A lifetime of service: UW-Stout Dean of Students receives international Parthenon Society award

For her lifetime of outstanding student service, professional leadership and contributions to the field of campus housing across many universities and organizations, University of Wisconsin-Stout Dean of Students Sandi Scott has received the prestigious international Parthenon Society award.

Bestowed by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International, the Parthenon is the association's highest honor.

Scott, who is UW-Stout's Title IX coordinator and a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, was nominated for the Parthenon by Chancellor Katherine Frank, Associate Dean of Students Jacqueline Bonneville and Director of University Housing Adam Ludwig. Her nomination was championed by UW-Whitewater's Executive Director of University Housing Terry Tumbarello.

"Sandi is known throughout the state, region and nation for her commitment to student development and the profession of student affairs. While she has been honored with awards at the state, regional and national level, no honor eclipses the fact that Sandi is recognized as a mentor and friend to many people in the field," Frank said.

Scott has worked in the field for 38 years, with 31 years supporting students and leading professional teams as a residence hall director, director of Residence Life, assistant director of Housing and director of Housing at three University of Wisconsin campuses, beginning at UW-Whitewater before joining UW-River Falls.

"I'm humbled to have been recognized by ACUHO-I with this award. It has been a privilege and honor to be able to support students and staff as they pursue personal and professional success," said Scott, who has been with UW-Stout since 2014.

Scott and other 2024 honorees were recognized at ACUHO-I's Campus Home. LIVE! annual conference and expo in June, in Milwaukee.

ACUHO-I aims to enhance on-campus student living environments and serves more than 17,000 campus housing professionals, representing 1.2 million students around the globe. The Parthenon Award has recognized members since 2004.

A career impacting thousands across the globe

Led by Scott, Bonneville and members of the Title IXteam work together to ensure equal access to education for all students.

"Sandi has been a champion on this topic and served as an expert. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, working with professionals and student housing staff to create an overall sense of belonging, with interactive experiences and development opportunities to learn from others and better serve our students," said Bonneville, who worked with Scott at UW-Whitewater from 1996 to 2000, before being hired by Scott again in 2017 at UW-Stout.

Scott has held numerous positions in ACUHO-I, including serving on the executive board and regional cabinet and Credentialing Task Force chair. She has also served as the Wisconsin College Personnel Associationpresident.

"Sandi serves as an inspiration to others in our field. Her expertise to drive meaningful change has led to the development and implementation of initiatives that have positively impacted thousands of professionals and students through the years, in every state and internationally," said Tumbarello, who worked with Scott for 10 years at UW-Whitewater.

As a member of the Bridge to HopeBoard of Directors, serving Dunn and Pepin counties, Scott works with the campus advocate to provide direct support to students. The Bridge to Hope provides shelter, support, information and referrals to those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

She has been an adjunct instructor at Concordia University for more than 20 years, advising and teaching hundreds of graduate students in the Student Personnel Administration program.

A drive to do better for students, even in the darkest times

Frank began her tenure as chancellor in March 2020, just one week before universities across the nation began an alternative learning period because of COVID-19.

In response to the pandemic, Scott served with Frank as part of the leadership team and led the Student Life and Servicesunit, which needed to adjust operations quickly while prioritizing health and safety, as well as putting the needs of students first.

"It did not take long after my arrival to recognize Sandi's work ethic and commitment," Frank said. "When you have an important decision to make regarding Student Affairs, you want Sandi at the table. She is skilled at making difficult decisions and taking into consideration students, staff, the institution and best practices in each instance.

"She was able to lead during this time because of her reputation on campus and within the Universities of Wisconsin, and because of the commitment of those who work for her who model collaboration and engage in productive work."

Ludwig became director of Housing in fall 2020. He worked closely with Scott as she orchestrated UW-Stout's pandemic response.

"Throughout this entire process, Sandi maintained a keen awareness of student needs and advocated for students who experienced inequities. She led with empathy, and she always fought for her staff to find balance - often at the sacrifice of her own well-being," Ludwig said.

"Sandi is the consummate professional. She has an innate desire to learn more and do better. Even in the darkest times, she maintains her level of positivity and drive to do this work and ultimately leave the Student Affairs profession better than when she arrived in it, so many decades ago," he added.

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