College Profiles

Undergraduate Profile: Brittany Mader

Senior Elementary and Special Education, Early Childhood Major

"Ever since I was little I wanted to be teacher. As a child, I spent many hours in my pretend classroom with all of my stuffed animal students. When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher because I thought it would be cool to have a chalkboard. As I grew older, my reasons for wanting to be a teacher changed and became much more meaningful."

"I chose to enter the field of education because I truly enjoy serving others. Someday I hope to experience the joy of seeing children learn to read and write and to be able to set them on a path to success in school. What most excites me is children's willingness to learn. I want to share my love of learning with children and help students discover their full potential. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to make a difference and affect the lives of my future students."  

Undergraduate Profile: Braden Frederickson

Senior, Elementary Education Major/ History Minor

"I chose education because in no other field is there as much potential for greatness. Working with people has always been a pleasure and a passion for me. Seeing the opportunities and knowing that I have the potential to make an impact makes any job worthwhile. I feel that Education will change a great deal over the next 30 years. I would like to be a part of that change because I know it will be for the better."

Undergraduate Profile: Danielle Lokken

Elementary Education First-Eighth Grades/Math Minor

"I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get involved and to volunteer. Get into the Preschool-12 schools as soon as possible.  You will learn more in a real school setting than you ever could in college class."

"Teaching is in my blood and I love making a difference in children’s lives."

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Undergraduate Profile: Cal Boren

Senior, Elementary Education

"I chose UW Oshkosh because as soon as I stepped on campus for my first visit I felt at home. The admissions team was very welcoming and enthusiastic. In addition, I really enjoyed the size of the campus. Being able to get from one side of campus to the other in 10 minutes…priceless! I chose UWO for many reasons and I am very glad that I did. I have never regretted my decision."

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Faculty Profile: Michael Ford

Reading education professor Michael Ford MSE ’83 has been teaching at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for 24 years. He attained his master’s degree in science education at UW Oshkosh then went on to earn his doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1987 before accepting the assistant professor in reading education position at UWO. Ford takes pride in teaching in and out of the classroom by providing leadership and service to professional organizations and youth groups in addition to teaching at UW Oshkosh. He has received numerous awards, including the UW Oshkosh Endowment for Excellence award in 1993 the UW Oshkosh Distinguished Teaching award in 1991 and the Rosebush Award in 2011. 

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Faculty Profile: Don Hones

 Don Hones, Ph.D., has been an important member of the Curriculum and Instruction department at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh since 1997. Hones, along with Kathryn Henn-Reinke, Ph.D., launched the graduate level English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual alternative program for educators desiring to obtain this license, but who live some distance away from campus. The program has allowed approximately 170 teachers to gain this license, meeting the growing need for ESL and bilingual teachers in schools in the Fox Valley, Green Bay and beyond.

Hones also wrote, obtained and co-directed three major federal grants totaling $4.15 million for the preparation of ESL and bilingual teachers and personnel during 2000-2012. These grants give student teachers financial support as they become ESL teachers, bilingual teachers and counselors, and licensed reading teachers.

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Alumni Profile: Jan Gilles

Jan Gilles, ’09, decided to fulfill an educational dream when she was 52-years-old, a feat in itself she said. She graduated with a bachelor’s in education and licensure in Early Childhood Education (ECE) through the Accelerated Licensure Program for Early Childhood Professionals (ALPECP.)

With determination and a hard work ethic Gilles passed both PRAXIS exams (her biggest obstacles) and graduated Suma Cum Laude while balancing working full-time at Encompass Early Education and Care Children’s Day Out a not-for-profit organization in Green Bay, being a student and commuting.  Read more >>

Alumni Profile: Eric Salzwedel

One day in Madison, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student Eric Salzwedel volunteered his time to help a homeless man whom he had never met before.

Salzwedel took the man to a nearby Taco Bell and assisted him with filling out a job application. Not only did he help him with the application but Salzwedel also provided the man with his contact information in case he needed future assistance.

“It’s so easy to judge people who are different or less fortunate than you,” Salzwedel said. “But if you were in someone’s position or situation, wouldn’t you like someone to help you?”

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