Profile for Nicole Novak

Brief biography

I grew up in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, just south of Milwaukee. After graduating from Viterbo University and working in banking for several years, I joined the UW-La Crosse community in August 2016 as the Academic Department Associate/Department Assistant in the Music Department. Once I completed my graduate degree, I started working as an Academic Advisor in the UWL Academic Advising Center and Career Services office (AACCS). My current research includes topics related to college students with ADHD, undecided students, and appreciative advising.

Outside of higher education, my interests include hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my family, especially my spouse, Damien, and our cat, Ailey. I have an affinity for the performing arts and continue to cultivate a love for music (I sing and play the piano) and theatre (I love all things Broadway). I taught dance and choreographed many dance and theatre shows for 13 years as well as directed a dance company for seven years; although I consider myself retired from the professional dance world, I still love watching performances and taking an occasional class.