NEW GLARUS — When Olivia Woodmansee, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, received an email in late April informing her of her place on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, she dropped her phone.
Like a number of other college students, Woodmansee had been heading to class hurriedly on foot, checking her email. She thought she was just opening a routine message in the application process. Instead, she read the words congratulating her on the appointment.
“It was very difficult to focus after that,” Woodmansee said.
The lengthy process of becoming a two year traditional student representative began in October. Woodmansee was one recipient of a mass email by the UW-La Crosse student association president. She applied with Gov. Tony Evers’ office and provided a resume and background information. State Sen. Jennifer Schilling and 95th District Rep. Jill Billings wrote letters of recommendation on her behalf. Woodmansee was interviewed, later gaining an endorsement from the student council she had been serving on. She even took part in a group meeting with all of the candidates as part of the process.
A student who refers to herself as “constantly drawn to leadership opportunities,” Woodmansee said she does not yet have exact measures to represent all traditional students within the UW System, but said she looks forward to being a voice for them.
As news unfolded of her appointment, the New Glarus native said she had a tremendous amount of support from friends, family and fellow community members. Woodmansee said even her former high school principal, Jeff Eichelkraut, called her personally to congratulate her on the appointment.
Tom Woodmansee, Olivia’s father, said family members and friends have been split in their support. Some were uncertain of what a regent is, while others, recognizing the magnitude, were zealous in their congratulations.
He referred to the appointment as “quite remarkable,” noting that he did not understand the full breadth of responsibility attached to the title of regent until Olivia was appointed. The board has 18 total members, with 16 appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. It has the duty of establishing policies for the UW System, meeting future needs for collegiate education within the state, setting admission standards, reviewing and approving university budgets and developing regulations for each of the universities within the system, according to the UW System website.
Tom Woodmansee noted that the position may be perfect for his daughter.
“She’s always been dedicated to outreach, to help other people,” he said.
Olivia echoed the sentiment, noting she has been drawn to helping others.
When she was in middle school, Tom said, his daughter asked for a book that outlines the best methods to get into Ivy League colleges. As she reached high school, Olivia played sports and aspired for leadership. She served as the president of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America for the entire state. At La Crosse, Olivia is double majoring in math and English with a writing and rhetoric emphasis; she plans to go on to law school after receiving her bachelor’s degree.
Though she has no particular policy suggestions in mind just yet, Olivia said she knows she plans to advocate on the topics of mental illness, sustainability and university affordability. She said she especially wants mental health to be “put at the forefront of regents’ mind.”
“My biggest mission as a regent is to make sure I’m speaking on behalf of students,” Olivia said.
The two year term will end May 1, 2021. It officially began May 2. The regents dove into their first meeting Thursday.
“She’s the right person to be a voice for a diverse group of students,” Tom said. “She is, and always has been, a very good listener. I think people from throughout the state will say, ‘this is the right pick for us.’”
