“TeKema is proudly using her voice for change.”

We are all cheering on TeKema Balentine, as she competes in the Miss Black USA contest in August. TeKema, is studying to become a nurse practitioner at Madison College as she also competes in this prestigious, national competition.

TeKema is competing on the platform to improve education for black students in Wisconsin. Something Balentine knows firsthand as a graduate of Madison East High School.

“I noticed that people who looked like me were either not in class or not doing very well in class and I want to change that,” Balentine said.

Hear her voice and her story here.

 

Madison College’s President, Jack Daniels III, graces the cover of the August 2019 Madison Magazine. In the feature story, Dr. Daniels’ commitment to Madison, to diversity, and to our students is highlighted, and the upcoming opening of the Goodman South Campus is detailed.

His Quiet Legacy 

“The soon-to-open Goodman South Campus is arguably Daniels’ signature accomplishment as president. It’s arguable because so many people say Daniels’ unique skill set and style are responsible for many less visible — but meaningful and wide-ranging — accomplishments. For example, College Provost Bakken points to Daniels leadership in creating a shared governance system that helped “fill the void created when Act 10 severely limited collective bargaining in the public sector.” It’s a system that Bakken says is unique to Madison College. “It’s a common construct in higher education,” says Bakken, “but here, it’s really more about a set of principles and values that drive everything we do, honoring collective voice, transparency, inclusion and respect. It was his nurturing of that system and the culture underneath it that has had a huge impact on Madison College.”

Click Here to Read the Article.

Did you know Madison College has a Scholars of Promise Program? This initiative benefits low-income recent high school graduates who have the motivation to complete their college education, but lack financial resources. We do this by providing financial aid and scholarships to cover the cost of tuition, in addition to providing wrap around support services and mentorship throughout their educational journey at Madison College. This program is life changing for many in our community.

Dr. Jack Daniels, Madison College President, shared, “This is how we grow our workforce. This is how we improve the quality of life in our communities. This is how we live out our mission of providing access to higher education to all. Many of these individuals will represent underrepresented and disenfranchised populations. The opportunity that we have offered is a pathway not only to academic success but a new way of life.”

Dr. Daniels also said that the students who have entered the Scholars of Promise program represent the best that Madison College has to offer.“These determined students have proven to be hardworking, resourceful and persistent. These individuals committed themselves to the goal of an Associate’s Degree. Though financially disadvantaged, these individuals can now pursue the dream of a college degree and the career of their choice.”

You can learn more about Scholars of Promise, and how to support the Promise students here.