For Immediate Release
Contact: Brianna Williamson, Recruiter/Alumni & Development Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2483
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: February 16, 2022
Alumni Spotlight: Elsa Stanton
Fennimore -Born and raised in New Jersey, Elsa Stanton would spend summer vacations in Southwest Wisconsin. After graduating high school, she pursued her dream of moving to Southwest Wisconsin and enrolled in Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Pharmacy Technician program. Stanton quickly realized the program wasn’t for her, so she left the program and entered the workforce.
In 2008, she started looking at Southwest Tech’s website again in search of a program that’d be a better fit for her. Upon noticing the Dental Assistant program, Stanton recalled how she’s always loved to go to the dentist. When she noticed the program was only 12 weeks in length, she immediately completed her application and was on track to beginning a new career. Stanton began the Dental Assistant program in August of 2008 and graduated in December 2008. Upon graduation, Stanton was hired at a dental office and currently works part-time at Fennimore Smiles/Lancaster Dental Associates.
Elsa Stanton
Recently, Stanton advanced her career when she accepted an adjunct instructor position for Southwest Tech’s Dental Assistant program. When asked about her first semester of teaching, Stanton said, “I never really saw myself as a teacher so I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it went really well. I was able to give students tips and tricks in addition to real-life scenarios from things that have happened in the dental office recently.”
Stanton now can provide both a student and instructor perspective on Southwest Tech’s Dental Assistant program. As a student, she appreciated the convenient location of the college and how she didn’t have to travel far to pursue higher education. In addition to the convenient location, Stanton also stated she appreciated the affordability of Southwest Tech.
When asked what she likes about Southwest Tech as an instructor, Stanton said, “I would say the same things – I appreciate Southwest Tech’s location and accessibility and the fact that it offers flexible programs. I also love the beautiful health science facility in addition to everything Southwest Tech has to offer to our area. It’s amazing to be in such a small town but yet have an incredible resource like the college.”
As a working professional in the dental field, Stanton emphasized that the Southwest Tech Dental Assistant program lays a great foundation for anyone interested in a dental career. “I’m thankful Southwest Tech has given me the knowledge I needed to pursue this career,” she said. “I’m also thankful for the office I’m working at that has taught me so much more.”
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |