Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU

Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Wisconsin is home to 20 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. Find the one that fits you!

The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU): Wisconsin's 23 private, nonprofit colleges and universities working together for educational opportunity.

Britney Dickey Marquette JD ’25: A Commitment to JusticeOriginally from Houston, Texas, Britney Dickey made the move to ...
07/29/2026

Britney Dickey Marquette JD ’25: A Commitment to Justice

Originally from Houston, Texas, Britney Dickey made the move to Wisconsin to pursue Marquette University’s renowned Sports Law program. After graduating from the University of Houston, where she earned her degree in Political Science in 2022, she entered Marquette University Law School, which “offered one of the best programs in the country and provided significant individual internship experience."

Britney’s studies at Marquette focused primarily on sports law and criminal law, and her time was shaped by diverse internships, ranging from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame in Milwaukee to the Public Defender's Office in Portage. She also competed in a negotiation competition in New York City, which served as what she calls a rewarding "appetizer" for the work she now does every day in court.

Today, Britney works as a Public Defender in the Madison office. "I have always been passionate about advocating for those without power," she said. "Approximately 80-90% of criminal defendants qualify for public defender services. Often, their attorney is the only thing standing between them and the loss of their liberty. That's a challenge I am willing and able to meet."

Although her career path eventually shifted away from sports law, she states that the “relationships and opportunities I gained through the Sports Law program were incredibly valuable.” The work is demanding, but Britney finds deep fulfillment in it. "The most rewarding part of my job is my clients. It is amazing to witness the positive changes people make during their cases and to see their gratitude simply because someone is there to listen to their story and fight for them," she said.

MIAD Alum Designs His Way ForwardBrady VanderHart is a Milwaukee‑based creative professional with a strong foundation in...
06/23/2026

MIAD Alum Designs His Way Forward

Brady VanderHart is a Milwaukee‑based creative professional with a strong foundation in brand design, illustration, and visual identity systems. In 2024, Brady earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), where he was also active as a teaching assistant, supporting product and communication design coursework. Among his accomplishments at MIAD, he was named a “Student to Watch 2024” by Graphic Design USA magazine. He currently works as a graphic designer at Retailworks, Inc., a Milwaukee-based firm that provides commercial interior design, display, and branding solutions to the retail industry nationwide. He develops cohesive brand experiences that blend strategic thinking with expressive, art‑driven design.

Brady interned with the company as a MIAD student before earning a permanent position on the Retailworks team. Prior to this role, he gained agency experience at Savage and Hoffman York, both in Milwaukee, contributing to projects across branding, packaging, digital design, and marketing campaigns. Alongside this work, Brady maintains an active freelance design and illustration practice and serves as an adjunct faculty member at MIAD, teaching communication design to product designers.

Brady points to his MIAD education as foundational to his professional success. “I found that MIAD’s small, close-knit community was exactly what I needed to build a successful career in the creative field,” he shares. “By building connections with my professors and peers, I was able to create a strong network to leverage for a series of internships, and later employment and freelance opportunities.”

Congratulations to Beloit College's 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award recipient Richard McGego...
06/17/2026

Congratulations to Beloit College's 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award recipient Richard McGegory, pictured holding his award. The award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, and strong potential for future professional impact.

Pictured left to right are Beloit College Provost and Dean of the College Donna Oliver, Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Chief Operating Officer Jennifer deHart, Beloit College President Eric Boynton, Business Management Major Richard McGregory, Alliant Energy Vice President and General Council Amy Cralam, and Beloit College Dean of Students Ron Watson.

Beloit College Assistant Professor of Political Science Gregory Koutnik, second from left, has been named a recipient of...
06/17/2026

Beloit College Assistant Professor of Political Science Gregory Koutnik, second from left, has been named a recipient of the 2026 James R. Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Funded by the Alliant Energy Center Foundation, the award honors educators who shape future leaders by going above and beyond to connect with students, bring their subject matter to life, and inspire a lasting love of learning.

Pictured left to right are Beloit College Provost and Dean of the College Donna Oliver, Gregory Koutnik, Alliant Energy Sr. Community & Public Affairs Specialist David Aguayo, and Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Chief Operating Officer Jennifer deHart.

Cait Williamson ’11: Turning a Love for Wisconsin’s Outdoors into a Conservation CareerCait Williamson ’11, director of ...
06/16/2026

Cait Williamson ’11: Turning a Love for Wisconsin’s Outdoors into a Conservation Career

Cait Williamson ’11, director of conservation programs for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, leads strategic initiatives that support conservation efforts and environmental education programs across the state.

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Williamson developed a passion for wildlife and conservation at an early age. After moving to Wisconsin for her undergraduate studies at Lawrence University and becoming involved with the campus outdoors club, she fell in love with the state’s outdoor diversity—from the North Woods to Devil’s Lake and the landscapes in between.

Cait was drawn to Lawrence by its engaged and collaborative community. “The students were just so thoughtful and engaged in the classes,” she said. “It felt like a very dynamic place for students.” While in college, she embraced opportunities to explore her interests, including an internship with the wolf management team at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

After graduation, Williamson chose to remain in Wisconsin and began her career in environmental consulting. She later earned her MS from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and received the 2023 Rising Star Alumni Award.

Cait has maintained a strong connection to Lawrence through the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program she created. As director of the program, she recruits students historically underrepresented in the conservation field from Lawrence University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. When the program launched, it included three Lawrence students. Today, it serves about ten students each year.

Reflecting on her time at Lawrence, Cait remains grateful for the foundation it provided. “I absolutely loved Lawrence,” she said. “It’s a place of opportunity, and I’m someone who likes to take full advantage of whatever possibilities are available. Lawrence does such a good job of creating those opportunities for students.”

Our Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Achievers accomplish great things. As a first-year student at Beloit College, L...
06/10/2026

Our Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Achievers accomplish great things.

As a first-year student at Beloit College, Lily H., from Beloit, initially planned to major in business management. The flexible course offerings, along with encouragement from advisors to pursue courses that interested her, allowed her to explore new areas.

After taking content creation and marketing courses, Lily realized that economics and math would provide the foundation for building a career rooted in her passion for the creative process and connecting with audiences through a variety of strategies.

She now plans to declare a marketing major, a new program at Beloit College, with a minor in visual studies.

“With this Wisconsin Grant, I am able to take advantage of more and different options available for students on and off campus,” she says.

Read more about Lily and other Wisconsin Achievers at https://www.wisconsinsprivatecolleges.org/info/publications/

BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION! Sign up at https://bit.ly/3R4gk2B to support our advocacy efforts for the Wisconsin Grant Program and all Wisconsin’s private college students.

Guided by Purpose: Dr. Malika Siker’s Journey from Residency to ImpactFrom residency to leadership, Dr. Malika Siker’s j...
06/09/2026

Guided by Purpose: Dr. Malika Siker’s Journey from Residency to Impact

From residency to leadership, Dr. Malika Siker’s journey is a powerful example of what Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU make possible.

A graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) Department of Radiation Oncology Residency Program, Dr. Siker chose MCW for its world-class reputation, rigorous clinical training, and commitment to cutting-edge research. Just as importantly, it allowed her to stay rooted in Wisconsin, building a career in Milwaukee while remaining close to her community.

During her residency, Dr. Siker experienced a pivotal life moment. “I gave birth to my first child,” she says. “It was intimidating to consider how to adapt to life as a new mother, given the demands of being a resident. Fortunately, my department had several female role models, including co-residents, faculty, and staff, who shared with me valuable advice and support.”

Today, she pays that support forward, mentoring others as they navigate similar transitions.

Dr. Siker is affiliated with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, where she practices radiation oncology. She finds purpose in every aspect of her work, from guiding patients through their cancer journeys to mentoring the next generation of physicians. “It is a meaningful privilege to share these vulnerable moments with patients,” she reflects, emphasizing the human connection at the heart of her profession.

Her message to prospective students is clear. Wisconsin’s private colleges open doors to opportunity, innovation, and impact. “The state of Wisconsin needs brilliant professionals who seek to develop the innovations of tomorrow to advance transformative change in our region from health to tech to beyond, Dr. Siker adds.

“Through these diverse networks, there are so many opportunities to make a local, regional, or even global impact. Our institutions have the tools and resources to help any student reach their dreams and challenge them to become their best.”

Ripon College Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Patrick Willoughby has been named a recipient of the 2026 Underkofler...
06/05/2026

Ripon College Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Patrick Willoughby has been named a recipient of the 2026 Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Funded by the Alliant Energy Center Foundation, the award honors educators who shape future leaders by going above and beyond to connect with students, bring their subject matter to life, and inspire a lasting love of learning.

Pictured with Dr. Willoghby, left to right, are Ripon College President Dr. Victoria N. Folse, Alliant Energy representative Ms. Shirley Stibb, and WAICU Executive Director for External Affairs Rebecca Larson.

Congratulations to Dallan Lopez, Ripon College’s 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award recipient. ...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to Dallan Lopez, Ripon College’s 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award recipient. The award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, and strong potential for future professional impact.

Pictured from left to right are Ripon College President Dr. Victorica N. Folse, Dallan Lopez, Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson, and Alliant Energy representative Ms. Shirley Stibb.

Congratulations to Edgewood University accounting major Yair Perez Ruiz, the recipient of the 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to Edgewood University accounting major Yair Perez Ruiz, the recipient of the 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award. The Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr., Achievement Award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, and strong potential for future professional impact.

Pictured, left to right, are Aimee Davis, vice president for marketing and communications and customer operations at Alliant Energy Corporation; Yair Perez Ruiz; Chris Albert, lecturer in the Edgewood University School of Business; and Eric Fulcomer, president of Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU.

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