Campus Connection

Celebrating the career of Terry Micks

In high school, Terry Micks participated in forensics competitions at UW-La Crosse. And the campus made an immediate impression on her. 

"UWL was the only school I applied to," Micks says, noting the vibrant campus life and proximity to her hometown of Camp Douglas. 

But even then, she had no idea UWL would remain a central part of her life more than five decades later. 

Micks is set to retire this month from her position as a loan programs coordinator in UWL’s Financial Aid Office. Her connection with UWL started in high school and led to her graduating from the university in 2002 with a degree in political science and her long-standing and influential career in financial aid. 

During her years as a student, Micks immersed herself in various activities, from living in Laux Hall to actively participating in student government. She was instrumental in writing the UWL Student Association Constitution, which continues to guide student governance today. Additionally, her involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ had a profound impact on her life, leading her to lifelong friendships and even her eventual husband, Bob. 

“I took time off from school after we married and returned to finish my degree in the fall of 2000, graduating in spring 2002,” Micks says. 

Before enrolling as a student again, Micks returned to UWL in 1997 as an employee, bringing her seven years of experience in the State of Wisconsin Unemployment Office to UWL’s Financial Aid Office.  

"The minute I walked into Graff Main Hall for the interview, I knew that I was home," Micks shares.  

Over the next 27 years, Micks navigated the ever-evolving landscape of federal and private student loans, embracing the constant changes and technological advancements. During her tenure, she also worked with four different directors (Ace Stadthaus, Jim Finn, Louise Janke and Christina Hayes), who, she says, set great examples of leadership and customer service. 

“If you can’t handle change, don’t work in a Financial Aid Office,” Micks jokes. “Very little about any loan program looks like it did when I started 27 years ago.”

UWL’s retention rate of 86% is the highest among all UW comprehensive colleges. One reason for this is the Maroon to Gray Grant Program that Micks implemented in spring 2014. This initiative within the Financial Aid Office significantly aids students with outstanding balances, ensuring they can register for classes and continue their education without financial hindrance. 

"Being able to tell a student who is struggling to pay their bill that we will take care of paying the balance is certainly one of the best rewards I can think of," Micks says. 

Micks’ dedication to UWL extends beyond her professional role. Graduating alongside her husband and daughter in 2002 was a memorable occasion, symbolizing her family's deep connection to the university. 

"Sitting next to my daughter, walking across the stage right after her, and receiving our degrees one after the other is a treasured memory," Micks reflects. Micks’ youngest daughter also graduated from UWL, making the whole family proud alumni. 

As Micks enters retirement, she expresses her gratitude to her colleagues, students and the UWL community.  

"UWL truly is an outstanding university with wonderful faculty, staff and administration, as well as exceptional students,” Micks says. “Everyone I have dealt with on this campus truly puts students and their families first." 

Looking ahead, Micks and her husband plan to travel, with trips to Walt Disney World, Washington, D.C., and the Grand Canyon on the horizon. She also looks forward to spending more time with her family and pursuing her hobbies, including genealogy and Disney pin collecting. 

The UWL community has greatly benefited from Micks’ unwavering commitment and contributions during her time on campus and her career. Her legacy of dedication and innovation will continue to aid and inspire future generations of UWL Eagles.