For Immediate Release
Contact: Kim Schmelz, Foundation Director
Phone: 608.822.2379
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 5, 2018
Larson Receives Inaugural Nicholas’ Servant-Leadership Award
Fennimore -Karen Campbell, Executive Services Director for Southwest Tech, humbly stood in front of her peers, shared why she chose to establish the Nicholas’ Servant-Leadership Award and recognized Tyson Larson as the 2018 recipient at the Southwest Tech All-College In-Service on March 29.
Campbell, who has worked at Southwest Tech for more than 30 years, established Nicholas’ Servant-Leadership Award in 2017 as a way to help others in the pursuit of their professional development. Campbell stated that she has benefited professionally and personally in her long tenure at the College and wishes to pay it forward by awarding a $500 tuition reimbursement award to a faculty or staff member working toward completing a college degree or diploma.
Campbell’s life was forever changed on March 1, 1993, with the death of her infant son, Nicholas. Nicholas’ short time on earth was the beginning of her servant-leader training journey and had a profound effect on Campbell’s life. Campbell feels strongly that people are continually learning, and that staff members working towards a degree should have resources available to assist them. “College staff with continued education are better educators, administrators, support staff, and employees. Establishing the Nicholas’ Servant-Leadership Award is my small way to help others and honor Nicholas,” said Campbell.
Larson, Automotive Technician Instructor, is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. When asked how Larson will use the knowledge obtained from his degree to empower others to lead and to help students achieve their goals, he responded, “the primary focus of my adult education degree is learner-centered teaching. This style of education, which I am already implementing in my program, utilizes active learning strategies to engage students in the learning process. The more the students are involved in their education, the more knowledge they will acquire, and the more likely they are to achieve their educational and career goals.”
To learn more about Southwest Tech, the Southwest Tech Foundation or Nicholas’ Servant-Leadership award, please contact Holly Clendenen at (608) 822-2362 or hclendenen@swtc.edu.
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