Welded Cougar statue on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus.

WTCS Student Ambassador Program

“Telling the story of Wisconsin's technical colleges.”

There are 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Every year each college selects one student to participate in a leadership development and recognition program. The mission of the WTCS Ambassador program is to recognize and reward outstanding students in the WTCS. It also aims to develop a greater public awareness and appreciation for the high-quality system of technical education. Technical education contributes to both the state's economy and its citizens by providing hands-on education for high-demand careers fields.

Mid-State’s 2024 Student Ambassador

Dylan Saylor Headshot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dylan Saylor
Criminal Justice-Studies

I chose to attend Mid-State Technical College because of the reasonable tuition costs, and it’s right in my city. My life, like many others, is not a good fit for the traditional college experience. I have a wonderful wife and small children. Also, while pursuing my degree through Mid-State, I work full-time and some part-time jobs as well. This college has a wonderful culture of people, from teenagers straight out of high school to adults coming back to pursue their education. At Mid-State, everyone has a place.  

I currently serve as the Wisconsin Student Government (WSG) governor for Mid-State. This experience has opened my eyes to the Wisconsin Technical College System, allowing me to enhance my leadership qualities and educate others about the benefits of the system. Mid-State has been a huge step forward in my education and future. I am honored to be the 2024 Mid-State Ambassador and am pleased to participate in telling the WTCS story.

Watch the 2024 WTCS Student Ambassador banquet livestream.

Past Ambassadors

2023 | Olivia Schultz, Nursing
2022 | Brittany Nelson, Business Management
2021 | Adrian Rodriguez, Business Analyst
2020 | Luke Mroczenski, Civil Engineering Technology-Highway Technician
2019 | Vikram Gill, Business Management
2018 | Dakota Lockhart, Nursing
2017 | Brandon Roberson, Accounting
2016 | Brooke Halverson, Nursing

The Ambassador Experience

After a day of team-building and leadership development, the newly named WTCS Student Ambassadors are celebrated at a formal banquet. Family members, System and college leaders, and other invited guests can also attend. At the banquet they receive an award and scholarship and share their stories of determination, perseverance, and success.

Following the banquet, the students officially serve as WTCS Ambassadors for one year and, unofficially, for a lifetime.

Program Objectives 

  • Foster public awareness and appreciation for the high-quality System of technical education that contributes to the state's economy and its communities.
  • Highlight the technical skills, academic achievements, community impact and leadership—in the classroom, workplace, and community—of Wisconsin’s technical college students and graduates.
  • Encourage ongoing collaboration in the delivery of technical education among state and local education, workforce and economic development, and industry partners.
  • Emphasize the uniquely valuable role of affordable, flexible, and responsive technical education in an era of rapid change in the workplace and in every facet of a modern economy.
  • Inspire pride in technical education among students, graduates, and all involved in its delivery.
Who can be named WTCS Student Ambassador?

This recognition is given to a Mid-State student representative who possesses qualities that go beyond good grades. These include:

  • Community involvement.
  • Leadership qualities in and out of the classroom.
  • A true commitment to higher education in the Wisconsin Technical College System.
How is the Ambassador chosen?

The WTCS Student Ambassador for Mid-State is chosen from the group of current Student Representatives working for the College. A committee will evaluate the commitment, dedication, and work each student has done. They will select three to move on to an interview. One winner will be chosen to represent Mid-State at the student ambassador conference.

What are the benefits to the winner?

The newly appointed WTCS Student Ambassador will benefit from their position by:

  • Spending the next year as a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Technical College System and Mid-State.
  • Being recognized at the statewide, all-expense-paid student ambassador conference in the Wisconsin Dells.
  • Receiving valuable leadership training, speaking at the student ambassador banquet, and receiving an exclusive memento at the student ambassador conference.
  • Being awarded the College’s WTCS Student Ambassador with a $200 Mid-State Foundation scholarship.