Barb Kautz-Wittwer

Areas of Specialty:

Student Involvement, Student Staff Training, Leadership Development, Marketing, SOAR

What niche do you fill in the Center for Leadership and Involvement?

I serve as the Associate Director and supervise our Organization Development Consultants (ODC) and Marketing Interns and Assistant Directors.  I train our CfLI Student Staff and oversee organizational outreach.

Academic Background:

B.S. in Education from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University.

Areas of Interest:

Home decorating, traveling, shopping and crafting.

Biography:

I grew up in Delafield, WI and moved to Madison in 2003 to work at the center.  I have worked in a number of different areas in the center, including Fraternity and Sorority Life, student involvement and leadership development.  I love helping college students to grow and develop as leaders and everyday I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with these amazing individuals.  Through my work, I have been fortunate enough to be recognized by being awarded the TRIO’s Dr. Brenda Pfachler Excellence Award, Greek Life Council’s Gold Medal Award, Pi Kappa Alpha Distinguished Service Award, Chi Omega Sorority Outstanding Alumni Award, Division of Student Life Wisconsin Experience Award and the Student Personnel Association Excellence in Student Services Award.  In my free time, I love playing with my twin boys and I’m still discovering all of the great things Madison has to offer.

Favorite Quotes:

“In simplest terms, a leader is one who knows where he wants to go, and gets up and goes.” John Arsine
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Gandhi
“We must become the change we want to see.” Gandhi
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Gandhi

What do you think every student should know about the UW-Madison campus?

There are endless opportunities to get involved on-campus, so don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take advantage of the experiences this amazing place has to offer!

Also, you do not need to hold a position to be a leader, everyone can make a positive change, therefore everyone has the capacity to be a leader.  Don’t wait for a formal leadership role, take initiative, if you see a problem, be a part of the solution to fix it.