Posted 10:56 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
Mic Nauman earns top UWL academic staff honor
Advising college students is a lot like storytelling.
“You sit with a student and listen — not to tell them what to do, but to hear their story,” says Mic Nauman, associate director of UW-La Crosse’s Academic Advising Center.
Nauman is tuned into the subtle shifts in the conversation that signal she has found something important. It might be a spark in the eyes or a change in tone.
“As advisors, it’s our job to pull out those key moments — to notice when a student lights up about something and then ask, ‘What does that mean? You were feeling down a moment ago, and now you’re excited,’” says Nauman.
This intuitive and caring approach to supporting others is a key reason many students and staff nominated Nauman to be this year’s UWL Academic Staff Excellence Award winner, an honor given annually to a non-instructional academic staff member who demonstrates exceptional performance and service.
For more than a decade, Nauman has been a trusted guide for UWL students — known for her compassion and dedication. She is the kind of advisor who goes beyond the basic academic questions, remembering to ask how the family vacation went or wanting to see the new puppy photos. Building real relationships with students helps create an environment where they feel comfortable enough to share more.
“She truly cares about the students that she advises and wants the best for their future,” says UWL student McKenna Foster. “I had many circumstances where I didn't know what path was the best for my future, and she made me feel at ease and walked me through every option to make sure I could make the best decision for me.”
A first-generation student
Nauman’s empathy comes, in part, from her own college experience. As a first-generation student without parents who could answer college questions, she admits to "faking it"—pretending she knew how to register for classes or plan her degree, even when she didn’t.
Today, she wants to be that college support system for students that she didn’t have. She wants to be that “fun aunt that you know cares about you but does not put pressure on you!” This leads to an environment where students feel safe to share their authentic goals— not just what they think adults want to hear.
And it is clear her efforts are working.
“I feel comfortable telling her anything and going to her if I need help with anything,” says UWL student Emma Brown. “I schedule frequent meetings with her, and I am always excited to go in and chat with her about all kinds of stuff, including things outside of school.”
A leader among peers
Nauman’s impact extends far beyond her one-on-one advising. She also supervises a team of professional advisors and is known as a mentor and emotional anchor in the office.
“She’s not just a resource for academic questions,” says Becky Vianden, director of the Academic Advising Center and Career Services. “She’s a pillar of support for colleagues— Whether covering for a colleague during a family emergency or offering a listening ear during a difficult time, Mic goes above and beyond to ensure that those around her feel valued and cared for.”
Advisor Nicole Novak adds, “Mic is always the first person to step up when someone needs help, and this unwavering support enhances both the work environment and the quality of student services.”
Improving systems for student success
In addition to her work with students and colleagues, Nauman has also strengthened university-wide support systems. She played a key role in expanding the Student Success Advising Program, which now serves over 100 students annually — up from 50 — providing additional outreach to students on academic probation or warning.
Nauman helps coordinate the program by assigning advisors, initiating outreach to faculty, and advising students herself. Her work also led to the program’s expansion to include transfer students.
“Mic’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to improving the program’s scope directly enhance the institution's support for at-risk students,” says Sandy Grunwald, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Furthermore, she encourages her team to innovate and take on leadership roles, fostering a culture of collaboration and efficiency.”
She’s also a driving force behind the Win-Win initiative, conducting an annual review of over 200 student records to identify those who are close to completing an Associate of Arts degree. Then, she works one-on-one with students to help them take the final steps to graduate.
As a result of her work, 39 students earned their AA in 2023, and another 30 in 2024. Mic’s efforts not only impact student success but also promote degree completion, a larger goal of the Universities of Wisconsin System, says Grunwald.
Despite her long list of contributions, Nauman remains humble about the recognition.
“I didn’t start these programs, but I believe in them, and I’m proud to be part of them,” she says. “We’re here to help students, no matter where they’re coming from or where they’re going.”
For Nauman, the work is rooted in deep respect for students and their stories.
“It's a privilege to listen as they figure out who they are,” she says. “It's a privilege to do this work. I get to be part of an amazing team — and I’ve had the best support from Sandy and Becky, who truly believe in what we do and how much it matters.”