Tell us a fun fact about you.
A fun fact about me is that this is my second career—I was a school counselor for many years. One of the best parts of my job now is reconnecting with former students who have been accepted to the UW, especially those who come through the School of Nursing.
One past student who I worked closely comes to mind. All she wanted to do was to be a nurse. I talked to her about it when she was in high school, and then seeing her here accomplishing those goals and reaching those dreams really warms my heart. It’s extra special reconnecting with those students here at the School of Nursing.
Tell me about your position at the School of Nursing.
I do all things scholarships. One of the most important parts of my job is helping students break financial barriers so they can focus on their studies rather than worrying about money and how they are going to pay for their education.
What do you enjoy about your work at the School?
I love being able to help and support students. Knowing that I play a small part in someone’s dream—helping them focus on their education and achieve their goals—is the most rewarding piece of my work.
What is your favorite insider tip?
The Cooper Hall indoor walking path! It’s a great way to take a break, explore the building, and learn about wellness through the signs posted along the path.
What do you enjoy about the community at the School?
I really enjoy the focus on holistic wellness—emotional, physical, and financial. I love that the School focuses on the different parts that make us healthy.
People genuinely care about your well-being. They want to make sure you’re feeling good—as good as you can at any given moment—and want to make sure that you’re healthy and taking care of yourself. It’s wonderful that we prioritize wellness for both students and staff.
What advice do you have for someone who might want to start a career here?
Do your homework! There are so many different careers here. We have an extremely robust website. Learn about the different facets and opportunities here. Learn about what we’re all about.
What impact does receiving a scholarship have on students?
Scholarships allow students to focus on their studies and clinicals without worrying about how to fund their education. It frees students to do the work that they need to reach their goals.
What’s the most surprising thing students don’t realize about scholarships?
We don’t look at just one thing when awarding scholarships. It’s not only about financial need—it could be leadership, where they went to high school, and other factors.
Students sometimes think “I filled out my FAFSA, and I don’t qualify for a scholarship.” That’s not true. We encourage everyone to apply.
What’s your best tip for students applying for scholarships?
Apply! Even if you think you won’t get one, we encourage all students to apply.
If you are a continuing student or just applied to our program, make sure to apply for scholarships, too. We want to make sure that every eligible student can get a scholarship.
If students only remember one thing about scholarships, what should it be?
Apply by the due date. Make sure you hit submit!
What scholarship opportunities are available at the School of Nursing and how does the application process work?
We offer a variety of scholarships—academic year scholarships for undergraduates, scholarships for DNP students, and for our summer immersion program.
Students apply through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). After applying, we match students with scholarships and communicate awards throughout the process. Funds go directly into their student account.
How do you see your role contributing to the Wisconsin Idea?
My role contributes to the Wisconsin idea by helping students feel supported in their education and in gaining real-world experience. So, when they go out into the world, they’re ready to make an impact.