Marcus Evans, a Blackhawk Technical College student in the Hospitality Management program, has been named Blackhawk’s Student Ambassador for the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Evans, from Freeport, Illinois, previously graduated with a Culinary Arts degree from Blackhawk, and he has plans to come back next year to take some education courses. He is one of 16 student Ambassadors–one for each technical college in Wisconsin.
Three recommendations
Evans was recommended by Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Instructor Hakim Salaam, Business Department Administrative Chair Joel Schleusner and Hospitality Management Adjunct Instructor Renee’ Pierpont Hable.
“Marcus is an exceptional motivator who elevates team performance under pressure. In our production labs, he sets a steady, positive tone; he articulates goals clearly; encourages accountability; and models exemplary mise en place and sanitation standards. His leadership is grounded in respect, composure and follow through,” Salaam shared in his nomination letter.
Evans became a Business Professionals of America (BPA) member during the 2023-2024 school year. He became BPA president in 2024-2025 and currently continues this role as well as being a state-level leader as president of the BPA Wisconsin organization for 2025-2026.
Schleusner, who is the advisor for Blackhawk’s BPA student organization, said, “Marcus has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills. As the current president of BPA, he has earned the respect of his peers through his ability to lead with both confidence and humility. Under his leadership, the club has thrived, and Marcus has played a central role in organizing meetings, events and competitions.”
Pierpont Hable said, “Marcus is a detail-oriented individual who takes pride in his work. In the classroom, he consistently demonstrates strong organization, preparedness and a willingness to contribute. These qualities translate well beyond academics and are especially important for a student serving in an ambassador role, where professionalism is essential.”
Close by and welcoming
“I chose Blackhawk Technical College because it offered the Culinary Arts program, from which I graduated in May 2024. Blackhawk Technical College was the closest post-secondary institution to my hometown of Freeport that offered the Culinary Arts program,” Evans said. “Additionally, Blackhawk Technical College has very caring and involved staff and faculty, which contributes to the overall welcoming college experience.”
One of those staff members is Alicia Acker, Student Experience and Compliance Manager.
“Marcus is deeply committed to his peers and the broader college community,” Acker said. “He is actively engaged in co-curricular opportunities, demonstrating a strong dedication to involvement beyond the classroom. Marcus approaches his academic work with a consistent work ethic, enthusiasm and drive for excellence.”
As part of the WTCS Ambassador program, each Ambassador acts as an advocate for vocational and technical education. Students serve a one-year term and are called upon to make special appearances, give presentations and participate in various events on behalf of the WTCS.
To be considered for this honor, students must be nominated by faculty or staff and complete an application packet. Students are then selected to participate in the interview process. During the interview, students deliver a presentation describing their personal journey and decision to attend a technical college. The student selected receives a $1,250 scholarship.
Evans and the other Ambassadors will be celebrated at a banquet on April 16 in Wisconsin Dells with family members and leaders from the state’s technical colleges and WTCS.