Chippewa Valley Times

For her lifetime of outstanding student service, professional leadership, and contributions to the field of campus housing across many universities and organizations, UW-Stout Dean of Students Sandi Scott has received the prestigious international Parthenon Society award. Bestowed by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I), the Parthenon is the association’s highest honor.

Scott, who is UW-Stout’s Title IX coordinator and a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, was nominated for the Parthenon by Chancellor Katherine Frank, Associate Dean of Students Jacqueline Bonneville, and Director of University Housing Adam Ludwig. Her nomination was championed by UW-Whitewater’s Executive Director of University Housing Terry Tumbarello.

“Sandi is known throughout the state, region and nation for her commitment to student development and the profession of student affairs. While she has been honored with awards at the state, regional and national level, no honor eclipses the fact that Sandi is recognized as a mentor and friend to many people in the field,” Frank said.

Scott has worked in the field for 38 years, with 31 years supporting students and leading professional teams as a residence hall director, director of Residence Life, assistant director of Housing, and director of Housing at three University of Wisconsin campuses. She began her career at UW-Whitewater before joining UW-River Falls.

“I’m humbled to have been recognized by ACUHO-I with this award. It has been a privilege and honor to be able to support students and staff as they pursue personal and professional success,” said Scott, who has been with UW-Stout since 2014.

Scott and other 2024 honorees were recognized at ACUHO-I’s Campus Home. LIVE! annual conference and expo in June in Milwaukee. ACUHO-I aims to enhance on-campus student living environments and serves more than 17,000 campus housing professionals representing 1.2 million students globally. The Parthenon Award has recognized members since 2004.

Led by Scott, Bonneville, and members of the Title IX team work together to ensure equal access to education for all students.

“Sandi has been a champion on this topic and served as an expert. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, working with professionals and student housing staff to create an overall sense of belonging,” said Bonneville.

Scott has held numerous positions in ACUHO-I including serving on the executive board, regional cabinet, Credentialing Task Force chair; she also served as Wisconsin College Personnel Association president.

“Sandi serves as an inspiration to others in our field. Her expertise to drive meaningful change has led to initiatives that have positively impacted thousands of professionals and students through the years,” said Tumbarello.

As a member of The Bridge to Hope Board of Directors serving Dunn and Pepin counties, Scott works with campus advocates providing direct support to students affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She has also been an adjunct instructor at Concordia University for over 20 years advising graduate students in Student Personnel Administration programs.

Frank began her tenure as chancellor in March 2020 just one week before universities nationwide transitioned due to COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, Scott served with Frank on the leadership team leading Student Life Services which had to quickly adjust operations while prioritizing health safety alongside student needs.

“It did not take long after my arrival to recognize Sandi's work ethic,” Frank said. “When you have an important decision regarding Student Affairs you want Sandi at the table.”

Ludwig became Director of Housing in fall 2020 working closely with Scott during UW-Stout’s pandemic response.

“Throughout this process Sandi maintained awareness advocating for students experiencing inequities leading empathetically always fighting for staff balance often sacrificing her own well-being,” Ludwig said.

“Sandi is consummate professional maintaining positivity drive ultimately leaving Student Affairs better than when she arrived decades ago.”