I am excited to share that after a thorough search process with over fifty applicants, we have hired a very skilled and talented advisor to join Russell Labs as the new Academic Advising manager: Richelle Kasten!
Richelle has been with CALS for a few years, currently serving as an academic advisor in the Biochem/Microbio advising hub. Richelle, who writes a brief introduction below, will start in Rusell Labs on Monday, June 1st. You are welcome to start contacting Richelle as of Monday, but please know that she has a number of pre-planned vacation days for a good portion of June and early July, and will be participating as an advisor for multiple SOAR sessions, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see her around Russell Labs much until mid-July.
And now, an introduction of Richelle:
Hello! I am Richelle Kasten (she/her)! I am coming into the Russell Labs Academic Advising Manager role with three years of experience in career advising (Edgewood University) and nearly four years of experience in academic advising (UW-Madison) where I’ve worked in the Biochemistry / Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub in CALS since August 2022. As a first-generation student, I earned my BS in Environmental Sciences from UW–Oshkosh and an MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from UW–Madison. My educational background and professional experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in student support and development, program coordination, and cross‑campus collaboration, while honing my organization and problem-solving skills.
Outside of work is I enjoy gardening, sewing, biking, playing board games and Dungeon & Dragons, walking my dog Miles, and spending time, camping, and traveling with my partner, Tyler, many of which travels are in our converted 2012 Ford Transit Connect campervan. I grew up in Wausau, WI, and spent most weekends at our family cabin in the Northwoods, and share a deep appreciation of protecting, supporting, and conserving of the great outdoors.
I am excited for the opportunity to apply my skill sets to work with three unique departments, support a diverse set of students across various majors, and to provide curriculum and program management for Russell Labs. I appreciate your patience as I learn more about you, our departments, and our students — I’m excited to meet you soon!
Thanks for your continued patience while we completed this search process and make the transition from Tera and Lauralee to Richelle…and many continued thanks to Lauralee and Tera for keeping daily life moving forward during this period. Please feel free to drop a note to any of these three to welcome or share gratitude.
Thanks and have a good day,
Curt Lauderdale, Assistant Dean for Student Advising and Development