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Inspiring Graduate: Dawson Zibton, B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation

goersab — Mon, 13 May 2024 16:35:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Dawson Zibton, B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitationgoersab May 13, 2024

‘I am confident when I say, Stout has helped me to become the best possible version of myself.’

Inspiring Graduate: Dawson Zibton (’24)

Hometown: Kronenwetter
Degree: B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation
Specialization: Law Enforcement

Beginning his college career at the height of the pandemic was challenging for Dawson Zibton. It was not the experience he was expecting as a first-year student.

“I like to think that everyone goes through a period where they don’t know where they belong in college,” he said.

Dawson Zibton receives his diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank / ��

However, as the pandemic eased and campus life re-emerged, student clubs and organizations were reinvigorated. Zibton joined Phi Sigma Phi Fraternity and found a community of students he could connect with. It became the bridge between his excelling in education and living his best life at ��.

After completing two internships with the Menomonie Police Department and the Chippewa Valley Technical College Police Academy, Zibton earned his B.S. in criminal justice and rehabilitation on May 4, along with 1,037 graduates.

He believes the internships helped confirm that he chose the right major, that he is career ready and that he has an advantage over other candidates entering law enforcement.

Dawson Zibton with his criminal justice program peers at commencement / ��

“I look forward to utilizing all the knowledge and experiences garnered here at Stout in a law enforcement capacity to protect, to serve and to pay it back to the greater central Wisconsin community that protected and served me,” he said.

How has your �� experience changed you?

My experience at Stout has fostered me to think differently about how law enforcement can better help serve communities, with better regard for mental health, cultural competence and interpersonal communication – all of which have become prominent aspects of policing in the recent decade.

Stout has done an unbelievable job in preparing me for my future endeavors. In the classroom, learning about intricate subjects such as modern policing strategies, rehabilitation methodology, interpersonal diversity and counseling have all put me far above the curve regarding law enforcement knowledge.

What stands out about your �� experience?

What really stands out about the Stout experience is the unique balance between classroom knowledge and real-life applications.

Stout is extremely unique in the fact that part of your education comes from reaching out, building connections with employers and completing internships. There ��. nowhere else I would’ve been able to get such an applicable and relevant education.

Dawson Zibton at Chippewa Valley Technical College Police Academy / Dawson Zibton

Stout ��. polytechnic advantage enabled me to participate in two incredible internships which further advanced my knowledge and understanding of the law enforcement field.

My internship with the Menomonie Police Department assured me that I had chosen the right major. It gave me a chance to implement the knowledge learned in the classroom and provided me with valuable law enforcement connections.

My internship with the CVTC Police Academy assisted in my ability to perform tactical skills, increased my understanding of laws and statutes, and supplied me with the knowledge to properly and lawfully serve the community.

You can only learn so much in a classroom setting. With my internships, under Stout ��. program plan and guidance, I have been able to cross-reference classroom knowledge with real-life applications to further advance my career readiness.

What challenges did you face and how did your involvement on campus help you overcome them?

The largest challenge I faced during my time at Stout was figuring out how to navigate and persevere through the pandemic. I came to Stout when the coronavirus was at its ultimate peak, which meant that many aspects of the college experience like student activities that typically guide a new student ��. success were unfortunately not able to take place at first.

Dawson Zibton receives his Phoenix Seven scholarship / Dawson Zibton

However, later, being able to participate in clubs and organizations was ultimately what curved my first year back into a positive experience. By actively participating in campus culture, I was able to live that true campus experience.

Student groups bring out the best in exploring creativity, finding like-minded individuals and making sure you feel at home.

I’ve been a member of Phi Sigma Phi Fraternity since my first year. This esteemed and historic organization has fostered growth, leadership, and academic excellence, and is largely responsible for giving me a sense of family away from home.

Phi Sigma Phi has instilled me with the idea that serving your community is extremely rewarding. Donating homemade dog toys to the Dunn County Humane Society, volunteering at the Wisconsin Foster Closet and raising money for various Menomonie-based organizations are some of the most tender and rewarding moments.

Phi Sigma Phi has also allowed me the opportunity to take responsibility and accountability for others through its executive board leadership positions. Being able to lead and guide the organization to success and improve upon previous ideas has given me unbelievable skills that I hope to enact in future career supervisory positions.

I was awarded with the Phoenix Seven Foundation ��. Dean Rockwell Scholarship based on my commitment to embracing the ideals of my education, community and fraternity. Phi Sigma Phi provided me with unconditional support and brotherhood when I needed it most. Being surrounded by a great sense of camaraderie is something I’ll never forget about the brotherhood.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of how much better of a man, friend and peer I have become. The relationships and experiences that Stout and its extracurriculars have fostered is unmatched to any other experience I have ever had.

Dawson Zibton believes his internship with the Menomonie Police Department and the Chippewa Valley Technical College Police Academy helped prepare him for his career / ��

This place has helped me grow in ways that were completely unimaginable and foreign to me even four simple years ago.

I am confident when I say, Stout has helped me to become the best possible version of myself.

Additional thoughts

I’d like to give thanks and pay homage to God, my parents, sister, extended family, girlfriend, friends, fraternal brothers, professors, advisers and peers for all their unconditional love, words of wisdom and support. You all mean the world to me, and I couldn’t have done this without every single one of you holding a special place in my life and in my academic endeavors.

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‘I am confident when I say, Stout has helped me to become the best possible version of myself.’ Inspiring grad Dawson Zibton

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B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation

Through our B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation program, you can become a certified Wisconsin police officer while also earning your degree.

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Commencement scheduled May 4 for 1,037 graduates

Spring commencement will be held for 1,037 graduates on Saturday, May 4, at ��.

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Students give back through involvement at new Boys & Girls Clubs middle school program

polingj — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 21:10:45 +0000

Students give back through involvement at new Boys & Girls Clubs middle school programpolingj November 18, 2022

Steele, Williams, Vang enjoying helping children; expanded services in Menomonie kicked off Nov. 14 with ceremony

Three students from �� are helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley take its services to the next level and serve more children in the Menomonie area.

Lyam Steele, of Eau Claire, Jazmine Williams, of Roscoe, Ill., and Pa Chie Vang, of Menomonie, are part-time employees with the new Menomonie Middle School after-school program. In mid-November, a ribbon-cutting was held to celebrate the additional program, which joins the elementary program at River Heights.

“I really enjoy making an impact in these kids' lives,” Steele said. “The smiles I see from the kids when they enter the room is great. They always bring a different story or attitude each day. This really helps me love the work.”

Williams said she is enjoying “being a part of the growing youth in our community and helping them develop into the new generation.”

Lyam Steele, �� student, works to be a positive role model for children at the Boys & Girls Club middle school program. / ��

“The club ��. programs are important because they really do provide kids with an environment that is safe and inclusive,” Vang said.

The ribbon-cutting and kick-off of the program on Nov. 14 culminated several years of planning and fundraising for the Eau Claire-based nonprofit, which has clubs in five area cities.

Community support, including from board members such as �� Chancellor Katherine Frank, donors and the student workers, helped make the expansion possible, said CEO Ann Kaiser.

“The Menomonie community is very supportive of the Boys & Girls Clubs. They see the need for club youth development programs, they understand the value of providing enriching experiences during out-of-school time and they know how it adds to the quality of life,” Kaiser said.

Mentor relationships formed at the club, such as with the �� student employees, “help kids feel confident, build their self-esteem and help them to build perseverance and resiliency as adults,” she added.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the many individuals and businesses whose support made the club ��. opening possible. The need for community support is ongoing, and the return on investment truly is priceless when you think about how these opportunities can change the trajectory of a life. Whether it ��. financial support or volunteerism, we need even more involvement to keep up with the demand for participation,” Kaiser said.

Learn more about the capital campaign.

Steele is a criminal justice and rehabilitation major.

As a youth development specialist at the club, he sees the work as a way to gain practical experience in his career field and help children.

“The experience is great to have as I will most likely be working with kids in my future job as a police officer or sheriff ��. deputy. This is also a great way to give back. As a kid, I went to the Boys & Girls Club.”

His duties include helping students with homework, facilitating and supporting program activities and supervising children.

“I also role-model kind, caring and respectful behavior and ensure that kids are using materials and equipment in a safe and positive manner,” he said, with a goal of “making the club a fun place to be.”

Steele and Williams each work between 15 and 20 hours a week. The middle school is about a mile from �� . central campus.

Jazmine Williams plays a game with students at the club. / ��

Williams, who is majoring in arts administration and entrepreneurship, is a teen specialist at the club.

“I was looking for an engaging, hands-on job that gave me the opportunity to plan and be a part of the community,” she said.

Along with helping plan programs and supervise children, Williams supports efforts to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment at the club.

“I think the program is important because it gives parents more time to work and do outside activities yet engages their youth in doing activities that grow and shape them into who they will one day become,” she said.

Pa Chie Vang, �� student, enjoys building positive relationships with children at the club. / ��

Vang is majoring in human development and family studies.

Working 10 to 15 hours a week as a youth development specialist, she enjoys building positive relationships with the children and helping nurture their development.

“It has given me an opportunity to implement what I've learned through my courses about development in children — the emerging adulthood phases. It has been so important to meet them all where they are at in their development and help them either build new skills or enhance their already learned skills so that they can find different ways to problem-solve or try new things,” Vang said.

As a parent, Vang realizes that “it can be difficult to navigate big feelings and changing emotions from little bodies, and this experience has given me an opportunity to assess how I navigate these challenges with my own children.”

Along with the three part-time student workers at the middle school, a �� school counseling graduate student, Tana Prokosch, is a full-time program coordinator for the clubs.

Including Menomonie, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley has programs in Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls and Black River Falls. Menomonie is the fastest-growing of the five locations.

The middle school program has received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, renewable for up to five years. As a result, membership and program fees are waived for children.

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Three students from �� are helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley take its services to the next level. Jazmine Williams 2

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When she graduates in spring 2023 with a master ��. in school counseling, Tana Prokosch already will have multiple professional experiences.

Hero Caption: �� student Jazmine Williams helps a student at the new Boys & Girls Clubs middle school program in Menomonie. / ��

Katherine P. Frank

Katherine P. Frank became the eighth chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, after a distinguished career as an administrator and faculty member.

Before her appointment as chancellor, Chancellor Frank served from 2016 in two roles at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., as Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Life and Vice President of Academic Innovation. She also held the rank of Professor of English.

From summer 2014 until spring 2016, she was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Frank served as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indiana University East, Chair of English and Foreign Languages at Colorado State University-Pueblo, and a faculty member and administrator of programs involving student writing, faculty professional development, and student success.

Chancellor Frank, the first female leader of ��, grew up in Colorado and has a bachelor ��. degree in English from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine. She has master ��. and doctorate degrees in English from the University of Washington, Seattle. Frank ��. research interests include Romantic and Victorian English Literature, rhetoric and composition, the scholarship of teaching, and academic leadership.

“I am delighted to join ��,” Chancellor Frank said. “Throughout the search process, I became increasingly impressed by the high-quality work and creative thinking exhibited by faculty, staff, and students at ��, as well as the strong, reciprocal relationships among the university, community, and regional partners. Everyone demonstrated dedication to the university and exhibited true focus on ensuring student success.

“As beautifully stated by one alumna, ‘Stout is where you need to be.’ I could not agree more and am honored to join this exceptional community of educators, learners, partners, and friends.”

“Dr. Frank has demonstrated throughout her academic career that she is a strategic, dynamic leader,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “She handles challenges extremely well. Her visionary perspective on the future of �� will serve the institution and the state of Wisconsin very well.”

Chancellor Frank and her husband, Joe Dvorsky, live in Menomonie with their three rescue cats. She is an outdoor activities enthusiast, including running, road cycling and mountain biking, and has a love of animals, travel, and adventure.

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Internships at Boys and Girls Club helped guide graduate to next step in career

polingj — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 18:17:37 +0000

Internships at Boys and Girls Club helped guide graduate to next step in careerpolingj December 22, 2020

Roux, football team captain, plans to get master ��. from �� in school counseling

After earning his bachelor ��. degree Dec. 19 from University of Wisconsin-Stout, Bailey Roux can look back on numerous highlights and proud moments that were packed into four years on campus.

He graduated with honors from the criminal justice and rehabilitation program, making the dean ��. list six times, and he played three years and was a captain of the Blue Devil football team this season, which was canceled because of COVID-19.

Squeezed into those busy college days as a student athlete, Roux was doing something else that he’ll never forget. During the spring of 2019 and 2020, he interned at the Boys and Girls Club in Menomonie. There, he fell in love with helping young people.

He enjoyed it so much that in fall 2021 he will enroll in �� . Master of Science program in school counseling.

Bailey Roux / ��

As part of his major, he took a counseling class “and absolutely loved doing it. I really want to be in a school setting and make a difference, so what better career than a counselor?

“I plan to use the skills I learned both in the classroom as well as my internships to make me a better school counselor,” said Roux, who is from Rice Lake. “I feel it really geared me to want to be in a school setting in the future.”

Roux believes he found his true calling working with youth.

"It is really easy to talk to someone your own age, but when you're talking to a child who ranges from eight to 12 years old, it is a big difference," Roux said. "You almost have to look from their point of view and explain what you're trying to convey to them in a way that gets them to understand.”

During his internships, 200 hours each spring, he enjoyed being a role model while developing educational and recreational activities for club members. The club meets at River Heights Elementary in Menomonie and is part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley.

Bailey Roux, who played center for the Blue Devil football team, prepares to snap the ball. / ��

"It was an awesome experience to be able to come to the club everyday as a 'big football player' and be a positive role model for a lot of these children. It is amazing how kids look up to athletes and how it helps them learn things,” said Roux, who is 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds.

Roux played center for the Blue Devils, starting every game beginning in his first year. He made the all-conference second team twice and was one of 199 national semifinalists for the prestigious Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the best scholar athlete football players in the nation.

He was one of just three players from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and one of just 40 from NCAA Division III to be named a semifinalist.

Clayt Birmingham / ��

“He is among the first to volunteer for the many opportunities to serve our community and campus. He understands the big picture of getting involved and helping others, all while carrying a good GPA,” said Clayt Birmingham, head football coach.

Roux, whose grade-point average is nearly 3.8, also has a chance to play professionally, drawing the attention of NFL scouts for the spring 2021 player draft.

Learning how to balance school and athletics was a challenge, Roux said, “but once I got the hang of it, it was easy. The coaches were very understanding and let me choose to pursue my academics first if there were any conflicts.”

Playing center, a position responsible not just for hiking the ball to the quarterback but calling out offensive signals at the line of scrimmage, was “stressful at times, but it helps you grow into a leadership role,” he said.

He has been working full time since summer, while finishing his degree, and plans to continue his job until next fall, when he begins the master ��. program. He works in the warehouse at Serenity Health and Home Décor in Eau Claire.

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Bailey Roux can look back on numerous highlights and proud moments that were packed into four years on campus. Bailey Roux 1

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Hero Caption: Bailey Roux, captain of the Blue Devil football team, plans to become a school counselor.

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Community service drives student, winner of Wis. National Guard award

polingj — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 20:17:22 +0000

Community service drives student, winner of Wis. National Guard awardpolingj September 30, 2020

Sgt. Kjellberg, criminal justice major, recently returned from Middle East deployment with 829th Engineer Co.

By Vaughn R. Larson, National Guard, and �� Marketing Communications

The newest 1st Lt. Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award recipient was surprised to learn he had been nominated, let alone selected for the Wisconsin National Guard award, which recognizes exceptional selfless service both in and out of uniform.

Sgt. Grant Kjellberg, a utilities equipment repairer with the maintenance platoon of the 829th Engineer Company, had completed his first deployment and just stepped off a commercial airliner at Volk Field Sept. 24, a few minutes before learning of the impending recognition.

“I think it ��. a great honor,” he said after the ceremony. “I hope I can live up to what (Wortham) accomplished.”

The 829th, based in Ashland and Spooner, mobilized in October 2019. About 150 members served across the Middle East and in Afghanistan. They supported an engineer battalion from the Indiana National Guard.

Grant Kjellberg receives the Wisconsin National Guard Wortham Award recently at Volk Field from Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews. / Wis. National Guard

The award is named for the late 1st Lt. Thomas Wortham IV, who served in both Troop A, 105th Cavalry and the Chicago Police Department. The Chicago native was also the president of the Cole Park Advisory Council in Chatham and worked to make the neighborhood safe for children to play in area parks.

He was murdered May 19, 2010, outside his parents’ Chicago home when four men attempted to steal his motorcycle.

Kjellberg, a senior who will return to full-time studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in October to complete a criminal justice and rehabilitation major, plans to work in local law enforcement. Prior to his deployment, he worked part time with the �� Police Department while taking classes.

Kjellberg is a volunteer firefighter with the town of Wheaton in Chippewa County.

In addition to those commitments, Kjellberg — who lives in the Eau Claire area — has been a volunteer firefighter with the Wheaton Fire Department in Chippewa County for four years.

“The department knows my obligations to school,” Kjellberg explained. “I am able to respond when needed, in-between school hours and classes. I also plan to get EMS certified, which will help me with both fire and police work.”

His main firefighter duties are responding to motor vehicle crashes and responding to automotive, house and wildland fires. Three weeks before he deployed, he was part of the disaster response effort to the September 2019 tornado in Wheaton.

Firefighters, police officers and military personnel all serve others, Kjellberg said. “I gravitate toward them because of the brotherhood and sisterhood they have,” he noted. “You can trust them because they have been there, and they will be there.”

The Elk Mound native found time in his busy schedule for one more community activity — he has been a youth baseball coach for three years.

Kjellberg, an Elk Mound High School graduate, has helped coach a youth baseball team for three years.

“Before that, I was playing and umpiring,” Kjellberg said. “I knew I couldn’t play forever, so I decided to help out the next generation of players. I’ve been with the same amazing group of kids since they were 10 and 11 years old.”

Joined the Guard at 17

Kjellberg joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard when he was 17 and still a student at Elk Mound five years ago, saying he was always drawn to the military.

“Both my grandfathers and great-grandfathers before them had served,” Kjellberg said. “I grew up playing many sports. I loved being on a team and the camaraderie that went with it. I joined because I wanted to help people and keep that team environment that I craved. I wanted new challenges and experiences with people that would remain lifelong friends.”

During his deployment with the 829th Engineer Company, Kjellberg ensured that engineers had the vehicles and equipment needed for their mission, sometimes performing repairs at job sites.

“It was amazing to see how our unit adapted to the problems and restrictions (COVID-19) caused,” he said. “The unit showed great resolve and that the Wisconsin Army National Guard is up to any mission, no matter the difficulty.”

Kjellberg hopes that by helping out in his community and demonstrating what it means to be a citizen soldier, he continues to honor 1st Lt. Wortham IV and his family.

“I feel many people in the National Guard are worthy of this award, as they go about their lives selflessly and honorably every day of the year,” he said.

�� Police Chief Jason Spetz said Kjellberg ��. service as an officer, soldier and firefighter show his passion and dedication to public service.

“Grant is very detail-oriented and dependable,” Spetz said. “He is level-headed. His decision-making skills are good. He really meets all the traits we want to see in a police officer. Overall, he is someone we can trust to do the job and do it with the integrity we would expect from a police officer.”

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The newest 1st Lt. Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award recipient was surprised to learn he had been nominated. Grant Kjellberg 1

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Through our B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation program, you can become a certified Wisconsin police officer while also earning your degree.

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Lake Hallie officer still affected by Walmart shooting incident

powersp — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 16:46:31 +0000

Lake Hallie officer still affected by Walmart shooting incidentpowersp October 30, 2019

Adam Meyers speaker at criminal justice and rehabilitation conference

Lake Hallie Police Department Detective Adam Meyers always dreamed of being a police officer but never wanted the nightmare of being an officer who shot and killed someone in the line of duty.

That changed on April 8, 2016, when Meyers responded to the Lake Hallie Walmart for a Northern Wisconsin Center client out for field trip who did not want to leave the store and return to the center, a state-operated facility in Chippewa Falls for persons with disabilities and mental diseases.

Melissa Abbott instead grabbed a hand hatchet, refused to drop it and came at Meyers. Meyers shot her in the leg and stomach, and she later died.

“It was the first shooting in the history of the police department,” Meyers said, speaking Oct. 29 at the �� Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Conference. “I never thought I would have to do this in my career.

“Sometimes when I talk about the shooting it affects me. I feel professionally and personally responsible to share my story. This affects everybody. It affects people I don’t even know. That split-second decision to shoot, it changes many, many people ��. lives. The support structure is very important.”

After the shooting, Meyers said there is a lot he doesn’t remember. He did recall checking with bystanders to make sure they were OK and having Walmart management see if any medical personnel were in the store.

Abbott was 25, had a history of violent behavior and had mailed letters to a judge, a senator and other officials threatening them. She had written a letter at one point that said: “I want to kill someone, and I don’t care who.”

She was at the center because of her mental health issues.

“That day was tragic,” Meyers said. “It ��. still sad to me. She was a mom to a young daughter.”

After the shooting, Meyers said he turned over his gun but doesn’t remember driving home and at that time had no idea how Abbott was. “It just seemed surreal,” he said. “You train for stuff like it. It just didn’t seem like it was happening.”

As soon as he got home, the father of two children knelt next to the love seat. “I prayed Melissa wouldn’t die,” he said. “I didn’t want her to die.”

The next morning, he got the call from the police chief that Abbott had died. “I remember getting off the phone and just thinking ‘I killed somebody. I took a life and that ��. a big deal.’ It ��. still a big deal to me.”

He deactivated all his social media accounts and only recently has restarted some of them. “Occasionally I still get hate messages,” he noted. “I get it, that stuff just happens.”

However, he never second-guessed or doubted his decision to use lethal force, Meyers said.

He also had a lot of support from fellow officers, the community and even some members of Abbott ��. family. Still, he started drinking too much alcohol and eating unhealthy foods as he tried to cope with the shooting. “I had my own posttraumatic stress disorder and mental health stuff. I was coping with liquor. It was bad, really bad. I gained about 40 pounds. For 3½ years I really struggled.”

After Meyers was cleared in the shooting and it was ruled he acted in self-defense by Steve Gibbs, the Chippewa County district attorney, he was given his firearm back. “I cleaned it and I started crying,” Meyers said. “It was more than just a gun. I killed someone with it.”

A lawsuit was filed in Abbott ��. death against Meyers but was later dismissed.

Still, there are triggers in the news and in his job that still bring back the stress Meyers has had to deal with. A Walmart shooting in Texas in 2019 and a Lake Hallie bank robbery the same year triggered Meyers’ trauma. “This year some fireworks started to bother me,” he noted. “It got me anxious.”

He takes antidepressants, which help him, and he is working to no longer need them.

“I know a lot of cops don’ t like talking about it, especially those involved with shooting,” Meyers said. “No matter how difficult it is for me. I think it ��. important to share to help others.”

Variety of conference sessions

The conference also had sessions on restorative justice, underage alcohol and tobacco use, reducing recidivism, and �� assistant professor of rehabilitation and counseling Andy Felton talked on “Expressive Arts and Correctional Rehabilitation.”

“Arts open up the opportunity to talk about yourself when you are talking about something else,” Felton noted. “The arts help us to tap into different senses.”

Talking about art makes it easier to share, he noted. He talked about coloring mandalas and how that can be relaxing and help others focus.

Sand trays that have sand and figurines to put around the tray also are helpful to get people to open up. “The sand itself can be very soothing, he noted.

Sponsors included �� . College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences and the department of rehabilitation and counseling. �� . Professional Education Programs and Services, part of the Discovery Center, coordinated the event.

�� offers a bachelor ��. degree in criminal justice and rehabilitation.

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Meyers said he prayed Melissa Abbott would survive the shooting. He shares his story to help others.

�� assistant professor of rehabilitation and counseling Andy Felton talks about the use of “Expressive Arts and Correctional Rehabilitation.”

Lake Hallie Police Department Detective Adam Meyers always dreamed of being a police officer but never wanted the nightmare of being an officer who shot and kil officer1hero.jpg

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Hero Caption: Lake Hallie Police Department Detective Adam Meyers talks about dealing with the emotions of having to shoot a woman with a hatchet in the Lake Hallie Walmart at the �� Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Conference.

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Alumni have had successful careers in law enforcement

polingj — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 20:57:49 +0000

Alumni have had successful careers in law enforcementpolingj October 28, 2019

Former state patrol chief, prison warden, officers reflect on careers predating �� . criminal justice major

In nearly 25 years, J.D. Lind held every position with the Wisconsin State Patrol. He served in all five regions of the state and capped his career as superintendent for two years, retiring in October 2018.

Lind is one of many graduates of University of Wisconsin-Stout who have had successful careers in the law enforcement field.

They have done it despite not having the benefit of going through the university ��. criminal justice and rehabilitation major, which started in 2014. The university is hosting its second annual conference on criminal justice on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Lind said he “absolutely loved” being a state trooper — helping capture a murderer and saving several lives on his most memorable days.

As State Patrol superintendent appointed by the governor, he developed a new strategic plan for the agency with 650 employees, among other improvements. “It ��. a big responsibility, no doubt. You’re the appointing authority, hiring, budget, discipline,” he said. “The State Patrol is steeped in a long tradition of excellence.”

In retirement, he leads the chamber of commerce in Cable, near his hometown of Bayfield.

A 1988 graduate in marketing and business education, Lind was a high school teacher for five years before entering the State Patrol academy. “College was hugely beneficial for me from an education and experience standpoint, and it opened a tremendous number of doors in law enforcement.”

Other �� alumni in the field include police chiefs, a prison warden and a police officer.

Hayward police chief

As police chief in Hayward in northwestern Wisconsin, Joel Clapero says, “What I really love, and I know it sounds kind of cliché, but it ��. a job where you get to help and serve people. I like being part of the solution. It ��. been great seeing how people come together when bad things happen.”

Clapero has been on the Hayward staff for almost 20 years and has been chief since 2010. He oversees seven officers in a community of 2,300 that often swells to 10,000 or more during summer tourism season and for big year-round events.

After serving in the Marines for four years then finishing a police academy, he earned a psychology degree in 2003, helping prepare him for the rigors of his position. “Our job is dealing with people, and often there ��. a mental health component,” he said.

Clapero ��. Hayward experience reminds him of ��. “Stout seemed like a small community. You knew where to go to get help,” he said.

Oshkosh prison warden

Leading Wisconsin ��. largest correctional institution in Oshkosh was a big job — about 2,000 inmates, 600 employees, many recidivism programs, 7,000 meals a day — but not too big for Judy P. Smith.

The 1978 alumna, in vocational rehabilitation, did it for more than 22 years, retiring Feb. 1. She was the longest-serving female warden and second longest-serving warden in state history. Earlier this year she received a state award for her nearly 40 years in the field.

Her corrections career began at Waupun assessing new inmates. “These are people who obviously had made major mistakes but wanted to do something different with their life. I wanted to help guide them toward that path. When I moved into a management position I helped develop programs so they did have a better chance at being successful,” she said.

What was her secret to success? “If you do your job well and people see you care, the rest kind of falls into place. There ��. a saying: Be firm, fair and consistent.”

Rice Lake police officer

Sexual predators are running into a wolf in northwestern Wisconsin — Officer Heather Wolfe of the Rice Lake Police Department. The six-year veteran has overseen operations leading to more than a dozen arrests of adults preying online on minors. She recently received a state investigator of the year award for her work.

“Now that I’m a mother, the undercover child enticement cases really mean a lot more to me. We need to protect the children of the community. We’re taking those type of predators off the street,” said Wolfe, who received special training from the Internet Crimes Against Children federal program.

Wolfe earned a psychology degree in 2009 then attended a police academy. She “loved the Stout experience” and loves her work. “Rice Lake has an awesome community. It ��. pro-enforcement, and we do a lot of community events,” she said.

S. Beloit police chief

People could argue that Adam Truman ��. 1999 college degree, in hospitality and tourism, is the opposite of the field he eventually chose. Yet, as police chief in South Beloit, Ill., a city of 8,000 across the border from sister city Beloit, Wis., population 37,000, he could counter that his work is making the area a better place to visit.

“My education at Stout helped me get this job. A lot of classes were geared toward management. You can apply that to so much more than the hospitality industry,” said Truman, who changed career paths soon after graduating then earned a master ��. in criminal justice in 2016 from UW-Platteville. “We really try hard to have positive public relations.”

Truman has been on the South Beloit staff since 2001. He graduated from the FBI academy in 2012 and was named chief in April. “I like dealing with the public as well as the administrative work. I get to do both,” he said.

###

Photos

J.D. Lind, retired State Patrol superintendent

Joel Clapero, Hayward police chief, with his sons

Judy P. Smith, retired Oshkosh Correctional Institution warden

Heather Wolfe, Rice Lake police officer

Adam Truman, South Beloit, Ill., police chief

In nearly 25 years, J.D. Lind held every position with the Wisconsin State Patrol. J.D. Lind

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Restorative justice expert to speak at criminal justice conference

polingj — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 14:22:23 +0000

Restorative justice expert to speak at criminal justice conferencepolingj October 21, 2019

UW-Madison professor leads off second annual university event Oct. 29

An expert in restorative justice will be the keynote speaker at the second annual Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Conference set for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Jonathan Scharrar, a lawyer, is an assistant professor and director of the Restorative Justice Project at the Frank J. Remington Center, part of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He will speak at 8:40 a.m. at the Memorial Student Center on “Reducing Recidivism and Transforming Lives.”

Restorative justice, or changing the problem behavior and repairing the harm, has shown potential for reducing recidivism, according to studies. Scharrar will discuss several models of restorative justice to either supplement a traditional criminal justice system or to be a complete alternative.

Scharrar is a member of the advisory council for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice. He has helped design and implement restorative justice programs, has facilitated victim-offender dialogues and is a restorative justice trainer.

The daylong conference is free. Registration remains open.

New this year is an additional opportunity for student attendees. A portion of the day ��. events will overlap with the Government and Non-profit Career Expo from 2 to 4 p.m., an opportunity for employers and agencies to meet �� graduate and undergraduate students and faculty to network and discuss job opportunities. The event is hosted by �� . Career Services.

Other conference sessions include:

Diversion Programming for Underage Alcohol and Tobacco/Nicotine Use, Kathy Asper, Arbor Place of Dunn County
Police Recruit Trainings, Eric Anderson, Law Enforcement Academy director, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Candid Conversation: Officer Involved Shooting, Adam Myers, detective, Lake Hallie Police Department
Expressive Arts and Correctional Rehabilitation, Andy Felton, assistant professor of rehabilitation and counseling, ��
Measuring Social Support in a Justice-involved Population: An Exploratory Study, Shawn Trusten, adjunct instructor, UW-River Falls; and Phillip Galli, assistant professor, UW-River Falls
Strategies to Reducing Recidivism, Julia Kraemer, Employ job search trainer, Minncor Industries, St. Paul; and Michael Hreha, employer development and retention, Minncor Industries
Smart Justice at work: A Rural County ��. Perspective, Sara Benedict, criminal justice coordinator, Dunn County; and Kristin Korpela, director of Human Services, Dunn County

Also, six students from �� . criminal justice and rehabilitation program will talk about their education experiences as part of a panel discussion.

Sponsors are �� . College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences and the department of rehabilitation and counseling. �� . Professional Education Programs and Services, part of the Discovery Center, is coordinating the event.

###

Photos

Jonathan Scharrar

Andy Felton

An expert in restorative justice will be the keynote speaker at the Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Conference set for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at ��. Jonathan Scharrar

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B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation

Through our B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation program, you can become a certified Wisconsin police officer while also earning your degree.

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Job Title: Outreach Program Manager

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Department: Continuing Education & Conferences

Education:

Degree: BA, Art and Art History

University: DePaul University

Location: Chicago, IL

Degree: MA, Media, Culture, and Society

University: DePaul University

Location: Chicago, IL

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Student who is part-time police officer deploying to Middle East

powersp — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:51:07 +0000

Student who is part-time police officer deploying to Middle Eastpowersp October 8, 2019

Kjellberg, criminal justice major, also a volunteer firefighter in town of Wheaton

University of Wisconsin-Stout student Grant Kjellberg is a police officer, volunteer firefighter and soldier.

Kjellberg, a senior majoring in criminal justice and rehabilitation, works part-time for University Police. He started this fall after working two years as a student community service officer helping with parking enforcement and security at night and after graduating from Chippewa Valley Technical College ��. Police Academy.

His brother, Ethan, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice and rehabilitation, is a community service officer this year at the department.

This month, Kjellberg, of Eau Claire, a specialist and mechanic with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, is deploying for a year to the Middle East. He is one of about 150 soldiers from the 829th Engineer Company, based in Spooner with a detachment in Ashland, who have mobilized as a construction unit in support of an engineer battalion from Indiana.

At least 14 other �� students also are deploying.

This is Kjellberg ��. first deployment. He is one of five Elk Mound High School graduates who are being deployed. They were recognized recently at an Elk Mound football game.

“It ��. exciting,” Kjellberg said. “I’m nervous. It will be a good experience, and I will get the chance to serve my country. That is what I signed up for the Guard for.”

Kjellberg joined the Guard when he was 17 and still a student at Elk Mound.

He also became a volunteer firefighter in the town of Wheaton in January 2017.

�� Police Chief Jason Spetz said Kjellberg ��. service as an officer, soldier and firefighter show his passion and dedication to public service.

Kjellberg started at �� in January 2017 after completing his basic Guard training and advanced individual training. “I have always wanted to be a police officer,” he said. “�� was close to my hometown and affordable, and I heard it offered a good education. So far I haven’t been let down.”

Once he returns from the Middle East, Kjellberg plans to finish his education and would enjoy staying in the area and working at �� as an officer. “I like the area,” he said. “I like the people I work with. It ��. really a different experience working on a campus than working in a big city.”

He also plans to marry eventually. Kjellberg recently became engaged to Brianna Amundson, also an Elk Mound graduate, who is a nursing student at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

�� has a Military and Veteran Resource Center. Veterans support includes a Veteran Services Office, Council on Veteran Services, �� Veterans Club, SVA, and a designated veterans relations senator in the Stout Student Association.

In addition, �� has a full-time military benefits education coordinator, Sarah Godsave, an Army veteran who works directly with active military and veterans on campus.

�� is Wisconsin ��. ��, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

###

Photos

�� student Grant Kjellberg, of Eau Claire, at left, pictured with �� Police Chief Jason Spetz. Kjellberg is a part-time officer with the �� Police Department and is deploying to the Middle East.

Kjellberg is also a volunteer firefighter in the town of Wheaton. He was manning hose during a brush fire.

Kjellberg, at right, pictured with his sergeant, is deploying with the 829th Engineer Company based in Spooner.

University of Wisconsin-Stout student Grant Kjellberg is a police officer, volunteer firefighter and soldier. kjellberg_award.jpg

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Rehabilitation counseling master ��. program ranked one of top in nation

powersp — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 16:32:48 +0000

Rehabilitation counseling master ��. program ranked one of top in nationpowersp March 22, 2019

U.S. News & World Report surveys peer institutions

University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling has been ranked fourth best in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

The rehabilitation counseling program, ranked with 96 other institutions, was part of a five-way tie for fourth place in the U.S. News & World Report ��. 2020 edition of Best Graduate Schools. The previous ranking in 2015 placed the program at 10th in the nation.

“This is just another validation of the high quality and dedicated faculty and staff that teach and serve in the M.S. rehabilitation counseling program and throughout the department of rehabilitation and counseling,” said Daniel Kelsey, associate professor and program director.

“Additionally, this ranking underscores the high-quality graduates of our program and the work that they do across the nation. Our graduates are known because they know how to work in rehabilitation when they leave here. To be fourth in the nation reflects highly on the program,” he said.

The five-way tie with �� included Penn State University in University Park, Pa., University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif., and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.

“Those are some well-known universities that share the same ranking with Stout ��. rehabilitation counseling program,” Kelsey said. “That says a lot about the quality and prestige of our program and of ��.”

Kelsey said he was very pleased to see �� had jumped up six places since 2015 in the peer-assessment survey. A total of 96 schools were ranked as part of the survey.

Rehabilitation counselors assist individuals with disabilities, including physical, mental, intellectual cognitive and/or sensory disabilities, to enhance their independence, integration and quality of life across personal, social and occupational settings. Each school ��. score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1, which is marginal, to 5, outstanding, based on a survey of academics at peer institutions.

Bob Salt, dean of the College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences, was not surprised by the high ranking. “We have had world-class rehabilitation programs at Stout, both grad and undergrad, for decades,” Salt said. “This is a great recognition of all the wonderful work done by our faculty and staff in rehabilitation counseling and the excellent students in the program.”

Tanner Linsmeyer, who graduated from the program in 2017 and in 2014 with an undergraduate degree in vocational rehabilitation, wasn’t surprised how well �� ranked.

“I would say it is a mixture of impressive but not surprising,” Linsmeyer said, a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Eau Claire. “�� is that diamond in the rough that flies under the radar and is a high-quality campus that doesn’t always get the attention it probably deserves.”

Linsmeyer said �� . advantage is its classes. “A lot of the classes I took had a real-world approach that made the classes applicable to what I am doing now. A lot of the classes were geared to help me prepare for what life was like outside of the classroom.”

At the DVR, Linsmeyer covers Chippewa County. He helps Chippewa Falls Senior High School students with disabilities find jobs and consider career options.

Many of his instructors had worked in related fields and helped bring that experience back to students, Linsmeyer said. “I can’t speak highly enough of the professors and the programs,” he added. “It prepared me really well for what I am doing at DVR from both my undergraduate and graduate programs.”

The Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling prepares students to work with people with all types of disabilities including physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive and/or sensory. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students can take 0n-campus and online classes or a combination to meet their needs.

Michigan State University, of East Lansing, Mich., and UW-Madison tied for No. 1 in the rankings. George Washington University in Washington, D.C., was No. 3. See the complete list.

In addition to the master ��. degree, �� offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and rehabilitation, which allows students to become certified Wisconsin police officers while earning their degree, and a Bachelor of Science in rehabilitation services.

�� is also home to the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute that advances programs and practices in disability and employment through partnerships in research, training, education and services. It is a resource for state-of-the-art knowledge, innovation and services to impact people ��. health, employment and economic stability.

�� is Wisconsin ��. ��, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

###

Photos

�� graduate students Taylor Michels, at left, Nicole Rued and Samantha Albert in a rehabilitation and counseling assessment and planning class taught by Professor Debra Homa engage in simulations of work-related tasks.

Daniel Kelsey

Bob Salt

Professor Debra Homa, with graduate students Travis Mashuga and Josh Nielsen discuss a project as part of the rehabilitation and counseling assessment and planning class.

University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling has been ranked fourth best in the nation. vocrehabhero

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With WIAC trophy in hand, Blue Devils hockey team readies for postseason run

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Career-connected learning: SkillsUSA brings nearly 400 middle, high school students to ��

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Hero Caption: Josh Nielsen and Travis Mashuga, �� graduate students in rehabilitation counseling, learn how to record behavioral observations. The program has been ranked fourth best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. / �� photos by Chris Cooper

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Students help educate police officers about health, well-being

powersp — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 18:42:34 +0000

Students help educate police officers about health, well-beingpowersp March 12, 2019

Wellness class provides information on coping with ‘stressful’ profession

Menomonie Police Sgt. Tyler Hamann knows the stresses of responding to emergency calls, not having time to take meal breaks, getting called in early for shifts and missing planned exercise time.

“It ��. a very stressful and demanding job,” said Hamann, who has been with the department since January 2014.

Hamann, a 2013 �� graduate in vocational rehabilitation with an emphasis in criminal justice, was asked by Menomonie Police Chief Eric Atkinson to start a wellness program for Menomonie Police officers. Hamann immediately knew he wanted to work with ��.

Students in Assistant Professor Mike Bird ��. Wellness Promotion and Programming class recently presented nutrition, physical activity and exercise, and general stress reduction and sleep health information to 16 employees from the Menomonie and �� police departments.

Bird is chair of the kinesiology and health department.

“It was well-received,” Bird said, noting the 15 students, most of them health, wellness and fitness majors, did an excellent job. “From our students’ perspective, it gives them real-life examples of presenting information and getting feedback.”

Along with information, students provided apps that officers can use to help track their health or get help with stress, including meditation.

Rebecca Dahlke, a senior from Hudson majoring in health, wellness and fitness, said her group presented the benefits of physical activity and exercise.

“We covered the basics of why our bodies need exercise and what the benefits are, such as weight loss and management and reducing the risk of many chronic diseases,” Dahlke said. “I talked about heart disease and how and why getting the recommended physical activity lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

“Many people have heard that exercise lowers the risk of disease but not often why and how it does. We talked about how increasing your heart rate is healthy and how it strengthens the heart and over time makes it more efficient. Finally, we gave the officers some ideas on how to be a little more active and stretch while taking on long shifts in their patrol cars,” she said.

Dahlke said she really enjoyed the project because it gave her and other students an opportunity to present to people outside of the class. “We were able to be passionate about our topic and teach someone else about it,” Dahlke said. “So many times, I feel like we’re just preaching to the choir when we give presentations to our classmates. It showed me that every audience is different and is going to be interested in different things and have different knowledge levels.

“Being able to present to the officers reminded me that what may be basic information to me and other health majors may not be to other people. It ��. important to go back to the basics to teach other people,” Dahlke said.

Megan Vanderbeek, a senior health, wellness and fitness major from Bloomington, Minn., was in the group that focused on sleep, stress and meditation. “This was a great way to help out the community and ourselves,” she said. “Many students in the class are going into health promotions, and this project was a great way to see if this would be something we would like to do in the future. This helped to increase my presentation skills, teamwork skills and how to make sure a topic is directed towards a certain group of people.”

It was a good experience to present to the officers and see them in a relaxed setting, and she found the officers were very interested in learning from the students and participating in the activities, Vanderbeek said.

Atkinson said he enjoyed the students’ presentations. “Police officers are under a tremendous amount of stress,” Atkinson said. “They deal with a lot of incidents in a day. It does wear on you physically and mentally.”

Officers may pack healthy meals but aren’t able to take breaks to eat them and resort to fast food, Atkinson said. The students helped teach the officers about better fast food options.

“We really are trying to improve the overall health of our employees,” Atkinson said. “It makes them more productive. Healthy people make for great officers that help keep the community safe. We are so grateful for the partnership we have with �� to provide some helpful tips.”

Hamann said he learned so much from the students, including how important sleep and nutrition are to overall health. “I have always been a person who says don’t eat sugar. It ��. not just that. It ��. balance. You have to look at the calories, the protein and carbohydrates.”

The plan is to continue to work with �� students to have refresher courses in wellness, Hamann said. “This is something we want to ingrain in our officers. We want them to live a healthier lifestyle and live longer.”

�� is Wisconsin ��. ��, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

###

Photos

Tyler Hamann

Healthier officers help keep the community safe. Menomonie police officers taught bicycle safety at a National Night Out event.

Eric Atkinson

Menomonie Police Sgt. Tyler Hamann knows the stresses of responding to emergency calls, not having time to take meal breaks, getting called in early for shifts National Night OUt

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Students help educate police officers about health, well-being

Rehabilitation counseling master ��. program ranked one of top in nation