Dodd named 2017-18 BTC Ambassador

Bethanie Dodd is thankful for what Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) has meant to her and her family’s life. Now is her time to give back.

Dodd is Blackhawk’s Student Ambassador for the 2017-18 school year, an honor recently feted with her peers from the 15 other Wisconsin Technical College System schools at an awards dinner in Madison.

“It is such an honor to represent Blackhawk Technical College and have the chance to demonstrate so many of the skills I’ve learned here,’’ she said.

A graduate from Milton High School, Dodd earned the distinction of state ambassador by completing a rigorous selection process that included separate faculty and administration interviews, a presentation and a written statement about why she would best serve BTC in the role. 

During the next year, she will help BTC with awareness initiatives, speaking engagements, touring prospective students and helping mentor new students.

“I want to be a great role model. I want to inspire others to reach for their dreams and develop skills to join the workforce.’’

Described by her instructors as “someone full of energy,” Dodd is well on her way to a long career in health care.

This June she will petition to be a part of BTC’s top ranked Nursing program. Last year, Dodd completed the college’s Nursing Assistant advanced program to earn a technical diploma.

If that isn’t enough to keep her busy, she is also a wife, mom of two “spunky boys,” a work study for the office of student engagement and a part-time employee at SSM Health.

Defined by education terms as a “non-traditional” student, Dodd’s roundabout college journey started at BTC 14 years ago in the Culinary Arts program. Unfortunately, life got in the way forcing her to drop out.

“When I started at BTC, the college was very supportive but I was unable to complete the program. When I turned 30, I decided to go back to school because I wanted to make my kids proud and I wanted to work toward achieving the dreams my husband and I have for our life.”