UWM Announces Plans to Close Waukesha Campus

Alyssa loved having time to figure out who she was while attending UWM at Waukesha

Alyssa Holliman

“I took the opportunity to take college classes at UWM at Waukesha during my senior year at Waukesha North High School. When it was time to go to college, I was very unsure of my major. I felt comfortable knowing I knew the sense of this college campus which allowed me to commute only six minutes away from my home. It was a smarter decision to pay less and live closer for me to figure out my major, while also being in a friendly environment I was aware of.

I got my Associate degree because I was stuck on what I wanted my Bachelor’s degree to be. I also chose to get my Associate degree because in the end, I knew my credits would transfer correctly to my second college. I was able to get all my degree credits transferred correctly to help fulfill my bachelor’s degree requirements. I eventually chose advertising to be my Bachelor’s degree because it allows me to be analytical and creative within myself. Advertising allows you to tell a story and draw people in. I am all about a picture is worth a thousand words. I want to find a way to move people and make a difference while grabbing someone’s attention.

My favorite part of going to this college was the community. I felt so comfortable going to school every day knowing that it was a place where I belonged. Every corner I turned there was a friendly face willing to help me in some way, including friends or professors. The community for me was very warm-hearted. I made lots of relationships easily because I was incredibly involved within the college campus. I was involved in three diverse clubs, and I also worked in the Diversity Center for quite some time. The group in the Diversity Center was a connection I still to this day have not felt anywhere else. I will cherish my continuing relationships that I have made there forever.

UWM at Waukesha one hundred percent prepared me for another university. I learned so many things such as leadership building. I can say that I learned lots of life skills from being so involved in school and having multiple learning opportunities and connections with UWM at Waukesha staff.

I have encouraged lots of youth to attend UWM at Waukesha and I don’t plan to stop encouragement to others. I see it as a great investment in learning things about yourself. Not only do you get to save money, but you can figure out who you are as a person. You have access to so many resources and it is a bonus to have a small number of people in your class to get one on one help. Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone because that is the only way you are going to learn and succeed!”

More about Alyssa:

Alyssa Holliman is an alumni from UW-Waukesha at Milwaukee, which was UW-Waukesha at the time. Alyssa was born and raised in Waukesha and graduated from Waukesha North High School in 2016. During her time at UW-Waukesha, Alyssa worked in the Diversity Center while also volunteering at the local humane society HAWS. When Alyssa worked at the Diversity Center, she was a mentor for youth at Waukesha North High School to help provide college prep and educational opportunities.  Alyssa was involved in AAU (African American Union), Diversity Club, and OLLA (Organization of Latin leaders of America). Alyssa got her Associate degree in May 2018 and transferred to UW-Whitewater to graduate with her Bachelor’s degree in Advertising in May 2020. After graduating from UW-Whitewater, Alyssa decided to work for a former friend who opened a restaurant during the Covid pandemic that year. Alyssa took upon that role to manage a restaurant.

 Alyssa began working for UW-Madison Extension in April of 2021. During that time, Alyssa provided support and assisted in the recruitment, coordination, and program content delivery for the after-school program (Emerging Leaders) and Waukesha County Extension Expanding Access Initiatives that focus on intentional efforts to create opportunities and access for underserved youth and families in Waukesha County. Alyssa supported Waukesha County 4-H by planning activities, project workshops and programs for the 4-H youth as well as promoting these events in various social media platforms. Alyssa shows great interest in taking opportunities to reach her full working potential. Alyssa began her new role as the Interim 4-H Program and Community Youth Development Educator in Waukesha County on January 12th, 2022.