While saying goodbye to any of our incredible Muskie staff members is always tough, we treasure the time we had with them and cheer on all their future successes. This January, we cheer on Mara Poulette, Associate Vice President of Cooperative Education & Career Readiness, and Jess Lambrecht, Assistant Director of Cooperative Education & Career Readiness, as they embark on their latest journeys.

Mara came to Lakeland in May 2015 as the manager of student employment within the Human Resources Office. In January 2017, she accepted a position as a Student Services & Engagement Coach in January of 2017. She continued this role in student life for about 2 years before transitioning to her current role within the co-op and career readiness office in March of 2019. In total, Mara has spent a total of 6.5 years in 3 different locations while at Lakeland. “It’s always hard to identify specific contributions when things are such a team effort; however, I think my contributions came most in the form of my individual relationships and interactions with students and being able to serve as a resource for students looking to meet personal, professional, and financial goals. Witnessing the success and growth of students and knowing that I got to be part of their journey has hands-down been the most rewarding part of my time at Lakeland.” Mara will be taking on a new role at Acuity Insurance as a Commercial Lines Underwriter. She added, “While I’ll miss being part of Lakeland’s daily life, I’m grateful to still be in the area and still be able to stay connected to the Lakeland community on a broader level!”

Jess Lambrecht came to Lakeland in August 2007. When reflecting on her time at Lakeland, she said “I began in the role of an Admissions/Career Counselor. I loved the small campus environment and the individual attention we can provide students, visitors, and graduates. I was able to learn a lot in my time and awarded a lot of opportunity to try new things!” One of Jess’ proudest accomplishments at Lakeland has been being a key member of the design and implementation of our Cooperative Education program. She has enjoyed creating opportunities to “provide a more affordable education for our students.” Jess has also seen how it has strengthened LU’s ties with the Sheboygan community. “We are seen as a strong resource for talent needs with the businesses.” With her new role at UW-Green Bay as the Executive Officer for their Continuing Education and Community Engagement (CECE) division, she will have the opportunity to be closer to home, while raising 4 school-aged children. “It was simply the right time for me to be challenged in a new way. Co-Op will be in good hands at Lakeland.” While they will both be dearly missed, we greatly appreciate all they have done to help students excel here at Lakeland.

Lakeland University has recently selected two new leaders for its Co-Op Education program. A familiar face, and a newcomer to Lakeland with numerous higher education experiences. Lakeland Faculty member, Brittani Meinnert, has been named Associate Vice President for Cooperative Education, and new to Lakeland, Hilary Young, has been named Director of Cooperative Education.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to Jess Lambrecht and Mara Poullette for their years of service and steadfast commitment to the development of Cooperative Education at Lakeland,” said Lakeland President Beth Borgen. “Their leadership and hard work helped turn this vision into reality and we are well positioned to further Cooperative Education as our competitive advantage.” For more information on the new roles by Meinnert and Young go to:  https://lakeland.edu/post/lakeland-names-new-leaders-for-co-op-program-2021-12-01