Northwood Tech News

Every year, Northwood Tech staff nominate students to represent the college within their communities. The nominees are then interviewed by a panel of staff and alumni. One candidate per campus is named Campus Ambassador and will officially be the face of the college.

While each Ambassador has a unique story to tell, they all demonstrate positive attitudes, high moral character, strong communication skills and are proficient in their studies.

Northwood Tech would like to introduce the 2024 Student Ambassadors: Nathan Parent, Ashland; Katie Meck, New Richmond; Asia Roderick, Rice Lake; Jeff Philipsek, Superior. 

Nathan Parent, Ashland Campus

Nathan is a University Transfer Degree (AS) student.

“A good friend in my hometown attended Northwoods Tech, and he recommended it to me. I have always had a passion for the Sciences; and I wanted a chance to learn new skills. My advisor Katie Rybak helped me to choose the University Transfer Degree program and inspired me to believe in myself. I wanted to learn about mathematics that I had not tried before, so I could advance in a new career path. The other major reason is the reduced cost of attending college. Otherwise, I might not have been able to start my path as a student.”
 

Katie Meck, New Richmond Campus

Katie is a Business Management and Human Resource Management student.

“I chose Northwood Tech to support my family and stay close to my siblings while still being able to progress toward my educational and career goals. I appreciated that our school was close by and affordable without compromising a quality education. I graduated from the Criminal Justice and Finance programs from our college and am currently working towards my Business Management and Human Resource Management degrees. Northwood Tech allowed me to gain a firm understanding in this array of topics without breaking my budget.”

Asia Roderick, Rice Lake Campus

Asia is a Business Management student.

“I am attending the technical college through a retraining program. I am a displaced employee after a workplace injury that resulted in a partial disability. Northwood is the most convenient for my family and me. I knew that returning to school, I wanted it to be in a smaller, friendlier environment. I chose my program mainly because I wanted to be a better leader than I was led by. I want to be a part of helping personal growth and helping someone reach their greatest potential.”

Jeff Philipsek, Superior Campus

Jeff is an Associate Degree, Nursing student.

“When I was younger, just out of high school, I attended a four-year private college. That experience ended without me completing a degree and accruing significant debt. The experience also left me feeling discouraged from trying again for many years. When I decided to finish a degree, I wanted to find a school that would help me feel welcomed and supported and answer my questions honestly."
 

Throughout their time as an Ambassador, the students have the opportunity to make presentations to high school students, community organizations and business groups. Ambassadors also commit to speaking at graduation ceremonies and meetings of the Northwood Tech Board, Alumni Association or Northwood Tech Foundation.

Each of Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges select a student every year to participate in the Ambassador program. The Ambassadors are invited to a leadership development and recognition program and attend a formal banquet. There, the students receive an award and scholarship and share their stories of determination, perseverance and success. Following the banquet, the students officially serve as WTCS Ambassadors for one year and unofficially, for a lifetime.

Northwood Tech is grateful for all its community partnerships. Your support of the Northwood Tech Foundation is essential to student success. For information on how to contribute, visit www.NorthwoodTech.edu/donate. 

A nationally top-ranked college and a designated 2023-24 Military Friendly® School, Northwood Tech serves the educational and career needs of more than 15,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. Northwood Tech is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.9482 or visit NorthwoodTech.edu. 

Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions or status in any group protected by state or local law in employment, admissions or its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Amanda Gohde, AA/EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator/Associate Vice President of Talent and Culture; 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868; 715.645.7042; Wisconsin Relay System TTY:711; Amanda.Gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu.