Professional networking organization Women We Admire has named Mid-State Technical College President Dr. Shelly Mondeik to its list of Top Women Leaders of Wisconsin for 2024. The designation marks the second year in a row Mondeik has made the list. 

Mondeik also accepted the Central Region 2024 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) this October. The Central Region is comprised of Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kentucky and Ontario.

Under Mondeik’s leadership, Mid-State Technical College experienced over a 20 percent increase in headcount in 2022–23, earning it the number one spot in the Wisconsin Technical College System for headcount and full-time enrollment growth. Believing greatly in the value of partnerships, student success and building relationships, Dr. Mondeik has led many initiatives such as raising over $23M to construct the new Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETATM) Center and partnering to build a new health care simulation center.

Dr. Shelly Mondeik joined Mid-State Technical College on June 1, 2017, as the College’s sixth president. In 2022 she celebrated 20 years in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Just before joining Mid-State, she served in multiple roles such as full-time faculty, academic dean and vice president of academics. She has held leadership positions at the national, state and regional levels and is highly regarded in higher education. She has earned a reputation as a leader who works tirelessly to ensure her college meets student, business/industry and community needs. 

"It is truly an incredible honor to be named once again to Women We Admire’s list of Top Women Leaders in Wisconsin," said Mondeik. "However, I believe any recognition for my work at Mid-State is really a reflection of the collaborative efforts with our team at Mid-State, community partners, local industries and beyond. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Mid-State’s Board of Directors, who have empowered me to pursue bold initiatives aimed at strengthening our communities and creating greater opportunities for everyone in our district."

Dr. Mondeik earned a doctorate in educational leadership at Edgewood College. She earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in career and technical education at the University of Wisconsin–Stout and an associate degree at Northcentral Technical College. She currently serves on the Aspirus South Region Board of Directors, United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Club of Portage County and Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership (WWHEL) Board of Directors.

Women We Admire is a membership organization comprised of the most accomplished women executives and leaders across the U.S. and Canada, providing news and information on today's women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law and many other fields. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 32,000 individuals and businesses.