Established in 1862, Lakeland University is a prestigious liberal arts institution dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds to succeed. With a strong commitment to fostering academic excellence, ethical decision making, and purposeful living, the university is led by Beth Borgen, a seasoned higher education expert with over 16 years of experience. Under her visionary leadership, Lakeland University continues to thrive, exemplifying the impact of dedicated guidance and unwavering commitment.
Commitment to Academic Excellence and Student Experience
Lakeland University stands out for its academic excellence and student experience through its innovative Cooperative Education. This program allows students to earn up to 25% of their degree through work experience at a Co-Op partner company or organization, providing valuable experience and networking opportunities. As a pioneer in the Upper Midwest, Lakeland University has established strong relationships with regional employers, enabling students to test drive potential careers and secure job offers prior to graduation. The university’s partnerships with technical colleges also facilitate seamless transitions for graduates seeking bachelor’s degrees, who often complete their studies in under two years. Furthermore, Lakeland University offers faculty-student research opportunities in natural sciences, exercise science, psychology, and food safety and quality.
Lakeland University’s Remarkable Journey
Lakeland University’s emergence among America’s best college campuses is rooted in its rich history, dating back to 1862. The university has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve, being the first in Wisconsin to offer complete degree programs for working adults in the late 1970s and among the first in the nation to offer online degree programs in the early 1990s.
Through employer advisory groups and strategic partnerships, Lakeland University stays attuned to industry needs, ensuring its curriculum remains relevant and effective. By embracing change and collaboration, the university delivers graduates with the skills required to succeed in various industries. Its commitment to partnerships with peers, corporations, and the community underscores its philosophy that collective progress is key to individual success.
The Key Driving Factors behind the Success
Lakeland University’s success can be attributed to its faculty’s genuine care for students’ well-being and academic aspirations. Faculty members take the time to understand students’ hopes and dreams, helping them create pathways to accomplish their objectives. The university’s family atmosphere provides a sense of belonging, mainly for students from across the country who are often far from home. This supportive environment is mainly beneficial for its large population of f irst-generation college students, who thrive in a small setting with personalized attention. Strong relationships with global companies also contribute to the university’s success, as these partners recognize the value Lakeland University brings to the region.
Beth’s Unique Leadership Style
Beth’s leadership approach is built on inclusivity, transparency, engagement, collaboration, and innovation. By fostering an environment where all voices are heard, the university ensures that everyone has a stake in its success. The leadership is committed to open and honest communication, both internally and externally. This approach supports the university in navigating change effectively, embracing it as a norm in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Fostering a Positive Culture
Lakeland University nurtures a positive culture by empowering its employees to excel in their roles. This is achieved by actively seeking their feedback and listening to ideas, recognizing that every staff member plays a crucial role in the learning process.
The university’s Co-Op program also promotes a culture of mentorship, with on-campus supervisors serving as role models for students. By demonstrating the right culture and behavior, employees set a positive example for students to follow. Open and honest communication is a cornerstone of this culture, with accessibility being key to building solid relationships.
The Core Values of Lakeland University
Lakeland University nurtures a strong sense of community on its campus. The university values inclusion and diversity, fostering a diverse student body where individuals feel part of Lakeland University and have their voices heard.
The university also prioritizes stewardship, taking pride in its rural campus founded in 1862 by German settlers. The university has implemented numerous staff-generated stewardship programs to maintain the campus for future generations. Furthermore, Lakeland University encourages inquiry, promoting a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning.
Extracurricular Activities at Lakeland University
The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to enhance students’ learning journey. As an NCAA Division III member school, Lakeland University features 18 varsity sports programs. It also offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, including Greek Life, academic clubs, and other service organizations. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their interests and passions, and are empowered to bring forward ideas and create opportunities.
Innovative Teaching Practices
Lakeland University incorporates innovation and technology into teaching practices through its Cooperative Education program, which allows students in all majors to earn academic credit working part-time and full-time jobs through Co-Op partner companies. The university’s academic programs leverage technology by offering customized pathways that allow students to select their preferred delivery model from semester to semester and class to class. This f lexible approach recognizes that life is not one-size-fits-all, and education should be tailored to meet the needs of each student. Non-traditional students can participate in Co-Op through project-based learning on the job and through credit for prior learning.
Preparing Students for a Global Future
Lakeland University is proactively preparing students for the challenges and opportunities ahead. As demographics shift, the university is developing systems to recruit and retain students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they succeed through graduation.
The university’s Tokyo, Japan, campus has become a global hub, with students from 40 different countries represented. Lakeland University also excels in offering study abroad opportunities for American domestic students and students from around the world.
Remarkable Achievements and Milestones
Lakeland University has garnered numerous achievements; it was the first school in Wisconsin to offer complete bachelor’s degree programs for non traditional age students.
This institution is one of only two U.S. schools with a campus in Japan and among the first schools in the nation to offer complete degree programs online. Additionally, Lakeland University was the first school in the Upper Midwest to offer a cooperative education program in all academic programs.
The university is also recognized for the nation’s first food safety & quality bachelor’s degree program. Additionally, Lakeland was the first school in Wisconsin to offer women’s wrestling and among the f irst to offer an Esports program. Lakeland also has co-locations on six Wisconsin technical college campuses to benefit students who transfer to Lakeland to complete their bachelor’s degree.
The Future Outlook
Lakeland University is poised to continue its evolution to meet the changing needs of the education realm. The university will focus on adjusting its curriculum to reflect the needs of students and employers, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared to take on the jobs they will encounter. The university’s Co-Op program will aid in that effort, providing students with valuable work experience and skills. Lakeland University will also continue to expand the markets it serves, working to make sure all individuals have access to higher education, such as its Life & Career Studies program for students with intellectual disabilities.
Leadership Keys to Success
Beth advises aspiring leaders in the education sector to embrace change because it is constant. By doing so, they can build a team of faculty and staff who understand and thrive in an environment of continuous improvement. Surrounding oneself with smart, trusted, and respected individuals is vital. This not only fosters a collaborative environment but also allows leaders to empower their teams, recognizing that they cannot do everything alone.
