University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Karen Smolarek - Director

Contact at 715-232-5010 or smolarekk@uwstout.edu

 Education: University of Wisconsin-Stout, M.S. Education

  University of Wisconsin- River Falls, B.S. Elementary Education

The Director plans, establishes, directs, monitors, coordinates and administers total program operations for the Educational Talent Search Program. The Director also assists advisors with outreach activities as needed.

Diane Hausler - Advisor

Contact at 715-232-3399  or hauslerd@uwstout.edu

Education: University of Wisconsin-Stout, M.S. School Counseling

                   University of Wisconsin-River Falls, B.A. Music & Psychology

I work with Menomonie High School Juniors and Seniors. The 11th and 12th graders focus on postsecondary choices and planning, ACT testing, college applications, financial literacy, and FAFSA.

 
 Heather Barke - Advisor 

Contact at 715-505-6385 or barkeh@uwstout.edu

Education: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, B.S. Elementary Education

I work in the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District with 6th to12th grade students.  At the middle school level, we spend time each month working on building study skills, life skills and career exploration.  With WBHS 9th and 10th graders I help students focus on making good career and school decisions.  The 11th and 12th graders focus on post-secondary choices, ACT testing, financial literacy, college applications, and FAFSA.

Rick Emerson - Advisor

Contact at  715-232-1250 or emersonri@uwstout.edu

Education: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, B.A. Social Studies Education

The ETS Program offers students skills that are crucial to being successful both inside and out of the classroom. I work with Menomonie students in grades 6-10. At the middle school level, we focus on study skills, life skills, career preparation and making the transition to high school. At the high school level we focus on college and career preparation.

Jennifer Giesking - Office Associate  

Contact at 715-232-1253 or gieskingj@uwstout.edu

Education: Iowa State University, M.S. Exercise and Sport Science

Luther College, B.A. Biology

I manage day-to-day office operations and assist with the needs of the advisors.

Bonni Falkner - Accountant

Education: University of Wisconsin-Stout, EdS in Career and Technical Education.

My position develops and provides technical information that supports program functions. By providing technical information, I can help many people achieve their goals and help the Educational Talent Search Program become more successful than it already is.

The Educational Talent Search Program reports directly to the Dean of Students office at UW-Stout.