In both his professional career and his ministry, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Howard Spearman ’98 and MSE ’03, of Milwaukee, inspires people to transform their lives through leadership, learning and service.

Spearman, who earned a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in counselor education from UW Oshkosh, will be honored in October with the UW Oshkosh Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

As a senior academic adviser for the Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business at UW-Milwaukee, Spearman advises a caseload of 750 undergraduate business students from registration through graduation. He also serves as the multicultural student coordinator, supervising student workers in the Multicultural Tutoring Center.

“Students who come in contact with Howard benefit daily from his expertise and guidance,” said T.J. Jeske, UWM’s assistant dean of student services. “He is articulate and deals effectively with individuals of diverse ages as well as all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.”

Prior to his work at UW-Milwaukee, Spearman worked for five years in advising and programming at UW Oshkosh.

“Howard was philosophical yet practical, a go-getter who carried a much larger presence with him at all times,” said UW Oshkosh Admissions Director Jill Endries.

Spearman also lives a life of service, as he is involved in numerous church and community activities. He is especially proud of earning the Oshkosh Big Brothers Big Sisters Outstanding Service Award in 2003.

He worked as the co-organizer of the 2008 and 2009 citywide March4Freedom event in Milwaukee. “The event’s purpose is to increase the city’s awareness for standing against violence, especially in our youth,” he said.

Spearman is grateful for the excellent start he received at UW Oshkosh.

“I am still friends with many of my UW Oshkosh classmates. Most importantly, my wife is a UW Oshkosh alum. UW Oshkosh has been a life-changing experience for me and the more I share my stories, the more I realize I made the right choice in furthering my education,” he said.

“Most importantly I have been prepared to take advantage of the opportunities given to me. There were many professors and administrators who encouraged me to succeed. Carmen Coballes-Vega, former dean of the College of Education and Human Services, encouraged me to pursue my doctorate. Also, Alfred Kisubi, human services professor, has been a mentor and positive resource for me.”

Spearman recently earned a doctorate in leadership for the advancement of learning and service from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.

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