Campus Connection

New community engagement coordinator working toward university-community connections

My name is Lisa Klein. I am excited to be the new community engagement coordinator at UWL. I started in my position Aug. 1 and I’m eager to start working as a partner with the community on behalf of UWL.

UWL is my alma mater! I’m a mass communications major with a minor in English. During my final semester on campus, I had an internship with News 8. I was hired immediately after graduation and worked for WKBT-TV for the next 20 years as an anchor, education reporter and producer.

Q & A:

• Why did you apply for the job? What sounded exciting about it?

I loved my career in journalism but saw the community engagement position at UWL as an opportunity to use my skills in a new way. Public service is what drew me to journalism and it’s what has now drawn me to UWL. I’m excited to help our campus and surrounding communities work together and thrive.

• Why do you think it’s important for the university and community to connect, and how can we strengthen those relationships?

Speaking from my personal experience, the university’s connection to community businesses, like News 8, led me to a fulfilling career. I did not intend to stay in La Crosse after graduation. Well, here I am! La Crosse is now my home. I am an example of how the university-community connection can lead to jobs for students who might otherwise move out of the area to find work.

I also hope to help foster the student experience on campus. I will work to help build connections for faculty and staff who are interested in offering internships, undergraduate research, service-learning and volunteer opportunities to students.

• What kind of information are you looking for from campus employees and how should employees contact you?

Another role I will play on campus will include efforts to create a master list of partnerships the university holds with the community. This could include internships, undergraduate research, service-learning and volunteer opportunities. I’m also interested in learning which organizations/businesses give classroom presentations or possibly host field visits or job shadows.

Faculty and staff may contact me with their data at: 101C Cleary Alumni & Friends Center, lklein@uwlax.edu or 785-8153.