UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Student Success Center

Staff

 

  

Shamani Shikwambi, Ed.D

Executive Director of Student Success Center

174 Rodli Hall
715-425-3386

shamani.shikwambi@uwrf.edu

Smolarek_Karen

 

Karen Smolarek

Director of Student Support Services 

274 Rodli Hall
715-425-3713

karen.smolarek@uwrf.edu

 

I am from Menomonie. I graduated from UWRF with an elementary education degree. I knew from a young age that I wanted to teach and help people, especially young people. I taught 6th grade English for eight years in Berlin, Wis. In 2008, my family and I moved back to Menomonie when my husband began working at UW-Stout. I substitute taught for a year where I learned about TRIO Talent Search--a pre-college program at UW-Stout, designed to help potential first generation college students with limited financial means to attend the college of their choice. I loved this program and in 2009, applied to and began working with Talent Search as an academic adviser to students in grades 6-10. I helped them with learning about different career paths, the college education or training needed to obtain that career, and how to prepare in high school for college and the world of work. After four years as an adviser, I became the program director. Then after four years as the director, the program lost its funding in a grant competition. Fortunately, the position of Student Support Services director became available and I applied for and was hired to lead the SSS program here at UWRF! Besides leading the SSS program, I like to read, garden in my flower and vegetable gardens, spend time with family and friends, and stay at the cabin in northern Wisconsin.

Jessica Wekkin

Jessica Wekkin

Academic Program Manager 

174 Rodli Hall
715-425-3531

jessica.wekkin@uwrf.edu 

 

I have worked in higher education since 2007 in a variety of areas including first year advising, TRIO Student Support Services, Career Services, writing centers, and as an instructor of first year seminar, career exploration, composition, and creative writing courses. My educational background is in writing, which is the focus of both my Master of Fine Arts degree from Hamline University and Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel University. Joining students on their own educational journeys and helping them identify, articulate, and achieve their academic and career goals has been a common thread, central responsibility, and source of joy throughout my entire professional career. I am grateful that my current role provides the opportunity to continue that work with UW-River Falls students.

Kelly Grenzow

Kelly Grenzow -- Tutoring Services

Tutoring Coordinator

174 Rodli Hall
715-425-3531

kelly.grenzow@uwrf.edu

Foley-Molly

Molly Foley

Exploratory Advising and Tutoring Services

174 Rodli Hall
715-425-3531

molly.foley@uwrf.edu

Program Associate

Maikou Lor

First Year Experience Coordinator 

174 Rodli Hall
715-425-3531

maikou.lor@uwrf.edu

Courtney Brommer Headshot

Courtney Brommer

Academic Adviser

174 Rodli Hall

715-425-4879

Courtney.brommer@uwrf.edu

I earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from UW-Stout and a master of science in education in student affairs administration from UW-La Crosse. I am passionate about social justice and equitable access to education and look forward to integrating these passions in my advising practice. When the weather is nice, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dogs, Bernie and Sunny. When the weather is not so nice, you can find me watching reality TV and snuggling my two cats, Pickle and Dill.

Contact Us

Student Success Center
student.success@uwrf.edu
Phone: 715-425-3531
Fax: 715-425- 3277
174 Rodli Hall