Posted 4:12 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014
With a graduate degree in hand, Ryan Nell prepares for a future helping students navigate the sometimes bumpy transition into college life.
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Ryan Nell with service dog Wally at commencement. Nell earned his master's degree in Student Affairs Administration. Nell earned his undergraduate degree at UW-L in interpersonal communication studies with a minor in political science. Photo by UW-L student Hanqing Wu.[/caption]
May graduate Ryan Nell recalls the literal roadblocks he had as a freshman navigating campus for the first time. In a wheelchair, many locations were not convenient or accessible.
Now, with a graduate degree in hand, Nell prepares for a future helping students navigate the sometimes bumpy transition into college life.
Nell graduated Sunday, May 11, with a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education. He aims to work in disability resource services or student life on a college campus.
Nell has been an advocate for students of all abilities since he arrived on the UW-L campus as a freshman in 2006. He has conducted research, served on committees, performed skits and led groups — all to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of students, particularly those with physical disabilities.
Nell is a “go-to person” for campus and especially Students Advocating Potential Ability, says Christopher Coppess, Disability Resource Services adviser. He speaks on panels and gives presentations, providing a personal perspective on disability-related issues.
“He’s done it in a very gracious and selfless manner,” says Coppess. “There are some people who prefer not to talk in groups about disability-related issues. Being so open to talking about it is a special thing.”
Ryan Nell with service dog Wally at commencement. Nell earned his master's degree in Student Affairs Administration. Nell earned his undergraduate degree at UW-L in interpersonal communication studies with a minor in political science. Photo by UW-L student Hanqing Wu.[/caption]
May graduate Ryan Nell recalls the literal roadblocks he had as a freshman navigating campus for the first time. In a wheelchair, many locations were not convenient or accessible.
Now, with a graduate degree in hand, Nell prepares for a future helping students navigate the sometimes bumpy transition into college life.
Nell graduated Sunday, May 11, with a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education. He aims to work in disability resource services or student life on a college campus.
Nell has been an advocate for students of all abilities since he arrived on the UW-L campus as a freshman in 2006. He has conducted research, served on committees, performed skits and led groups — all to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of students, particularly those with physical disabilities.
Nell is a “go-to person” for campus and especially Students Advocating Potential Ability, says Christopher Coppess, Disability Resource Services adviser. He speaks on panels and gives presentations, providing a personal perspective on disability-related issues.
“He’s done it in a very gracious and selfless manner,” says Coppess. “There are some people who prefer not to talk in groups about disability-related issues. Being so open to talking about it is a special thing.”
Nell’s service list is long:
- Served as president of Students Advocating Potential Ability from 2007-08, a campus group that raises awareness about the rights of people with disabilities.
- Conducted an undergraduate research project through the McNair Scholars Program on the experiences of students with physical disabilities.
- Presented an overview of accessibility challenges to the UW-L Academic Building steering committee in 2007.
- Authored a student senate resolution approving the REC for the SAPA Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in 2009.
- Performed in Awareness through Performance, writing the script on the disability etiquette portion of the performance “Embrace the Journey" in August 2013.
- Worked as a graduate assistant in the Student Life Office helping with violence prevention, alcohol screenings and intervention.
- Advised students in Student Support Services.
- Helped new students navigate campus as a graduate assistant in the New Student Orientation Office.
- Conducted graduate research on recruiting students with disabilities.
- Coordinated Denim Day at UW-L and Western Technical College in April 2014 to raise awareness of sexual assault.
- Facilitated the Brown Bag Lunch Film Series discussion with Ingrid Peterson on Rape Culture, in April 2014.
- Served on other UW-L councils and committees, taking up issues from the environment to minority affairs.