Larry Ringgenberg: Faculty Advisor

Larry’s life has been pretty much dedicated to higher education.  His enjoyment of student government began at UW-Eau Claire, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.  Several years later, he is still active in student government, through his role as Student Association Advisor at UW – La Crosse, which he greatly enjoys.

Larry’s master’s degree is from the University of Iowa. His first position after earning his master’s degree was at Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota.  He earned his doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado, and he has been at UW-La Crosse since 1985.

He really enjoys traveling and has had the good fortune to travel internationally through his positions at UW-L. His family and he traveled to Melbourne, Australia, in the summer of 2001, where he spent two weeks at Monash University teaching student development to their staff. Spring break of 2006 presented another opportunity for travel as he journeyed with other faculty members, to Hong Kong, Guilin, and Nanning, China. 


Although he likes to travel and appreciates the opportunities when they arise, he always enjoys coming home.  He grew up in southern Wisconsin in the small town of Belleville, which is just south of Madison. Growing up in Belleville fostered his interest in gardening and spending time outdoors, which he continues to do today.

Larry is married to his wife, Ingrid, who grew up in the Minneapolis area. They have three children, all six years apart. Matt, the oldest, and just finished his doctoral program in finance at the University of North Carolina. The oldest daughter, Jessica, is in law school, and Kristin is their third child and just graduated from Central High School in La Crosse. 

Larry has a deep interest in student development and always looks forward to working with the executive team and senators every year!

Andrea Higgins: Co-Advisor  

Andrea Higgins, also known as Drea, will be co-advising Student Association with Larry this year. She has been at UW-: for sever years, ALL of her professional career, and she is extremely excited about working in this new area with University Centers. Drea's first four and a half years were spent in the department of Residence Life as the Drake (two years) and then Coate (two and a half years) Residence Hall Director. Prior to her current role in University Centers, Drea paved the way of the First Year Experience Office housed in Student Life. Drea is beyond ecstatic about working with students directly and has high expectations and aspirations for the up and coming year with Student Association.

Drea came to UW-L from Western Illinois University, where she received her Master of Science in College Student Personnel. Besides tending to her growing shoe and purse collection, Drea spent her days in the University Housing and Dining Services Department as well as some time in their Leadership Initiative sOffice and their Admissions Office. Drea started her college journey at UW-Parkside in Kenosha, WI. In her time as a Ranger, she studied Communication, with an emphasis on Television and Radio Broadcast. She picked up a minor in Ethnic Studies and was certified in Conflict Management and Resolution.

Drea hails from Greenfield, WI (a suburb of Milwaukeee). She is an only child, which is probably why you can typically find her entertaining others, laughing and greeting the world with a smile. Drea has an extensive shoe collection and maintains it by also having a part-time job at a shoe-store in the mall. Drea loves hanging out with people and learning their stories. She's eager to work with students that are passionate about their place in the world and the impact they have on the future.




















   

More info coming soon!