130+ years of lifelong learners, bettering themselves and their communities
When you think of a UW–Madison student, who comes to mind? Likely it’s an undergraduate, age 18-22, cheering for the Badgers, walking up Bascom Hill or studying at Memorial Library.
That’s accurate, but it doesn’t cover learners like these:
Farmers learning about the latest agricultural technology … Members of the military completing correspondence courses from the Caribbean … Young children at a STEM summer camp on campus … High schoolers taking an arts clinic to gain skills and create community … College students from New Orleans temporarily continuing their education after Hurricane Katrina … Professionals building skills, earning credentials and boosting their careers … Returning adult students finishing a degree online … Incarcerated individuals taking college courses, getting ready to reenter society with skills and hope …
They might not fit the usual image, but some say there have been more “nontraditional” learners than “traditional” students in higher education.*
At UW–Madison, we’re proud to call them Badgers.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Division of Continuing Studies – and 132 years of continuing education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison – we’re highlighting lifelong learners who’ve brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to campus from communities throughout the state, around the region and across the globe.
Lifelong Learners
Who are these Badgers who’ve taken unique paths through higher education?
Lifelong learners are a diverse group, from young children in precollege programs to people changing careers and retirees, all looking for new skills or following their interests. Their curiosity, adaptability and drive make education boundless, and they enrich the learning experience for everyone around them.
Jeff Russell
Vice provost for lifelong learning, dean of the Division of Continuing Studies
They range in age from 2 to 95+. Many faced challenges in getting access to education that could help improve their lives. They may be taking a workshop, attending a conference or earning a degree — all while working full-time and caring for others. These students take classes in person, online or both. They live in Wisconsin, across the country and around the world.
What do they have in common?
They are all lifelong learners, using education to succeed and improve their lives and the lives of others around them. They’re reaching their goals and showing that learning can happen at any age, even in difficult situations.
Nontraditional learners bring a wealth of life experience, resilience and new perspectives to higher education. Their journey, often marked by balancing work, family and academics, enriches the university environment, fostering diversity of thought and strengthening our community’s collective growth.
Aphra Mednick
Associate dean at the Division of Continuing Studies
Here are just a few of UW–Madison’s recent lifelong learners:
Aria was just 2 years old when she became a Baby Badger in Odyssey Junior, joining other children in self-discovery and literacy activities while her mother was in the Odyssey Project course. Aria’s teacher will never forget the broad smile on her face and her proud expression of “I did it!” after completing an art project.
Elliot left his home state of New Hampshire the summer after his senior year in high school to attend the weeklong Summer Music Clinic with other enthusiastic young musicians. After his experience he decided he wanted to apply to UW–Madison. He was admitted and landed a spot as a snare drummer in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.
Christine was told as a teenager that she didn’t belong in college. She didn’t listen. After spending a decade in different careers, she joined the Army and became a licensed practical nurse. As a first-generation college student at age 36, she received an Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award and earned her BS in Nursing with the support of her wife and daughter.
While incarcerated at Oakhill Correctional Institution, Corby applied to join the Prison Education Initiative. Through on-site courses conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, he earned his associate degree. At a prison graduation ceremony he said, “As I look around the room, I see students who are hopeful for their futures, that we may return to society as better people.”
Julie had a successful career at a regional health care system, but she leveled up to gain experience and personal growth through the UW Certified Professional Coach Program. She’s now using her certification to create and advance a coaching culture at her place of work while meeting her professional development goals.
A single dad with a demanding job, Manny found time and energy to finish his degree through UW–Madison Online, setting a positive example for his teen son. In order to advance in his career, Manny needed his bachelor’s degree. Through fully online learning, he earned it and became the first in his family to come to the U.S. and pursue higher education.
These are a few of the thousands of lifelong learners who have come to UW–Madison over the last century. They show that learning doesn’t have an end date; it’s a part of a full life.
Learning at every stage of life
It’s been called independent learning, distance education, continuing education and lifelong learning. But what does it mean, and why is it important?
Continuing education offers a wide range of learning for people who aren’t traditional college students.
Meeting the needs of this large population of learners has been a part of UW–Madison’s mission for a long time. By serving lifelong learners, we also serve the Wisconsin Idea, that a UW–Madison education should reach people across the state and beyond.
Continuing education is at the heart of a university, driving innovation and inclusivity by empowering learners of all ages and backgrounds to evolve. It transforms the institution into a lifelong partner for personal and professional growth, ensuring that education has no end, only new beginnings.
Jeff Russell
Vice provost for lifelong learning, dean of the Division of Continuing Studies
Continuing education at UW–Madison serves a diverse group, so it has had to be innovative, flexible and personalized. In 1892, instructors mailed lessons to students for 2 cents each. These courses gave people access to college when they couldn’t attend in person.
Over the years, continuing education changed with new technologies and new needs. Farmers in 1885 learned about new agricultural technologies at university lectures in the field. In the 1930s, schoolkids listened to history and literature lessons on the radio. Later, students used television, phone and online classes, all to improve themselves and meet their goals.
Lifelong learning also helps the economy by preparing workers with modern skills and making education available throughout their careers and lives.
“Continuing education not only improves individual lives but also has a ripple effect, driving innovation in industries, strengthening communities and fostering an inclusive economy,” says Mednick.
Forward
As we look to the next 30 years — and the next century — we’re looking back to share stories about our learners and gain insights on how the Division of Continuing Studies might fulfill the university’s mission and meet the needs of tomorrow’s continuing education students.
Our learners might not be what some consider typical, but they typify the resiliency, dedication and tenacity of a Badger.
“As we reflect on the rich history of UW–Madison continuing education, we honor the brilliance of our students and the dedication of our staff and instructors,” says Russell. “Together, they illuminate the path forward, leading us to a future where education empowers everyone to shine. While we can’t predict the future, we know that these learners will help guide the way.”
