UWGB Transformed Nicole by…

…letting her lead.

In no uncertain terms, Nicole Vaux is a leader, but she knew that leadership is meant to serve others, not oneself.

“I found my voice, my identity, my strength, and my love of learning at UWGB,” Nicole says. “Through my engagement with UWGB leadership organizations, I strengthened my character and sense of purpose to improve the lives of teenagers through secondary education, and I learned of my love for service.”

Many on-campus leadership experiences helped strengthen Nicole’s character, molding her into a future leader of others. She recalls her role as an executive member of SGAs Executive Board, her tenure as a Resident Assistant, her service for the Black Student Union, and her term as editor for the Sheepshead Review in facilitating her process from student to visionary. And Nicole has many UWGB faculty members to thank.

“Rebecca Meacham introduced my love of the Harlem Renaissance and impacted my life as a literature teacher and advisor of literature magazines, and Aeron Haynie helped develop my love of critiquing poetry and literature and analyzing text through multiple lenses,” Nicole explains. “I remember Grant Winslow and his love of working with students to help make their college experience unique, fun, and memorable, and James Coates for the work we did mentoring students of color in area middle and high schools.”

Post graduation, Nicole continued her service as a secondary education English teacher, coach, and advisor of SGA, school newspaper, and school magazine. Being a true believer in the power of education, Nicole recently earned her Ph.D. In Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Alabama, following a Master’s and Educational Specialists degrees in Educational Leadership.

“I’ll never forget the rich experiences I gained at UWGB, and I’ll apply them when I begin my professoriate in the fall,” she asserts.

After UWGB allowed Nicole to be a leader, it sounds like Dr. Vaux is just getting started.

Name: Nicole Vaux

Grad Year: 2003

Major: English

Minor: Secondary Education and History

 

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We’ve asked alumni to either share stories of how their lives were transformed by the UWGB  experience or how they are making the world a better place with transformational work in their careers, homes, or volunteer experiences. As UWGB celebrates its 50th Anniversary, meet an alum each week who has experienced a “UW-Green Bay Transformation.” Stories were self-submitted and then edited by Zachary Taylor, a 2010 English Education graduate currently serving as Interim Associate Director of the Phuture Phoenix program.

Fifty and Forward: UWGB’s Time Capsule for 2065

In celebration of UW-Green Bay’s 50th Anniversary, a cornerstone, which was ceremonially placed in conjunction with 1968 construction of the first campus buildings, was opened in summer of 2015. Contents were intended to document the beginnings of the University in 1965 and its community partnerships. Items ranged from early campus plans regarding layout and curriculum as well as a directory of local government offices; area newspapers; and an original souvenir plate commemorating Super Bowl I and the win of the Green Bay Packers in 1967.

Looking forward to UW-Green Bay’s 100th anniversary, the University is creating a new time capsule to be opened in 2065 telling the story of UWGB today. The campus community is invited to help choose the contents for this capsule which is planned to be about the size of a  small file cabinet (2′ x 2′ x 4′). Planners are seeking input and suggestions of specific objects to be included. To make suggestions, complete the Fifty and  Forward:  UWGB Time Capsule 2065 survey by Sunday, March 13, 2016. From the submissions, a committee of students, faculty and staff will choose the objects to be placed in the time capsule.

Take the survey

UWGB Transformed Christopher by…

…giving him the motivation to start his own business.

Ask any small business owner: entrepreneurship can be the most rewarding–and the most stressful–endeavor that a recent college graduate can undertake. Yet that is exactly what Christopher Lange did, and he credits his UWGB experience, one that helped him find the motivation to take the risk of small business ownership.

“When I began attending UWGB, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Christopher says. “While I am still not certain where I will end up, I am most certainly better prepared because of my time at UWGB.  I started out unfocused and, to some extent, unmotivated, but through time, learning, and the diligent help of UWGB staff, I began to take my studies seriously.”

Christopher recalls his many lasting friendships made while at UWGB, but he insists that the leadership and inspiration from the UWGB staff and faculty is what truly made the difference in deciding his career path. Citing Gregory Aldrete, Clifton Ganyard, Ellen Rosewall, and Darrel Renier, Christopher believes that it was these people who transformed his academic career into one he could be proud of.

Now, Christopher is a small business owner and emphasizes that his UWGB education was indispensible in his success.

“Had I not taken time to make myself want to learn, and not had the tools and resources available to me at UWGB, I would not have been in a position to be a small business owner,” Christopher says.

Name: Christopher Lange

Grad Year: 2014

Major: History and Arts Management

Minor: Humanistic Studies

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We’ve asked alumni to either share stories of how their lives were transformed by the UWGB  experience or how they are making the world a better place with transformational work in their careers, homes, or volunteer experiences. As UWGB celebrates its 50th Anniversary, meet an alum each week who has experienced a “UW-Green Bay Transformation.” Stories were self-submitted and then edited by Zachary Taylor, a 2010 English Education graduate currently serving as Interim Associate Director of the Phuture Phoenix program.