KNOW YO' DEAN: Q&A With The Chippewa Valley's Deans of Students
Deans of Students are supposed to be a kind of connector (and maybe a buffer) between students and the educational institution, so you should really get to know yours.
Consider this a cheat sheet for the Chippewa Valley’s higher education institutions – specifically on the respective Deans of Students at each one.
The Dean of Students team, as described by the Universities of Wisconsin system, exists to provide student support through campus services and advocacy. Basically, the Dean of Students has the opportunity to really champion the student body and influence campus climate.
So, you should probably know your Dean of Students.
At the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, that’s Gregg Heinselmann, who we learned is a first-gen college grad and total sucker for Mexican cuisine. Over at the University of Stout-Polytechnic, Sandi Sanders is an ‘80s rock music lover and People magazine reader. At Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), Natti Marlaire is a Twi-hard (come on, Twilight movie and book lovers) and DIY enthusiast.
The rest you’ll have to learn in our quick Q&As with each of ‘em, down below.
Sandi Sanders (UW-Stout Polytechnic)
First thing's first: Where are you from, when did you land in the Chippewa Valley, and what do you enjoy about your job?
A: I'm originally from Oconto Falls, Wisconsin in the Northeast corner of the state and moved to this area in 2007. I've been at UW-Stout Polytechnic for 12 years. I love many things about my job, but the opportunity to work with students and see the transformational growth many of them experience, both in and out of the classroom, is by far the best part of what I do. No two days are ever the same, and each year the students bring new insights, new perspectives and an energy that motivates me to want to bring my best self to this job.
What's something funny or interesting that most students wouldn't guess about you?
A: I used to be in a drill team and got my boot stuck in a bridge in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. I held up the parade for nearly an hour while the fire department tried to get my boot out of the grate. It made the local news.
What's your favorite local restaurant? Go-to order?
A: My favorite local restaurant is Wilson Creek Inn in Menomonie. Love me a good supper club vibe! While it's seasonal, their salmon with dill sauce (on the side) with lyonnaise potatoes is to die for. And the popovers are amazing!"
"I went to a small, liberal arts, Catholic college in Milwaukee. One year, on Halloween, we dressed up the Infant of Prague, a holy statue in the back of the campus chapel, as a punk rocker ... Secretly, I think the nuns thought it was funny :)" –Sandi Scott, fearless prankster
What's your favorite guilty pleasure TV show/movie/song?
A: I'm addicted to 'Young and the Restless' (been a fan for over 50 years) and I subscribe to People magazine. And I love to rock out at 80's bands concerts. I still got it :)"
Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person"?
A: Cat person.
OK, spill: Do you have an embarrassing memory from your college days?
A: I went to a small, liberal arts, Catholic college in Milwaukee. One year, on Halloween, we dressed up the Infant of Prague, a holy statue in the back of the campus chapel, as a punk rocker, just in time for Sunday morning mass for all to see. Surprisingly, we kept our pact of secrecy as to who was involved and no one was ever punished. Secretly, I think the nuns thought it was funny :)
Gregg Heinselman (UW-Eau Claire)
First thing's first: Where are you from, when did you land in the Chippewa Valley, and what do you enjoy about your job?
A: I graduate(d) from high school in San Diego, Ca. and went to college in Flagstaff, Ariz. at Northern Arizona University. I landed at UW-Eau Claire in 2022; however, I have worked at UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls as well as Duke University, University of Wyoming, and Central Washington University. I enjoy working with students and supporting student success in all of the programs, facilities, and services that we offer in the Division of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students office. College is a transformative time for many students and supporting them in their academic journey is one way to give back to the profession that has given so much to me.
What's something funny or interesting that most students wouldn't guess about you?
A: I have lived in ten states and have called Wisconsin home for 27 years.
What's your favorite local restaurant? Go-to order?
A: I love Mexican cuisine. The Azul Burrito at Azul Mexican Grill is a go to for me.
What's your favorite guilty pleasure TV show/movie/song?
A: Okay, I just watched the new "Ted Lasso" season 4 premier last night and I am looking forward to seeing the whole season.
Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person"?
A: Dog person.
OK, spill: Do you have an embarrassing memory from your college days?
A: I was an over involved student as an undergrad in Arizona and as a first generation college student I felt that I had to explore everything college had to offer. I was a college athlete, worked part time, involved in student activities, residence life, community service (Big Brothers/Big Sisters) and student government so not a lot of time for shenanigans.
Natti Marlaire (Chippewa Valley Technical College)
First thing's first: Where are you from, when did you land in the Chippewa Valley, and what do you enjoy about your job?
A: I grew up in the Chippewa Valley and ventured away for college and spent several years living in Minneapolis and Milwaukee, gaining new experiences along the way. Ultimately, I returned to the place I call home to raise my family.
What I enjoy most about my job is seeing students grow throughout their educational journey. It's incredibly rewarding to watch them overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and gain confidence as they figure out their path. Even more rewarding is seeing them graduate, build successful careers, and make a positive impact in the communities where they live and work.
What's something funny or interesting that most students wouldn't guess about you?
A: I'm a bit of a DIY enthusiast. If something breaks around the house, there's a good chance I'll be watching a YouTube tutorial and trying to fix it myself. I tend to have multiple home projects in progress, I also enjoy restoring old furniture, which has become my favorite side hustle.
"Hands down, The Twilight Saga - all 5 films. TEAM EDWARD!" –Natti Marlaire, on her guilty pleasure movie. Great choice.
What's your favorite local restaurant? Go-to order?
A: It's hard to pick just one with so many great local options, but our family's favorite is Altoona Family Restaurant. The food is always great, the staff are fantastic, and there's something on the menu for everyone. As for me, you can never go wrong with Eggs Benedict, morning, noon, or night!
What's your favorite guilty pleasure TV show/movie/song?
A: Hands down, The Twilight Saga - all 5 films. TEAM EDWARD!
Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person"?
A: I'm a "grandparent" to both a cat and a dog, and I've learned that choosing sides is a great way to get myself into trouble! Bibble and Pickles are both equally awesome in their own ways, so I'm going to plead the 5th on this one and say I am a cat and a dog person!
OK, spill: Do you have an embarrassing memory from your college days?
A: There were plenty of embarrassing moments and memories made during my college days, some I'm willing to share and others that are probably best left in the past! One that stands out happened during my sophomore year. I was carrying a cafeteria tray piled high with all my favorite foods when I turned around a little too quickly and collided with another student. Both trays went flying, and before I knew it, we were covered in food and everyone around us had a front-row seat to the disaster. I was completely mortified.
Learn more about each local higher ed institution – UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout Polytechnic, Chippewa Valley Technical College – online through their respective websites.