Strand to lead Adult and Student Services Center

Judith Strand, director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Connections Program, has been named assistant dean and director of the Adult and Student Services Center in the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS).

Strand will coordinate a team of 11 counselors, advisors, and program assistants. The center serves more than 5,000 community members annually, including returning adult students, learners in high school as well as those in retirement, visiting international students, and adults making educational and career decisions. Strand will oversee the full program of academic and career counseling, special and guest student admissions, adult student support, and outreach to the business sector and multicultural communities.

Strand is a lifelong learner who brings a range of academic and professional experiences to the post. Past work includes a position at Cornell University to increase diversity in state agriculture programs; and seven years at UW-La Crosse, where she advised liberal arts students before serving in administration of the women’s studies program. Pursuit of a Ph.D. in political science and women’s studies brought her to UW–Madison, where she joined DCS in 1998.

At DCS, Strand counseled adults seeking educational advice and admission to UW–Madison. When she became director of the Connections Program in 2003, her work shifted to advising Wisconsin high school seniors selected for this program, which allows students to begin their college education at a two-year UW campus and then complete their degree at UW–Madison. Under her direction, the Connections program has grown 50 percent.

“Throughout my career of 30 years, one common thread is working to bring all students into the wonderful world of learning. This is my passion and my privilege. I feel lucky to be able to make UW–Madison resources available to many in our state who might not realize the opportunities that exist here for them,” Strand says, adding that her personal experience as an adult student will guide her leadership.

Strand also holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 1975 and secondary teaching credential in agricultural and biological sciences in 1976 from the University of California at Davis.