2007-08 YEAR IN REVIEW
Certificate Programs
Conferences & Workshops
Credit Courses
Learning Communities
Learning in Retirement 
Youth Programs
Connecting the university and the community
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:32 AM  Page 1
Skobic Helping Area Artists
Learning Community of Artists-Best
Business Practices program was developed
and offered by Continuing Education and
Extension and the Small Business
Development Center to strengthen the
professional and business capacity of artists.  
Nineteen visual artists from the 7 Rivers
Region formed the first learning community
of artists that began in October 2007 and
successfully completed the program in June
of 2008. The program covered marketing,
sales, business insurance, legal issues, business technologies and
resource development.
Following the success of the first program, UW-L received
funding support from a second UW-Extension grant to develop and
offer Planning for Profit at a Distance, a more advanced
entrepreneurial program for artists.
Martina Skobic, program facilitator, has more than 25 years of
legal, business, teaching, and consulting experience. She earned
her MBA degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a
law degree at the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Martina worked, lived and studied
in New York, Jacksonville, Florida, Zamora, Spain and
Strasbourg, France. 
If there is sufficient demand, additional learning communities
will begin fall 2008.  
 A Friends of Education Award from Phi Delta Kappa
was given to the Early Childhood Professional
Development Organization for work in the
community and collaborative effort between the 
La Crosse School District, Western Technical 
College, Viterbo University, UW-La Crosse, Family
Resources and area child care providers.
 Learning Community graduate, Marilyn Toenjes, has
had her journal article accepted by Education
Today to be published this November.
2
Who are we and
what do we do?
Continuing Education/Extension
(CEE) works with faculty and
departments to extend the
instructional, research and public
service resources of UW-L to
individuals and organizations in
western Wisconsin communities
and in other parts of the state.
CEE can work with you to
develop educational programs
(both credit and noncredit) that
enable individuals to earn
degrees and certificates, meet
licensure requirements,
accomplish professional goals,
participate in conferences, and
pursue leisure and academic
interests.
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:32 AM  Page 2
?
Onalaska
?
Holmen
?
West Salem
?
Whitehall
?
Eau Claire
?
Appleton
?
Manitowoc
?
Lodi
?
DeForest
?
Sun Prairie
?
Portage
?
Oregon
?
Waunakee
?
Elkhorn
?
Lake Geneva
?
Kettle Moraine
?
Watertown
?
West Allis
?
Brown Deer
?
Greendale
?
Greenfield
?
Fox Point 
?
Milwaukee
Number of Programs Number of Enrollments
Learning Community 168 4,607
Credit Courses 124 1,183
Certificate Offerings 26 313
Conferences & Workshops 93 3,842
Pre-College Programs 16 837
Older Adult Programs 35 1,250
Total 462 12,032
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
?Learning Community of Artists: Best Business Practices Program helped me increase my
sales by approximately 300 percent from January to May 2008. As a result of the program,
I believe I am closer to achieving financial success without sacrificing creativity.?
? Joyce Diveley, Learning Community of Artists student
? Learning Community of
Artists: Best Business
Practices program began its
first cohort enrolling 19 visual
artists from all disciplines. The
program empowers students to
take the next step in building
sustainable art businesses using
theory and hands-on skills with
an emphasis on adult,
interactive learning.
? In partnership with the UW-L
School of Education CEE
administered the ME-PD
Learning Community program
for 678 teachers and school
professionals. Learning
communities were organized in
23 cities throughout Wisconsin.
?The ME-PD program is founded
on a history of improving the
quality of education throughout the
state of Wisconsin while remaining
absolutely dedicated to meeting the
individual needs of its graduate
students.?
- Rhonda Rabbitt, Ed.D.,
interim director, ME-PD Program
Credit courses, conferences and
workshops were delivered to: 
3
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:32 AM  Page 3
?
Chemistry 103 was offered for 17 advanced high
school students, and English 110 was offered for
19 advanced high school students in partnership
with the West Salem School District. Biology 105
was offered for 10 advanced high school students
in partnership with the La Crosse School District.
?
The Arabic and Persian Immersion program, an
eight-credit UW-Madison program, drew 45 adults
from across the country to learn Arabic or
Persian.
?
Through shared resource agreements with Bangor,
Arcadia, Black River Falls, Galesville-Ettrick-
Trempealeau, Holmen, La Crosse, Onalaska,
Sparta, Viroqua and West Salem school districts,
44 credit courses were offered to 461 educators
and administrators. The collaboration provides
district specific, teacher-centered professional
development that is aligned with the districts?
established goals.
The School District of Holmen has been able to offer job-
embedded and on-time credit opportunities to staff for the past
several years through a partnership with the UW-L CEE Office.
We offer learning opportunities that are relevant and timely, as
well as provide staff with a credit option. It?s a win-win. The
experiences have been very well received and positive. 
?
Sandy Richert, Director of Instructional Services, 
Holmen School District
4
CREDIT COURSES
?
The 15th annual Washburn Academy, offered in
partnership with the UW-L School of Education and
the Cooperative Educational Services Agency (CESA)
#4, resulted in 330 graduate enrollments from the
two academy weeks in Holmen and Onalaska and
additional pre-academy offerings.
?
Four courses in best practices for early childhood
education resulting in 63 enrollments were offered to
area educators and child care providers through the
La Crosse Early Childhood Professional Development
Options partnership.
?
Two online courses were offered for area educators
and other professionals who work with culturally
diverse audiences.
?
The Exercise and Sport Science Master of Science
Sport Administration option offered in Pewaukee and
the Physical Education Teaching option held in
Appleton completed three-year rotations of classes
using a cohort format.
Credit staff (left) front, Gary Gilmore,
Annette Valeo; middle, Kay Robinson,
Lynn Weiland; back, Karen Hansen and
Susan Larkin.
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:32 AM  Page 4
Course series opens door for completion of college degree
Deciding to become a stay-at-home mom and run a day care
business was what Gwen LaPour always wanted to do. LaPour
is a state licensed in-home provider and owns and operates
Sonshine Family Childcare in La Crosse for more than 18
years. ?I wanted to stay at home and take care of my kids.
That?s basically what I wanted to be when I grew up ? a
mom,? says LaPour.
At the young age of 19, LaPour began her life as a wife and
mother. After her fourth child, starting a day care business
seemed to be the best of both worlds, being able to stay home
with her sons and daughters while supplementing their income
by watching a few other children.
Earlier this year, LaPour completed a series of four professional
development courses for early childhood educators offered
through Early Childhood Professional Development Options
(ECPDO), a collaboration between UW-La Crosse, Viterbo,
Western Technical College, CESA #4, La Crosse School
District, Gundersen Lutheran Family Resources, Coulee
Catholic Schools, La Crosse Day Care Center and Head Start. 
During one of the courses, Families and Communities, Amy
Sullivan, director of the Self Sufficiency Program (SSP) at UW-
La Crosse, spoke to students about exploring the possibility of
a college education. ?Now that my youngest child had moved
out to begin college last year, it was time to give some thought
to what I wanted to do,? says LaPour.
She completed the SSP and decided to pursue completing her
undergraduate degree. This summer she?s spending her free
time completing application materials at UW-Milwaukee to
pursue an online bachelor of science, community education
degree. ?I?d eventually like to work as a parent educator or
work with families as a resource person. Having been in day
care for almost 20 years, I have a large backlog of experiences
to pull from. I?d like to be able to pass that on or help others,?
says LaPour.
Gwen LaPour
I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the
Sport Administration cohort. The instructors
were very knowledgeable and the class times
made it easy for me to continue working while
earning my graduate degree.
?
Exercise and Sport Sceince Graduate Student
5
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:32 AM  Page 5
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
6
Older Adult Programs
?
Two Old Times on the Mississippi Elderhostels, five-day excursions on the Julia Belle
Swain steamboat, had 91 total enrollments.
?
Jazz on the Mississippi, an Elderhostel program was attended by 58 seniors from
across the country.
?
The Learning in Retirement (LIR) organization offered 35 programs 
for its 251 members with total enrollment of 1,250. Programs 
included Alternative Medicine, 
Literature Past & Present, Great 
Men/Poor Presidents, Geography of 
the Mediterranean and Storytelling 
for Adults.
I loved the Storytelling class
and thought Sara Slayton, the
instructor, was wonderful. The
?Explore Winona?s Historic
Architecture? trip was definitely
an ?eye opener? and I truly
enjoyed it. These events have
been so enriching and to get to
know more people is certainly a
bonus.
? Murial Stanek, Learning in
Retriement member
Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program addresses training needs
The likelihood of an autism spectrum disorders
diagnosis has increased dramatically over the last
decade.  A 30-hour Autism Spectrum Disorders
Certificate program offerd collaboratively by UW- L
CEE and Chileda to helps to improve communication,
social and physical skills in autistic persons.
Since the program began in 2000, the certificate has
been offered 11 times enrolling 219 individuals
representing education, health, human services and
families of persons with an autism spectrum disorder.
As a result of this training, these professionals are better
able to provide appropriate care based on currently
recommended practices than colleagues who did not
enroll in the training.
An impact survey was conducted via phone
interviews.  Sixty percent of respondents indicated that
the learning obtained in the certificate program led them
to change their curriculum and/or activities carried out
with their students; 50 percent of respondents said they
altered their teaching practices; and 73 percent said that
these altered concepts and methods had a positive effect
on student learning and behavior.
My experience working with CEE staff has been great. We communicate frequently and they are always responsive
to my questions and needs. I look forward to assisting CEE with the GIS Certificate Program in the Fall.
? Todd W. Sutherland, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
?
In partnership with Chileda, CEE offered the Autism Spectrum Disorders
Certificate program. Twenty-five adults completed the 30-hour certificate
this year.
?
The Gerontology Certificate workshops, offered in partnership with the
Psychology department, included seven core and elective programs, enrolling
92 learners. 
?
In partnership with the Geography/Earth Science department, a Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) Certificate program completed a cohort rotation.
?
The Supervisory Management Certificate program, a series of professional
development seminars offered by the SBDC, was offered to 190 business
managers and supervisors.
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:33 AM  Page 6
7
CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS
The experienced, knowledgeable presenters as well as the
diversity of attendees made this strong.
? Midwest Autism Conference attendee
Noncredit staff (left) Karen Langaard, Penny Tiedt,
Andrea Hansen and Jan Olson.
trianglert
Health & Human Services
New Programs
?
The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Conference, cosponsored by the
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, brought together 722
care managers, nurses and others working in long-term care reform.
?
Long Term Care Leadership Development program drew 26 participants
in the four-part series.
?
In partnership with Franciscan Skemp Behavioral Health, an Anger and
Rage workshop was offered to 86 health and human service professionals. 
?
A Dementia Specialist Program was attended by 30 direct care staff and
offered the practical skills to increase caregiver?s confidence and
effectiveness when addressing difficult behaviors.
?
A Post Traumatic Stress workshop,
intended to help local providers
know what to expect from soldiers
returning from war and others
experiencing traumatic stress, drew
26 individuals.
?
The Wisconsin School
Psychologists Association
Spring Convention drew 209
school social workers, guidance
counselors, nurses, principals
and psychologists from around
the state.
?
More than 160 school personnel, human service providers and healthcare
providers came together to attend the first Midwest Autism Conference.
An evening program for parents was also offered attracting 65 participants.
?
Two bilingual skills in health care courses were offered. In partnership with
the Franciscan Skemp-Sparta Campus, Spanish Medical Terminology was
offered to 31 health care workers, and Bridging the Gap, in partnership
with Tri County Memorial Hospital, was offered to 25 individuals.
?
Two workshops, part of the Nonprofit Management Series, We Need to
Get Organized and All We Need is More Money, designed for board
members and key staff, attracted 51 participants.
?
The 23rd annual Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
Conference was attended by 76 individuals who explored, in an
interdisciplinary manner, questions related to separatism and tolerance as
they relate to globalization, human rights, peace and conflict.
Ongoing Programs
?
The International Death, Grief and
Bereavement Conference, developed in
partnership with the UW-L Center for Death
Education and Bioethics, brought together 114
professionals and individuals dealing with grief.
?
The Wisconsin Lower Extremity Symposium
and Workshops, co-sponsored by the Health
Professions department and Gundersen Lutheran
Sports Medicine, drew 91 physical therapists and
athletic trainers from several states.
?
Community Health offerings included
Experiential Learning Strategies for Health
Education, the Adolescent Health Symposium,
Research Tools and Processes, Foundations in
Health Education, and Health and Wellness
Through Yoga.
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:33 AM  Page 7
Continuing Education
in the Arts (CEA)
offers noncredit arts programs, in
partnership with the College of
Liberal Studies, to youth and adults
in the surrounding communities.
?Participants learn from distinguished
professionals and established artists,
many classes offer continuing
education credits and all classes are
held on the UW-La Crosse campus
with access to state-of-the-art studios
and equipment,? says Linda Steine,
CEA program coordinator. 
Response has been overwhelmingly
positive. ?The hands-on participation
and knowledge of the instructor was
a strength of the program,? says one
participant. ?I walked away with a
better understanding of the details
involved of creating my art piece ?
plus it was great fun!? adds another.
Classes offered this year have
included Jewelry Making, Figuration
Studio, First Steps to Starting Your
Art Business, Ceramics and a
Chicago weekend art tour. 
Additional classes are planned for
the upcoming year. A complete list
of courses can be found online at
www.uwlax.edu/conted/artleisure
This workshop gave beneficial field experience needed for more in-
depth understanding.
? Wetlands Delineation Training Workshop attendee
trianglert
Education
?
ACT Train-the-Trainer workshop, a pilot program for area teachers to help
prepare students for college entrance exam testing, was offered in two school
districts resulting in 87 students completing the ACT Prep Course. 
?
The annual fall Educator Workshops, co-sponsored by the Mississippi
Valley Gifted and Talented Network, were attended by 115 educators and
parents from over 20 area school districts in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
trianglert
Sciences
?
The Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium, in cooperation with
the Department of Computer Science, brought together 243 higher education
participants who focused on the integration of computer-based technology in
the teaching and learning process.
?
More than 140 conservationists attended the 20th annual Prairie Enthusiasts
Conference, in cooperation with the Biology Department and CEE.
?
Seven Wetland Delineation Training workshops, were attended by 188
natural resource professionals. Workshops were held in La Crosse, Waupaca
and Madison, Wis. Partners included the UW-L River Studies Center,
Wisconsin Department of Administration Coastal Management Program,
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission, United States Geological Survey, USDA-
Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.
trianglert
Arts & Humanities
?
A new series of Continuing Education in the Arts classes, offered for 65
individuals, included jewelry making, pottery, drawing and starting an art
business.
?
Thirty individuals took part in the Chicago Art Museum Excursion,
visiting the Art Institute of Chicago and The Museum of Contemporary Art.
?
Forty individuals took part in the Chicago Art & Theatre Tour.
?
Ireland Hiking Adventure attracted 13 individuals.
?
The 20th annual Mini-Harmony Education program, designed to improve
vocal singing techniques and performance presentation, was attended by 43
barbershop singers from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
8
CONFERENCES  &
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:33 AM  Page 8
trianglert
Economic Development
?
In partnership with the La Crosse County Aging Unit and the Coulee
Region Long Term Care Workforce Coalition, UW-L served as a site for
the national Creating Aging Friendly Communities online conference. 
?
Six programs addressed the diverse and aging workforce, including the
series Workforce Diversity Initiatives focusing on practices within
government, education, business and the community. Additional
workforce development programs included building inclusive
organizations, recruiting and retention strategies, and hiring and training
tactics.
?
The Sixth World Congress of Cliometrics conference held in
Edinburgh, Scotland attracted 112 individuals interested in the use of
economic theory and statistical techniques to study economic history.
?
SBDC offered the second Certified Global Business Professional
(CGBP) series as a preparatory course for the CGBP exam. Twenty
business professionals from the region, two UW-La Crosse faculty
members and one undergraduate student participated. 
?
SBDC launched three new non-credit business education programs,
Success on eBay Series, Web Business Plan ? Online Marketing Tactics
and Leading & Communicating Effectively enrolling 95 individuals.
?
The SBDC offered 38 business education programs, workshops, and
community economic development events to business owners, managers
and employees within the 7 Rivers Region resulting in 914 participants.
Topics included executive education, middle management, basic
management, international business and community economic
development.
Small Business Development staff (left) Maureen Spencer,
Stephen Woessner, Vicki Bain and Jan Gallagher.
If you are interested in:
? More information about learning communities,
credit courses, certificate programs, conferences
and workshops 
? Partnering or co-sponsoring a program with
UW-L
? Creating a program that meets specific needs of
your organization
Please contact us:
By Mail: Continuing Education
UW-La Crosse
205 Morris Hall
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
By Phone: 608.785.6500
By Fax: 608.785.6547
By E-mail: continuinged@uwlax.edu
Web site:
www.uwlax.edu/conted 
Many programs are made possible in
partnership with UW-Extension.
Director, Continuing Education 
M. Donald Campbell ? 608.785.6501 
campbell.dona@uwlax.edu
Marketing Services
Tracy Noyes ? 608.785.6511 
noyes.trac@uwlax.edu
Business Development
Jan Gallagher ? 608.785.8782
gallaghe.jani@uwlax.edu
Community Health
Gary D. Gilmore ? 608.785.8163 
gilmore.gary@uwlax.edu
Conferences and Youth Programs
Penny Tiedt ? 608.785.6503 
tiedt.penn@uwlax.edu
Exercise and Sport Science/
Teacher Education
Annette Valeo ? 608.785.6528 
valeo.anne@uwlax.edu
Human Services
Andrea Hansen ? 608.785.6509 
hansen.andr@uwlax.edu
Learning Communities/Teacher Education
Lynn Weiland ? 608.785.6512 
weiland.lynn@uwlax.edu 
Online Programs
Kay Robinson ? 608.785.6510 
robinson.kay@uwlax.edu
For More Information
Brings the community together on a mutual issue and
creates dialogue and creative thinking. Great program!
? Creating Aging Friendly Communities attendee
9
S  & WORKSHOPS
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:33 AM  Page 9
New test taking skills helped me take the
different parts of the ACT, as well as finish the
sections quicker and more efficiently.
? ACT Prep participant
10
trianglert
College Preparatory Programs
?
Sixty-one high school students participated in two ACT Prep Courses,
a pre-college program designed to raise student test scores. 
?
Academic Skills workshop, helped prepare participants for the
academic adjustments when transitioning from middle school to high
school or high school to college.
trianglert
Youth Programs
?
In cooperation with the Alumni Association, 57 high school students
attended the Careers in Sport workshop. Participants discovered and
explored career choices available in the wide world of sports from
professionals in the field.
?
STEM Saturdays: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM),
designed to provide youth with opportunities to advance their interests and
abilities in science and technology, was attended by 53 students.
?
Ongoing pre-college programs, offered for 561 middle school and high
school students included:
?The 18th annual Young Scholars program
?Girls in Science, in partnership with the Wisconsin Center for
Academically Talented Youth
?Environmental Explorers, in partnership with the Upper Midwest
Environmental Sciences Center
?Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
?The seventh annual Vocal Jazz Camp
?Kids College, in partnership with the Mississippi Valley Gifted and
Talented Network
?Harmony Explosion Camp
?
Fifteen cyclists attended the USA Cycling Athlete Development camp. The
top six young men and women riders from the three days of competition
advanced to the national camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
Careers in Sports
Benefits Sparta Youth
Fifteen-year-old Chloe Miller Hansen
discovered the many career choices available
to her in the wide works of sports this past
January when she attended a new day-long
program, Careers in Sports. The workshop,
intended for high school students, explored
careers from fitness and athletic training, and
sports media to sports marketing and
organized sports management. Chloe, along
with 56 other participants, were able to attend
breakout sessions presented by 10 industry
professionals and hear about a typical day in
the life of a sports writer, TV sports
broadcaster, athletic trainer and other experts.
?As an athlete I?ve been thinking about
future careers for myself such as an athletic
trainer or physical therapist. (The program)
looked interesting because I wanted to learn
more about jobs in sports,? says Chloe. Her
interest in the field of physical therapy
stemmed from pain she suffered due to low
arches while in gymnastics. ?They
recommended physical therapy to help with
the pain and ever since I?ve been very
interested (in physical therapy),? says Chloe.
?I enjoyed the program and learned a lot. I
really liked the breakout groups because I
could learn more about my specific field of
interest. For example, I didn?t know that the
physical therapy area was so competitive.?
What?s on the horizon for this young
scholar? ?I hope to attend the University of
Colorado at Boulder when I graduate from
high school. Until then I plan on continuing
with school and sports - gymnastics,
volleyball, basketball, softball and backyard
football just to name a few,? she adds with a
smile.
PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS 
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:33 AM  Page 10
11
CEE?s custom programs are dedicated to
providing the finest professional development opportunities
for nonprofit, business, government and other organizations
throughout the 7 Rivers Region and the state. Our custom
programs are designed to support strategic organizational
objectives as well as to meet specific skill development
needs of the work force. Please contact us to determine how
we can work with you.
PARTNERSHIPS
?
A $10,000 Collaborative Professional Development grant
was awarded by UW System to UW-La Crosse and its
partners in the La Crosse Early Childhood Professional
Development Options partnership. The grant was used for
continued funding of its highly successful programs for early
childhood educators and caregivers.
?
UW-La Crosse School of Education and CEE in
collaboration with CESA #4 were awarded, for the third
year, a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction grant to
support a License Renewal Support Center (LRSC). UW-L
is one of 12 sites in Wisconsin to be named an LRSC. The
primary purpose of the Center is to provide PI 34 license
renewal-related services to licensed educators not employed
by Wisconsin public schools.
?
The Workforce Diversity Collaborative designed projects and
sponsored educational forums for local employers through a
$10,000 UW-Extension DPDI grant. The collaborative
included representatives from Franciscan Skemp Healthcare,
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse County, the
La Crosse School District, the NAACP-La Crosse Chapter,
Viterbo University, Western Technical College and
Workforce Connections.  
?
UW-L Continuing Education and Extension continues to be
an approved American Psychological Association sponsor of
continuing education programming for psychologists. In
partnership with the 7 Rivers Psychological Association and
others, CEE offers quality programs that further the science,
practice and teaching of psychology.
?
UW-Extension Division of Continuing Education Outreach
and E-Learning awarded a $14,500 a Continuing EDvantage
grant to CEE to develop recruitment and recognition
initiatives with the Coulee Region Long Term Care
Workforce Coalition.
?
Through a $21,800 EDvantage grant from UW-Extension,
CEE offered Learning Communities of Artists: Making a
Living. In partnership with the SBDC and the Pump House
Regional Arts Center, the program offered education and
management support to area art businesses and
entrepreneurs.
?
The 2008 Summer Youth Program Guide, a collaborative
effort by the La Crosse Public Library, the La Crosse
School District, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La
Crosse and CEE, was distributed to all K-12 students in the
La Crosse and surrounding school districts. The guide
offered Coulee Region
families one resource
for planning youth
summer activities.
?
The UW-L Foundation
provided scholarships
for youth programs.
Who do we work with?
University academic and administrative units; area school
districts and educational agencies; health care organizations;
professional associations; local, state and federal governments;
and various community organizations.
Why should you work with us?
? Benefit from our experience in program development and
delivery.
? Receive administrative support while freeing you to focus
on program content.
? Provide visibility for your department or organization.
? Develop the service portion of your promotion and
tenure files.
? Receive compensation for your instructional service.
Administrative staff (left)Tracy Noyes, Susanne Koehler,
Carol Klimek and Don Campbell
How can we help you?
Program development, including audience identification,
needs assessment, market research, content development and
speaker identification.
Program implementation, including budget development,
marketing, instructor arrangements, logistical arrangements
(facilities, equipment, food service, lodging), pre-
registration,  on-site registration, revenue and expense
management, report generation, Continuing Education Unit
(CEU) reporting and program evaluation.
SERVICES
annual report07-08:annual report  10/2/08  5:33 AM  Page 11
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
University of Wisconsin-Extension
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Address Service Requested
This publication was not produced at taxpayer expense.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
La Crosse, Wis.
Permit No. 545
Rob Dixon
Licensed psychologist and school psychologist,
Robert Dixon, Ph.D., spent several years working as
a school psychologist before being hired in 2001 as
an assistant professor in the psychology department
at UW-La Crosse. 
In 1999 Dixon began work with the school
psychology program at UW-Superior, but when the
program closed 15 months later Dixon was offered a
position at UW-La Crosse to work with a similar
program. Two years later he was named graduate
director of the school psychology program and has
held this position since.
Dixon became involved with Continuing
Education and Extension in 2006 when the planning
committee for the International Death, Grief and
Bereavement conference wanted to offer American
Psychological Association (APA) continuing
education credits. Dixon offered to help and stepped
in as an APA approved sponsor. 
Because of his involvement with the conference,
he became familiar with the services the CEE office
provided. In 2008 Dixon sought the help of CEE to
help plan the Wisconsin School Psychologists
Association (WSPA) conference. As professional
development chairperson for WSPA, Dixon was
interested to know what conference services CEE
could provide.
?We?ve (WSPA planning committee) been very
pleased (with CEE). We?ve had two identical spring
conferences, one that WSPA managed and one that
CEE managed. The conference we managed burned
just about everyone out and we only made $700.
The one that CEE managed made $5,000 and
everyone was pleased and refreshed.?
Due to the success of the conference, WSPA has
contracted with CEE for the next three years to
manage their spring and fall conferences with
attendees ranging from 50-350. ?It?s kind of a no
brainer for us to continue to use CEE services. It
really showed us the power of CEE, the services,
the connections, the registration process, just the
ease of running the conference.?
Dixon is also a founding member of the newly
developed 7 Rivers Psychological Association, an
organization created to promote networking and
professional development in the area. ?Because we
are such a fledgling organization, we don?t have a
lot of capital and a lot of members. CEE has
partnered with us and managed three conferences
and again their services and support was superb.?
FACULTY FEATURE
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