Milwaukee Area Technical College

Jim Walsh: Grateful for the Opportunities
Back when he was first hired as an LTE teacher in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Provost Walsh figured he'd be here a year at most, because that was the longest he'd stayed at any of his previous jobs. He remembers thinking about how much he was going to miss teaching.

Fortunately, though, we hired him as a permanent faculty member, and he went on to teach full time for 17 years. He also served as an instructional chair, associate dean and Oak Creek Campus vice president. Since 2004, he has served ably as our chief academic officer.

Jim had a wise approach to staying positive and getting things done. He just tried to take a couple steps forward every day. "I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to work with students," he said. "By leaving the classroom, I've had other important opportunities to contribute, too."

Our new Prepared Learner Initiative, which will transition students to college-level studies, stands out among his recent accomplishments. Jim wants to be remembered above all as a good steward. "I hope I've left MATC a better place."

Photo: Jim Walsh meets with students.

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Dr. Vicki Martin Appointed Provost
It's my pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Vicki Martin as our new provost, replacing Jim Walsh on July 1. Vicki has almost 20 years of MATC administrative experience, including as director of Research, regional campus team leader, and director of Strategic and Quality Planning.

As Oak Creek Campus vice president since 2004, she has played a major role in the development of the center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing. ECAM is scheduled to open later this year. Please congratulate Vicki. The next few weeks, as she transitions to the provost job, are bound to be a whirlwind.

John Stilp, currently serving as Mequon Campus vice president, will replace Vicki as administrator of the Oak Creek Campus. Dr. Dan Burrell, dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will become interim vice president of the Mequon Campus. In turn, Dr. Deryl Davis-Fulmer, assistant provost, will replace Dan as interim dean of LAS.

Dr. Karen Zwissler: Always a Teacher
In 1973, Karen was the first hire in the new Fashion Merchandising (Fashion/Retail Marketing) associate degree program and went on to teach many courses. One of her former students, Deb Jansky, is now an instructor in the program.

Karen moved to the Oak Creek Campus after 19 years of teaching to become associate dean of the Business Division; she was named interim dean in 2006. One of her most memorable accomplishments was a partnership with Microsoft that benefited business students and brought Bill Gates to MATC for a visit. Karen also helped to create the Oak Creek Campus Business Technology Showcase.

Throughout her career, Karen continued teaching part-time. It helped her stay connected and keep up to speed on technology. "I still get Christmas cards from graduates I taught. That's very gratifying," she said.

Photo: Dr. Karen Zwissler is recognized at a recent Downtown Milwaukee Campus gathering.

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Lucia Francis Appointed Dean of Business and Info Tech
Lucia Francis has been appointed as Dean of Business and Information Technology. She brings 22 years of experience in higher education, as faculty member and administrator. Lucia has held faculty positions with UWM and Moraine Park Technical College. While at Moraine Park, she was appointed associate dean, and subsequently, dean of Teaching and Learning.

As owner of Health Information Consulting, her experience includes information management and organizational administration. At MATC since 2002, Lucia has been an associate dean of Health Occupations, providing academic leadership spearheading many new initiatives. Please congratulate Lucia on her appointment.

Best Wishes to Christy Brown
Executive Vice President and General Counsel Christy Brown is leaving MATC to become interim vice chancellor, Finance & Administrative Affairs, at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Among her broad responsibilities, she will play a lead role in campus facilities planning, while also overseeing legal affairs. Her last day at MATC is June 15. Working for my friend, Dr. Carlos Santiago, she joins a dynamic administration and an increasingly dynamic university.

Christy earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her law degree from Duke University. She started out as an attorney with Michael Best & Friedrich and then went to work for Lutheran Social Services as an executive in human resources and risk management and as corporate counsel for the agency. At the same time, she threw herself into civic activities and active membership in the Milwaukee and Wisconsin Bar Associations.

Hired here by me in 2002 , she proved to be not just a top attorney, but a highly capable leader - so capable that I promoted her to executive vice president, in which capacity she served three months as acting president while I was on medical leave. I speak for many in saying that I am pleased for her good fortune, but very sad to lose her to another team. Assistant General Counsel Janice Falkenberg will become interim vice president and general counsel and work with Christy on that transition.

All Abuzz About HIVE
Portfolio Night at Discovery World on May 3 showed off some absolutely dazzling student work. The venue added sizzle, and the entire event buzzed with energy. Another highlight: the public unveiling of the first HIVE pod. (HIVE stands for Human Interactive Virtual Education and is the umbrella term for our partnership activities at Discovery World.)

Created by our students in collaboration with faculty, museum staff and Logan Productions Inc., this amazing attraction educates visitors by immersing them in a multi-sensory experience. Hand motions select the lessons, shown on a 20-foot-diameter, 320-degree projection screen.

I learned about storms. While lightning etched the sky, thunder boomed around me and wind buffeted me. It was thrilling, amazing and enlightening, all at once. I urge you to keep visiting Discovery World to see, hear and touch these innovative exhibits. They are just more proof that MATC nurtures genius.

Photo: Graphic Design faculty member Craig Smallish (center) and students experience the Discovery World HIVE weather exhibit.

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At the Bradley Center, a Moving Spring Commencement
In an especially uplifting ceremony, we granted about 1,700 degrees and diplomas at our spring commencement May 19 at the Bradley Center. More than 1,000 graduates attended. Beautiful spring weather blessed us. Bobbie Webber, MATC District Board chairperson, extended his congratulations. Linda L. Kavelaris, graduating from the Landscape Horticulture program, was the student speaker.

Many thanks to keynote speaker Dennis Kuester, chairman of Milwaukee-based Marshall and Ilsley (M&I) Corporation. Mr. Kuester spoke of how his own college journey mirrored that of many in the audience. He worked full time to pay his expenses and was the first in his family to enter higher education. As far as career success, he assured the crowd that there was no substitute for hard work.

While emphasizing the need for honest, ethical behavior in the workplace, he told the graduates that it's also important to have fun with fellow employees every day, because an upbeat attitude positively affects others. He urged students to maintain the same level of hard work and perseverance they'd already shown at MATC.

The ceremony put a resounding exclamation point on a great school year. Thanks to all faculty and staff who attended.

Top photo: Associate degree graduate Linda Kavelaris delivers the student address at spring commencement. Bottom: New graduates rejoice.

Board Report
As many of you already know, Dr. William Hughes, Greendale School District superintendent, is leaving the MATC Board effective July 1. Along with the impending departures of Mark Maierle and Lenard Wells, this means we will see even more new faces on the board next fall.

Bill remains very enthusiastic about the college and our mission, but could no longer commit the necessary time, in light of recent passage of a building referendum by his school district. To fill the vacancy, the District Board Appointment Committee will reconvene sometime in August.

Bill, Mark and Lenard, my deepest personal thanks. Although enormous knowledge, experience and passion leave with you, I wish you good fortune in whatever comes next. Meanwhile, in several weeks, we welcome two new board members: Robert M. Davis, president and CEO of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee; and Fred Royal, a group leader at Delphi Corp. and elected representative of the United Auto Workers.

Top photo: Dr. Cole and Mark Maierle, receiving the 2007 President's Award for support of apprenticeships. Bottom: Lenard Wells (left), Dr. William Hughes.

Chris Susedik Guided Cuisine Restaurant
We mourn the recent passing of Chris Susedik, Cuisine restaurant instructor. A 20-year employee, he guided students in all aspects of restaurant management and operations. Cuisine is a focal point of MATC pride. Chris greatly enhanced the Cuisine experience through his professionalism and dedication. All of us at MATC will miss him greatly. We extend our deepest sympathies to Chris' family, especially his wife, Melanie, and their three children.

Photo: Chris Susedik, taken from a recent photo with Cuisine colleagues and students.

A New Gateway to Degree Programs
Our new Prepared Learner Initiative offers students a new gateway to college-level studies. People who have been denied entrance into associate degree programs based on their Accuplacer test results can now enroll in one or more PLI courses to make up any deficiencies.

The five introductory courses teach foundational writing, reading, math, chemistry and college success strategies. Multiple sections are being offered for fall. Students earning a C or better will be admitted without needing to take the Accuplacer again.

This option serves students who really want to start a degree but need to catch up a little. While PLI classes won't count toward a degree, financial aid is available for them. Thanks to Provost Jim Walsh and to Theresa Barry, vice president of Student Services, for leading the development of this new pathway.

Photo: Jim Walsh meets with students and staff.

Teacher Education Program Earns State Academic Honor
Our Teacher Education Program has received one of the state's top academic honors. The Wisconsin PK-16 Leadership Council named TEP a "Program of Distinction," recognizing best practices in education. We were the only 2007 recipient. The council's review committee said it was "impressed by the authentic partnerships you have created." Thanks and congratulations to our teachers, faculty coordinator Eva Baez and assistant provost Dr. Deryl Davis Fulmer.

Faculty and Staff Notes
MPTV General Manager Ellis Bromberg was recognized May 31 for his work with the Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations (MJCCR), receiving the Saul Sorrin Leadership Award. MJCCR is the umbrella group for all Jewish agencies and synagogues in the region.

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Communique is a monthly online newsletter of Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Got an item for Dr. Cole? Please contact Dan Reszel, coordinating editor.