For Immediate Release
Contact: Kim Schmelz, Foundation Director
Phone: 608.822.2379
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: August 4, 2020
Two new directors added to Southwest Tech District Board
Fennimore -The Southwest Tech District Board welcomed two new board members at their July 8th meeting. David Blume of Dodgeville and Crystal Wallin of Prairie du Chien, joined the nine-members board that governs Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.
Pursuant to the Wisconsin Statute, the District Board consists of two employer members, two employee members, three additional members, one elected official member who holds a state or local office and one school district administrator.
Blume is the maintenance supervisor for ElderSpan Management of Madison, and current member of the Dodgeville School Board, he joined the board to fill the elected official member seat. Blume holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Upper Iowa University. He brings over twenty years of positive and effective board leadership experience having served four years on the Iowa County Board of Supervisors, five years on the Town of Dodgeville Planning Commission, eight years on the Town of Dodgeville Board of Supervisors, and has served six years on the Dodgeville School Board.
“I’m in a unique position, both serving on the Dodgeville School Board and having my three children all attending Southwest Tech this summer, with my two oldest being full time in the nursing program. This direct community and personal connection to Southwest Tech and our school district will enable me to make decisions that are best for high school students, the college, and the taxpayers,” said Blume.
Blume grew up in Northeast Iowa, and moved to Mineral Point at 14 after a house fire destroyed their home. Blume graduated from Mineral Point high school, moved to Dodgeville after marrying his wife and has been. He’s known from a young age that he wanted to make a positive difference in the world and giving back through community service has been an important part of his life. “I look forward to working on all stakeholder’s behalf to ensure SWTC continues to be an educational leader and a great local, affordable option for our talented students,” said Blume.
Wallin, the assistant director of nursing for Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien, filled an additional member seat on the board. Wallin is a 2018 Southwest Tech nursing graduate in addition to earning her First Responder certification, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic and IV Tech certifications through Southwest Tech. “I graduated in 2018 with high honors, and grew exponentially through the fertile soil that SWTC provides its students,” said Wallin in her application statement.
Prior to earning her associate degree at Southwest Tech, Wallin earned her first associate degree from Western Technical College in their Applied Science- Paramedic program. Shortly after becoming a nurse, Wallen learned she had MS, she wanted to stay in the field and therefore decided she would pursue a master’s degree in Nursing; Leadership in Healthcare Setting with an emphasis on management, to allow for an administrative position. She brings 18 years of emergency medical experience along with experience in developing high-impact training programs, curricula, and exams. She’s also found a way to cope with her trauma in the health field by writing a blog for the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAWS), which has led to several public speaking engagements including the Keynote speaker at the State Paramedic Seminar.
Wallin’s desire to serve her community is evident in her volunteer and community service which includes serving on several volunteer rescue squads and first responder crews in addition to the Seneca School Board, Crawford County Foster Parent Support Group as well as the Crawford County Adoptive Parent Support and Training Group, Southwest Wisconsin Regional Trauma Advisory Council and WI DHS Healthcare Coalition Transition Team. “I am always looking for ways to help the next person walking into the room,” said Wallin. “When I saw the posting for the director position on the Southwest Tech board I felt a hunger to understand what shapes great education and how I can help shape the future of education.”
“We welcome David and Crystal as new board members,” said Dr. Jason Wood, Southwest Tech College President. “Each has a unique background and their willingness to help the college grow will be a benefit to our team. David has served on local governmental boards for 18 years. His knowledge of how local government works together and for a common cause of serving communities will be an asset to the District Board. As a recent alum of Southwest Tech, Crystal will bring a student perspective to the Board. Her vast community service, especially in the public safety area, will be a strength in serving on the District Board.”
| 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. |