part of healthcare. Also known as medical coders, medical records technicians are responsible for pulling information from patients’ medical histories and turning them into universal medical codes, which are used for insurance reimbursement and electronic health records. All of this is completed while ensuring patients’ personal information and records are kept confidential.

The position is a great option for those who are interested in healthcare but would prefer not to work directly with patients. If you already have a degree, the UW-Milwaukee Health Care Informatics Certificate offered through UW Flexible Option will help you learn the fundamental skills to work as a medical records technician and other healthcare technology roles.

The University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology can also equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in the field. The bachelor’s completion program will help you learn about medical terminology, coding systems, and data security. The UW HIMT degree also qualifies you to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam to earn the credential.

Clinical Laboratory Technician

U.S. News ranking: #97

Annual median salary: $57,380

Clinical laboratory technicians examine bodily fluids and collect tissue samples that physicians use to diagnose patients. Lab techs use microscopes, cell counters, and other lab equipment to analyze the samples.

Technicians need to log data from tests and enter the results into a patient’s medical record, so skills in information literacy and a strong attention to detail are crucial.

An applied associate degree is required to become a technician, but a bachelor’s degree sets them up for more advanced roles in the lab. The UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences program offered through UW Flexible Option will qualify students for positions such as clinical laboratory technologists, who supervise lab techs and perform work on more complex procedures.

Advancing Your Career Through the UW Flexible Option

If you’re seeking new roles in healthcare or looking for a career change, UW Flexible Option programs can provide you with the foundation needed to get there.

If you are at the beginning of your educational journey, you can fulfill your general education courses with the UW Associate of Arts and Sciences degree before moving on to earning your bachelor’s degree. Or if you have previous college experience, a team of specialists can evaluate your credits to obtain a bachelor’s degree more quickly.

UW Flexible Option programs feature 100 percent online courses and follow a competency-based format. For graduate Jordan Schumacher, the self-paced structure and flexibility of the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences program helped to balance her busy schedule as a physical therapist assistant.

“You can make this program what you want it to be,” she said. “You can take it as slow or as fast as you need so that it doesn’t overwhelm your life. I never knew a format like UW Flexible Option existed, but I’m so glad it does.”

The UW Flexible Option gave Jordan more options in the future, and she was able to take what she learned in courses and immediately apply them to her work with patients. Simply put, Jordan says enrolling in the program was the “best decision” for her career.

“I have my degree and a job that I love, and now I am confident in branching out to other opportunities,” she added.

To find out more about our healthcare programs, contact an enrollment adviser by calling 608-800-6762, emailing flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu, or submitting an inquiry.

Business Administration Grad Says Without UW Flexible Option Earning Her Degree “Wouldn’t Be Possible”

April 26, 2022 -

Toward the end of her senior year of high school, Briana Martinez landed an exciting opportunity to freelance for a record label based in Miami, Florida. She couldn’t pass it up. However, she soon realized how difficult it was to simultaneously work in the music industry while attending on-campus classes to earn her undergraduate degree.

Briana Martinez graduated from the UW-Parkside Business Administration program in Spring 2021.

“I was traveling so much for the record label that getting my undergrad in person wasn’t an option,” Briana said. Frustrated, she decided to pause her studies and pour her efforts into work instead.

About four years later when most of her friends were graduating from college, Briana knew it was time to pursue her undergraduate degree again. This time, on her own terms. That’s when she found the UW Flexible Option, which offers a variety of in-demand, 100% online University of Wisconsin degrees and certificates.

With UW Flexible Option’s innovative, competency-based education model, Briana learned she could earn her degree by leaning on her experience and knowledge, completing projects, and passing assessments—all at a personalized pace that fit her schedule. No live log-on times offered her much-needed flexibility, and because new courses start every month, Briana could take a break if she needed to without being set back an entire semester.

“It’s affordable and completely online, which meant I could complete my degree faster,” Briana said. “I was super happy to find the online programs. I’m the biggest cheerleader for the UW Flexible Option!”

Degree Programs Built for Real Life

Briana’s UW Flexible Option journey began in 2018 when she enrolled in the UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) program, completing it in nine months. It was extremely important to Briana to earn an accredited online undergraduate degree, so she held off on enrolling in the UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program until Spring 2019 when it became fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)—the premier accrediting body for college-level business programs.

“It perfectly aligned that there was only about a month gap between earning my AAS and starting my BSBA,” Briana said. “I had gathered a lot of motivation and momentum, so I was happy to keep moving forward.”

Briana was determined to juggle a full-time job, freelancing for the record label, and completing coursework. Her days looked like this: Wake up at 6 a.m., drive an hour to work, work all day, get home around 6 p.m., spend the rest of the evening working on papers, repeat. When she was tired, she took some days off for herself. But for the most part, Briana kept pushing, strengthening her self-discipline, all with the goal to earn her BSBA in two years.

“I honestly don’t think I would have been able to get my undergraduate degree if this program didn’t exist,” Briana said. “In a perfect world, I would have loved to do the standard experience of going to an on-campus college, but that wasn’t my path. I got a good opportunity, and I ran with it!”

Online, But Not Alone

Along with becoming a well-versed multitasker, Briana credits her time in the UW Flexible Option AAS and BSBA programs for her now “stronger-than-ever” writing skills. A lot of her coursework focused on research papers that challenged her to write clearly and succinctly on a variety of subjects. Compared to when she started in UW Flexible Option to now, Briana’s writing has vastly improved, and she continues to use those skills every day in her job.

Although she sped through the program with unwavering determination, Briana will be the first to admit that sometimes she needed help: “I probably emailed every single one of my professors at one point,” she said.

She received support during those challenging times—like when she didn’t understand instructions for an assignment or she needed an accounting concept explained differently—from faculty members and her Success Coach, Ariel.

“I want to hype up Dr. Suresh Chalasani, Professor Jill Halverson, Dr. Terry McGovern, and Ariel for always responding and helping me out when I needed them,” Briana said. “They all made my life during this time so much easier.”

Two Degrees Down, One More to Go

In June 2021, Briana graduated with her BSBA, becoming one of the first dozen graduates of the UW Flexible Option program. Today she works as an Executive Legal Assistant at a Los Angeles-based law firm. Next up on her to-do list? A degree in entertainment law. She is currently preparing for the LSAT and plans to start in a hybrid, American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school program in August 2022.

When asked to share advice for prospective students, Briana was quick to passionately recommend UW Flexible Option:

“The AAS and BSBA programs are made for people who are on the go and want to earn a degree in an affordable fashion,” Briana said. “Just do it! If you’re able to reorganize your schedule and prioritize time for your degree, it’ll go by in a flash. UW Flexible Option is the way to go!”

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Want to learn more about how the AACSB accredited, 100% online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through UW Flexible Option can help advance your career goals? Or, do you want to learn more about the UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Sciences degree? Call 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get started.

5 Ways a BSN Reinvigorates Your Nursing Career

October 22, 2021 -

Recently, you may have gained a new perspective on your career as a registered nurse (RN). Whether you find yourself in a role or specialty that no longer serves your interests, or you’re looking for a change of pace and responsibilities, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can reinvigorate your career with new opportunities.

Here are five ways a BSN can make a difference:

#1 Thrive in a Nursing Specialization

jeanette williams in nursing uniform — Jeanette Williams, RN-to-BSN graduate

RNs in specialty units, such as acute care and mental health, are required to have their BSN. Other roles, including clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), also have a BSN prerequisite. Nationally, more than half of nursing positions require a bachelor’s-level nursing degree, so to seize more job opportunities, earning your BSN is a smart choice.

Jeanette Williams earned her degree through the 100% online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, offered through the UW Flexible Option, which allowed her to find the specialty she is passionate about. After taking the NURS 448: Mental Health Nursing Across the Care Continuum course, she decided to shift her focus from public health nursing to mental health.

“It’s nice to finally have my bachelor’s degree done and to have the option of being able to work in a specialty that really interests me,” Jeanette said.

#2 Better Manage Work/Life Balance

In some cases, RNs in a BSN-required nursing speciality or care unit have more shift options. While going back to school as an online nursing student may throw off your work/life balance at first, one big payoff is having more control of your time once you complete your degree.

#3 Get that Promotion

Nurse in blue scrubs, smiling next to medical equipment — Tiffany Breezee, RN-to-BSN graduate.

Earning a BSN shows supervisors that you are ambitious and eager to advance your nursing career. The final capstone course in the online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires students to apply the core competencies they’ve learned in the program into practice—focusing on improving clinical outcomes in their unit.

Tiffany Breezee, a nurse manager and graduate of the UW Flexible Option RN-to-BSN program, reduced the C.diff infection rate in her ICU by 86 percent through her capstone project. She and her nursing staff were recognized organization-wide for their success.

#4 Move to a New Healthcare Setting

To say it has been a challenging time for nurses is an understatement. Burnout and compassion fatigue continue to impact the mental and physical health of healthcare professionals. Many RNs are looking for different work environments—clinics, home health, outpatient—that offer flexibility while still being able to provide high-quality care. A BSN can give RNs a leg up when interviewing for positions in a variety of healthcare settings.

#5 Prepare for Graduate School

Some nurses are drawn to the educational side of the profession. A BSN is the first stepping stone from RN to educator. After completing a BSN, nurses can earn a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Inspired by the differences they were able to make through their capstone projects, many UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates have decided to apply to grad school—even if that wasn’t part of their initial plan.

If you are a motivated, self-directed learner who prefers to create and manage your own deadlines, the 100% online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing, offered through the UW Flexible Option, might be what takes you to the next level of your nursing career.

Call or email a helpful, knowledgeable enrollment adviser to get started at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

4 UW Business Faculty Members Share Advice for Online Students: What You Need to Know to Advance Your Career

September 10, 2021 -

The 100% online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, offered through UW Flexible Option, is taught by expert University of Wisconsin faculty. Students not only have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, but also from industry and academic leaders with expertise in foundational business disciplines, such as human resources, communication, sales and marketing and management. This way, program graduates gain the essential business skills that will help them excel in a variety of roles.

UW Flexible Option connected with the following faculty members to learn more about the importance of each of their disciplines and highlights of the online UW-Parkside Business Administration (BSBA) program.

Sheronda Glass, MBA, Ph.d.: Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and Lecturer in the UW-Parkside College of Business. Sheronda teaches the Human Resource Management course.

Jill Halverson, MBA, CMA: Associate Professor at UW-Oshkosh-Fox Cities campus. Jill teaches the Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Business Communication courses.

Peter Knight, MBA, Ph.d.: Retired Professor of Business in the UW-Parkside College of Business and leads the UW-Parkside Sales Team. Peter teaches Marketing and Sales courses.

Terry McGovern, DM, DBA: Assistant Professor in the UW-Parkside College of Business. Terry teaches the Organizational Behavior & Leadership, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Strategic Management, Integrative Capstone courses.

How is your discipline important for a well-rounded business professional?

Sheronda Glass (human resources): A company’s success requires skillful human resources management. Well-rounded business professionals with HR expertise and knowledge are better able to successfully participate in organizational decision-making that affects the company’s bottom line. Moreover, students who are knowledgeable and adept in human resources practices learn the link between management and the employee workforce and are better able to manage teams to achieve organizational success.

Jill Halverson (accounting and business communication): As “the language of business,” all business students and professionals need to have a fundamental understanding of both financial and managerial accounting. Reading and understanding financial statements and understanding basic costing methods are important for employees in various business careers. Business communication is also vitally important in any career. This includes delivery technique in formal and informal presentations, as well as appropriate writing mechanics in written communication.

Peter Knight (marketing and sales): Marketing and sales generate the revenue that sustains any organization. The marketing learning modules in my courses take students well beyond preconceptions about what marketers do, and utilize real-life, hands-on projects and assignments. The sales learning modules help students develop important skills in two-way communication, such as asking good questions and practicing active listening, which is essential in selling not only products, but also better positioning yourself and ideas.

Terry McGovern (leadership and project management): Self-awareness of one’s own abilities is crucial to any business professional. Serving in a management position can become overwhelming if one does not know best practices and proven approaches to effectively and efficiently manage resources. Understanding strategy is essential for anyone working in the profit or non-profit sectors, where success rarely happens by accident. Finally, organizational behavior, such as attracting and retaining employees, is at the heart of courses centered on leadership, teamwork, communications, diversity, and other workplace interactions.

What advice do you have for students returning to school through an online program like UW-Parkside Business Administration?

Sheronda Glass: The best advice I have for students who register for online programs is to treat an online course like a “traditional” course. Students should set a schedule, practice time management, and hold themselves accountable.

Jill Halverson: Although the saying goes, “not to sweat the small stuff,” be sure to pay attention to the details. Don’t assume that you know everything already. While you may have some background in a given area, there is always more to learn. And, don’t be afraid to reach out to your instructor with questions. We are here to help and would rather hear from you sooner than later.

Peter Knight: Goal setting, planning, and self discipline are important in all online learning. Usually students adapt pretty well, but maintaining a schedule and blocking off the same amount of time you might devote to a face-to-face class is essential, although your driving time is zero! If your instructor offers opportunities for interaction with them, take advantage of it.

Terry McGovern: Perhaps the best advice I can give is to manage expectations. Let family and friends know your educational goals prior to starting the online program and how it will impact your social life—as you will need time on the weekends and before/after work to complete coursework.

Why should prospective students consider the UW-Parkside Business Administration (BSBA) program?

Sheronda Glass: UW-Parkside BSBA is a great option for students who are looking for degree completion, or who want to further their education to meet their career goals. The UW Flexible Option format is an excellent way to help balance personal, professional, and educational responsibilities.

Jill Halverson: While the program is flexible in terms of where and when you complete your work, it is not flexible in terms of rigor. I say that not to scare anyone away but to demonstrate that students get a quality education that is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited. Completing this degree is likely to open up new doors for graduates!

Peter Knight: UW-Parkside BSBA is great for students with variable, conflicting, and/or uncertain schedules that might make it difficult to complete coursework toward a degree within a traditional semester. The program also offers great value for students who may have a lot of time to devote to a degree and want to fast track completion economically, particularly if they have work experience they can draw upon.

Terry McGovern: The program’s competency-based education is ideal for adult learners who have professional experiences they can apply to coursework and assignments. As the world’s only AACSB-accredited competency-based program, UW-Parkside BSBA has a gold standard seal for being in the top 5 percent of business schools in the world.

Looking for more reasons why earning a business administration degree is the right choice for your future? Check out the AACSB accredited UW-Parkside Bachelor of Business Administration curriculum or contact a helpful enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

UW Instructor Brings Her 20 Years of Substance Use Treatment Experience to Online Certificate Program

August 27, 2021 -

Kristin Deprey is a big believer that sometimes a career chooses you. Whether it was happenstance or the right place at the right time, Kristin’s winding career journey led her to where she knows she is supposed to be: helping individuals in their substance use recovery journey.

As a clinical alcohol and drug abuse supervisor at St. Croix County Health and Human Services, she oversees clinical and administrative supervision of the county’s substance use counselor team. Along with developing substance use treatment programming, she meets regularly with staff to discuss client statuses and evaluate clinicians’ direct care skills and abilities.

Prior to her supervisor role, she worked as a treatment court substance use counselor within the correctional system for St. Croix County. This required her to be a liaison representing incarcerated individuals for treatment and substance use recovery as part of a legal team, all while reporting updates to the drug court program.

“When you are working with incarcerated individuals, you are trying to help them during a critical time in their lives,” Kristin said. “They are facing a decision of ‘am I going to continue to do what I’ve been doing? Or, am I going to take this time to commit to treatment and work on improving my situation?’ I met them at that fork in the road and asked how I could help and support them through those challenges.”

With 20 years of experience working in the substance use treatment field, Kristin’s drive led her to not only provide care, but to also teach others within the profession. Concurrently with her role at St. Croix County, Kristin is the lead program faculty for the 100% online UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program, offered through the UW Flexible Option. The program fulfills the 360 specialized educational hours required for the Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) or Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) licensures in Wisconsin. Designed to be completed in 24 weeks or less, learners will demonstrate mastery in a variety of skills and knowledge, such as identifying and applying evidence-based counseling practices and properly documenting client care from intake through discharge, and beyond.

UW Flexible Option connected with Kristin to talk about the importance of the certificate program and to share any advice she has for those interested in pursuing substance use counseling:

How did you get involved in the UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate program?

I keep my finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the field. And, honest to goodness, there was an email or advertisement that I saw seeking a program faculty lead for the certificate. I thought it was an outstanding opportunity, so I applied, and here I am!

What were some of the qualities of the certificate that attracted you to apply for the program faculty role?

The 100% online format is tremendous. I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, so being in the northern half of the state we have some substance use educational programs up here, but not as many as you see in Madison. It is a huge advantage for anyone within the state of Wisconsin to earn this certificate, no matter where they are located. Also, the online format fits around varying work schedules. Having the freedom to be able to do a 100% online course to me is phenomenal and really eliminates accessibility barriers that working professionals run into.

Second, the competency-based design of the program was exciting to me. I think there’s a stereotype about substance use treatment within the counseling community that just any counselor can fulfill the role. But actually, there is a foundational knowledge base that’s necessary to be effective in substance use treatment, and the program provides those evidence-based practices. Also, the support that learners receive throughout the program from the success coaching team is second to none.

What can learners expect from the UW-Madison Substance Use Counselor Certificate program?

I think content for this program is one of the strongest selling points, because it focuses on the knowledge and skills you need—not only to work with the person who’s actively using, but also with their family members. This program teaches both, and looks at substance use from the disease model. We have so much evidence today that substance use is a disease and needs to be treated accordingly.

As far as program content to highlight, there are case studies and data analysis assignments that provide learners with the opportunity to apply their learned knowledge to the case study’s situation and to then consider what is happening in their own communities when it comes to substance use.

For example, if we look at what is available for substance use treatment in the state of Wisconsin, there are a lot of differences depending on location. That is a real-world case study in which learners can examine how their local community fits in with treatment allocation. I like to help learners critically think about how they can integrate everything they are learning in the program with everything they have experienced in order to become more well-rounded, effective substance use treatment professionals.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in going into substance use counseling?

Talk to other substance use counselors who are currently in the field. Ask about what they do, why they do it, and what brought them into the field. This can help you learn about all the different pathways this profession can take you.

Also know that this is not an easy profession. You see a lot of pain in this field. I don’t say that to scare anyone; I am just being real. When considering the substance use treatment field, be prepared for those negative outcomes just as much as the positive ones. It would be nice to say that every client that I ever worked with is sober and doing well, but that’s not the case.

Being prepared means making sure you have a strong community of support around you. Self-care is absolutely necessary as a substance use counselor. We don’t always take that time to step back and realize what hearing stories of trauma can do to us. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for clinicians and substance use counselors is real. We’re the ones that need to be grounded in this path of devastation that substance use disorders bring. We need to be able to take care of ourselves, so we can be there for others.

My other piece of advice is to seek out and establish a mentor in the field, because the licensure process can be complicated and confusing at times.

Anything else you would like to add about the online certificate program?

This program is a phenomenal opportunity that can help people move up in their skills and gain knowledge in order to support folks that really need it. This is important work, and we need more passionate people who want to make a difference in their communities. If that sounds like you, then check out this program.

Want to learn more about how expert program faculty, like Kristin Deprey, CSAC, teach, support, and prepare UW-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certificate learners for impactful substance use treatment careers? Check out the certificate’s curriculum or contact an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

UW Mental Health Nursing Instructor Teaches Students to “Hold on Hope”

May 25, 2021 -

UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing instructor, Rachel Henrichs, grew up in a family where caring was constant. Her father was the head of chaplaincy at Saint Paul-Ramsey Hospital (now Regions Hospital) in St. Paul, Minnesota. In fifth grade, Rachel began to accompany her father for hospital services, playing flute and regularly interacting with sick patients and people with disabilities.

“I saw the empathy that my dad had in his profession,” Rachel said. “That made an impression on me, and I decided I wanted to be in a career that involved counseling.”

Rachel Henrichs and her father sitting next to each other at an event. — Rachel Henrichs and her father.

Rachel graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing from Bethel University, located in St. Paul, and then moved to St. Louis, Missouri to pursue her master’s in nursing at St. Louis University (SLU). There, she worked on a neurosurgery step down intensive care unit (ICU)—treating trauma patients who were often impacted with cognitive and behavioral challenges. At SLU, Rachel was inspired and mentored by a forerunner in the mental health, psychiatric nursing specialty, Ruth Beckmann Murray.

After earning her master’s in nursing, Rachel and her husband moved to South Dakota, where she worked as a home health nurse. It was there she received the call to teach.

“I actually had someone knock on my door in my tiny town of 600 people and say: ‘We know you have a master’s degree, and we need a nursing instructor,” Rachel said.

Rachel first became a nursing instructor for Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota and later took a teaching position at University of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. As a psychiatric nurse instructor, she helped teach several courses, while also working for Avera McKennan in its inpatient and outpatient psychiatric programs. She also helped to support healthcare workers in South Dakota’s licensure programs who were recovering from substance addiction. Later, after she and her family moved to Wisconsin, Rachel served as the clinical nurse specialist at Rogers Behavioral Health before she “felt the pull” to come back to education.

In 2008, Rachel began teaching at UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing, where she is an instructor in several degree programs, including the 100% online UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN offered through UW Flexible Option. The following Q&A features Rachel’s experience creating and teaching the course, NURS 448x Mental Health Nursing Across the Care Continuum:

What keeps you motivated as a nursing instructor, specifically within mental health?

Mental health is an underserved area in healthcare, and my passion is to provide comfort and hope for others and to promote holistic practice. “Hold on hope” is a huge part of my own nursing philosophy. I really believe that hopelessness is a delusion, and it is a common state of thinking for many people when they’re anxious or depressed. I know that improvement and better health can be tenaciously elusive, but I’ve also seen it happen remarkably quickly when the right interventions and support are in place.

What drew you to teaching in the 100% online UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN program?

I think one of the wonderful attractions of this program is the flexibility for nurses who work variable shifts. In this program, you’re going at your own pace. That means you can work a night shift and if you’re charged after coming home and aren’t ready to sleep, you can put in a couple of hours of work and start writing one of the papers.

Also, you can make an immediate change to your own practice, better yourself, and improve the nursing care you provide your patients when you apply your UW Flexible Option learning, and that’s so exciting.

How else do you see students benefit from the RN-to-BSN coursework?

Our associate degree registered nurses (RNs) have done valuable work. However, they’re not always credited for what they’ve done or are currently doing. When RNs in the program are able to write about their work and bring some of their experiences into the assessments and projects, they get a lot of support, validation, and feedback on what they’ve done right and what is going great for them.

Two women in graduation caps and gowns at a college graduation. — Rachel Henrichs with Dr. Ruth Beckmann Murray at her master’s graduation at Saint Louis University.

What can students expect from you as an instructor?

I’m highly responsive. If students have a question or a concern, I strive toward positive communication. I feel honored to be someone who can give nursing students a little bit of support during this time. They have been mandated into overtime; they have been dealing with extraordinary stress on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic; they have been risking their own health and the health of their families; they have been working at times with shortages of personal protective equipment; they have been facing compassion fatigue and burnout for not only themselves, but also for their peers.

It’s been a very challenging time for nurses, and for those nurses who are trying to better themselves and provide improved patient care, I just applaud them. I see this as doing my part in supporting their courageous work.

What are some of the highlights of your course NURS 448x Mental Health Nursing Across the Care Continuum?

One of the big course objectives is to improve the student’s awareness of opportunities and barriers for mental health assessment and intervention, including understanding the stigma we place on others and ourselves.

So many people have depression or anxiety at different points in their life. It doesn’t mean that they’re no good. It doesn’t mean that they can’t change. It doesn’t mean that there is no hope for them. There are many interventions, and if you have empathy and compassion, that is helpful and empowering to promote a patient’s mental health.

Do you have any favorite assessments or projects within the course?

Some of the assessments give students the freedom to choose a mental health issue to study. It’s interesting to see what students pick, such as suicide, OCD, agoraphobia, or heroin overdose—to name a few. I want the course to be meaningful to the students, so I allow them to investigate, learn, and write about their interests to keep them engaged.

Rachel Henrichs with her golden doodle dog named Holly — Rachel Henrichs and her dog, Holly.

A later assessment includes a book review where students need to extract the author’s goals and describe their own reactions to the text. Sometimes it can be challenging for students to write about themselves, but I think self-reflection is one of the best ways to learn and grow. After the book review, many students have told me they have a better understanding of mental illness because the book descriptively shows what someone went through when they were acutely psychotic.

Why should a RN consider the UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN online program?

What makes our program special is its extreme flexibility and that you have immediate opportunities to grow. You’re getting feedback per assessment from experienced nursing instructors.

You don’t have to wait for however long it takes for you to complete the program for you to start making changes in your work. You’re not only improving your own nursing skills, but also yourself. Also, the UW Flexible Option program has awesome, Academic Success Coaches who are loyal, wise, and really know how to support students with particular questions and challenges. Lastly, we as faculty get opportunities to learn and improve our teaching. As you can see, there’s so many reasons to not only consider, but also to apply and enroll in the online RN-to-BSN program.

Want to learn more about how expert faculty members and instructors, like Rachel Henrichs, RN, BSN, MSN, teach, support, and prepare UW-Milwaukee RN-to-BSN students for impactful nursing careers? Check out the program’s curriculum or contact an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.