About Us
Faculty
Dr. Chris Bakkum is currently the Interim Registrar and Manager of Enrollment Services at UW-L. For the past two years, she was the Program Director for the College Student Development & Administration program in addition to serving as the Assistant to the Dean in the College of Liberal Studies and as the Assessment Coordinator for the School of Education. Her Ph.D. is in Educational Administration from UW-Madison. Dr. Bakkum's primary research interests are in the history of higher education, educational administration, and teaching and learning. She is also interested in on-line education. Dr. Bakkum was the founding advisor for the UW-L chapter of the Golden Key National Honor Society and was named advisor of the year by the International Golden Key Organization. She was also a founding officer of the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association (WACADA), which is an affiliate of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Dr. Bakkum served in a number of executive board positions with WACADA, including president. Recently, she had the opportunity to represent the SAA program on a trip to China.
Dr. Jon A. Hageseth, LP is the Director of the Counseling and Testing Center and a member of the Graduate Faculty. Dr. Hageseth received his M.A. and Ph. D. in Counseling Psychology from Ohio State University. Previously, Dr. Hageseth served as a Professor of Education and Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and Appalachian State University. He has taught courses in abnormal psychology, research design, experiential learning, and student development. Recently, he has had the opportunity for international work and has presented and consulted in the Ukraine, South Africa, Scotland, Russia, and China. His research and programming interests include depression, suicide prevention, parental involvement, needs assessment, and retention. Dr. Hageseth is a senior site visitor for the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. (IACS) and holds memberships in the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), the National College Testing Association (NCTA), the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD), and is a Licensed Psychologist in Wisconsin.
Dr. Jeannie Hanley, NCC, LPC is a Staff Counselor in the Counseling and Testing Center. She received her M.S. in Counselor Education from Winona State University and earned her Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She currently teaches Advising and Helping Relationships. Her current research interests include leadership, emotional intelligence, and wellness issues. Dr. Hanley serves on the La Crosse Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Greater La Crosse Mental Health Coalition. Her professional affiliations include the Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault (WCASA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). Dr. Hanley also holds National Counselor Certification (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), is an Advanced Practice Social Worker in Wisconsin, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin. Dr. Hanley is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling, Academic, and Professional Honor Society.
Dr. Nick Nicklaus is the Director of Residence Life. His degrees include a B.A. in History and Sociology from Bowling Green State University, a M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and an Ed.D. in Adult and Community Education (cognate in College Student Personnel) from Ball State University. He has previous graduate teaching experience at Ball State University. His research interests are in student development theory, student learning, and student needs/issues. He is very active in several housing professional organizations and has served as a faculty member for the National Housing Training Institute and currently is the treasurer of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I).
Dr. Jodie Rindt is the Program Director of the SAA program and is currently teaching in the online program. For the past year, she was the SAA Online Coordinator and taught in both the CSDA and Psychology departments. Previously, she spent the past 20 years as a Counselor/Psychologist in the Counseling & Testing Center. Dr. Rindt's primary research interests are in higher education, teaching and learning, international studies, and on-line education. She has served on the North Central Accreditation (NCA) Steering Committee and has had extensive involvement in University service since joining the UW-L staff in 1986. In addition, she has a special interest in athletics and is the UW-L NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. In 2006, she had the opportunity to represent the SAA program on a trip to China and has plans to do more international travel in the future.
Dr. Larry Ringgenberg is the Director of Student Activities and Centers. Dr. Ringgenberg holds a Master's in College Student Development from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado in College Student Personnel Administration. Primary research interests include student development, student involvement, participatory management, and empowering employees. Dr. Ringgenberg also travelled to China to represent the SAA program and has more travel plans in his future as well.
Dr. Al S. Thompson, Jr. is the Assistant to the Chancellor for Affirmative Action and Diversity. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Student Development from the University of Iowa. Dr. Thompson has earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. His primary research interests are organizational effectiveness, cultural competency, and strategic planning within higher education. Dr. Thompson is active with campus and regional organizations.
Dr. Mary Beth Vahala is the Associate Director of Student Activities and Centers. She received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from Ball State University, a Masters degree in Counseling and Personnel Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Ed.D. in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Georgia. Dr. Vahala has had a variety of experiences in CSDA: Hall Director, Coordinator of Student Organizations, Leadership Programming, Career Counseling, and Academic Advising. Research interests include management, leadership, and environments. She has served as past president of the Wisconsin College Personnel Association and currently serves on the American College Personnel Association's Membership Core Council.
Accreditation
The SAA program meets North Central Association (NCA) accreditation standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) requirements.