For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: June 8, 2026
Campbell retires after more than 40 years at Southwest Tech
Fennimore -
After nearly 44 years of service at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Compliance Officer Karen Campbell is leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to support students and employees long after her retirement.
Campbell’s connection to Southwest Tech began shortly after she graduated from Fennimore High School. Just five days after graduation, in 1982, she started working as a student employee in the college’s financial aid office while enrolled in the Legal Secretary program. She later accepted a full-time position at the college, beginning a career that would span more than four decades.
Over the years, Campbell held six roles across the institution, including positions in financial aid, academics, institutional research and effectiveness, the president’s office and compliance. The variety of roles allowed her to see how different areas of the college work together to support students and the region. “What kept me here was the family atmosphere,” Campbell said. “I loved seeing the students succeed.”
During her time on campus, she established two scholarships through the Southwest Tech Foundation to help others pursue education, a cause she says has been central to her career.
The Nicholas Servant Leader Scholarship supports Southwest Tech faculty and staff who are continuing their education to earn a college credential, from a technical diploma to a master’s degree. The scholarship honors Campbell’s infant son, Nicholas, whose short life had a profound impact on her and inspired her commitment to servant leadership. “Knowing that I play a part in helping my fellow colleagues reach their potential is very rewarding,” she said.
Campbell later created the Campbell Family Scholarship, which supports graduates of Fennimore High School who enroll at Southwest Tech and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average. The scholarship was created to honor her family and help students from her hometown pursue their education.
Both scholarships are endowed through the Southwest Tech Foundation, ensuring they will continue supporting students and employees for years to come. “I feel that everybody should give back,” Campbell said. “We do amazing work preparing our students for their professional careers, and I want every student here to succeed.”
Campbell’s final day at Southwest Tech was June 5. In retirement, she was planning to spend more time traveling, volunteering and tending to her flower farm while continuing to support the college and its students.
