For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: July 15, 2024
‘Interesting opportunity’ turns into 30-year career for Nicholson
Fennimore -
What started as a unique part-time opportunity has turned into a 30-year teaching career for Karyl Nicholson. Earlier this year, she was recognized for her years of dedicated service on campus. Nicholson currently serves as a business management and economics instructor. “I am so blessed to be a ‘part of’ the growth and development of others,” she said. “In general, we are motivated by three primary factors: sense of purpose, challenge, and social involvement. My role allows those three factors to be met while also being able to be part of the incredible sense of accomplishment. To be sure, our students are the ones achieving. They are working hard, making sacrifices to learn and create a better life for themselves and those they love, but to be ‘part’ of that is valuable beyond measure.”
Nicholson graduated from Prairie du Chien High School. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in economics from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Next, came an MBA with an emphasis in global business management from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, for Nicholson.
After college, Nicholson was working at a bank, when the president of the bank approached her about “an interesting opportunity.” “He shared that he was on a steering committee for the Youth Apprenticeship – Financial Services program being launched at Southwest Tech,” she said. “He asked if I would be interested in teaching in this program while continuing my work at the bank. I considered this and met with some great people namely, Joan Senn, Ginny Moore, and Paul Bell. I chose to move forward with this opportunity. I taught over cable TV from 7:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. and then would go to work at the bank. My employment with Southwest Tech occurred while I was still working at the bank.”
Nicholson would eventually move into a full-time role in 1998. “The WTCS (Wisconsin Technical College System) requires program instructors to not only meet an educational requirement, but they must also have experience in the field he/she is teaching,” she said. “This brings a unique experience for students, faculty, and the workforce. The focus is on ensuring that graduates are prepared for the demands of the industry. This is ongoing through our advisory committee meetings and relationships with employers, industry partners, and economic development offices.”
Throughout her career at Southwest Tech, Nicholson was always drawn to her love of economics, both macro and micro. “I just can’t get enough of this, so I tend to think of many aspects of life as ‘an exchange,’” she said. “When our students learn, make tough choices, and earn that credential, their ability to create a valuable exchange occurs. It is a beautiful thing. They grow in confidence, skills, and marketability. This allows our students to ‘sell their labor’ at a higher rate doing something that feeds their souls. Now, sometimes there are other motivators. I have had many students who wanted more favorable working conditions or more traditional hours so they can spend more time with their families. I have had students enter the classroom because they were burned out in their current job and needed some ‘retooling’ as they often call it. Whatever motivates them—and they all have different stories—I value being a part of their plan.”
Many of Nicholson’s students have gone on to start their own businesses. She keeps in touch with graduates as much as possible. “Many do something absolutely amazing,” she said. “They take the risk, open up a business, and create jobs for others.”
As for the future, Nicholson’s story remains unwritten. “I love challenges, projects, working with a great team on achieving goals, and helping others grow,” she said. “As long as those components are in my future, we’re good to go.”
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex 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. |