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Throughout February, ������Ƶ will share a special series highlighting Black alumni and students who are creating meaningful impact in their professions, their communities, and within our campus community. These stories reflect the many ways members of the Koala community continue to give back to the students, the traditions, and the institution that helped launch their careers, passions, and commitment to excellence wherever life has taken them.

In recognition of Black History Month, this series offers an opportunity to celebrate achievement, leadership, and service while also looking ahead to the future our students and graduates are shaping every day. Each feature will spotlight individuals whose journeys reflect ������Ƶ's enduring values and the powerful role that mentorship, education, and community play in opening doors for the next generation.

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Dr. Kristin Wilson ’17, President of the ������Ƶ Alumni Association (CCAA), embodies leadership, legacy, and community. A graduate of ������Ƶ and a dentist by profession, Dr. Wilson’s story is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship, service, and breaking barriers – a fitting feature for Black History Month.

Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Dr. Wilson grew up steeped in ������Ƶ tradition. Her aunts and cousin, all alumnae of the college, inspired her early connection to this historic institution. “I fell in love with ������Ƶ during Sisters’ Weekend,” she recalls. “When it came time, applying to ������Ƶ felt like a natural next step.”

Dr. Wilson’s time at ������Ƶ was transformative. As a student, she embraced leadership roles that prepared her for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Among her most cherished experiences was mentoring middle school girls through the Leadership Institute. "We visited schools, worked with students facing challenges, and helped them develop leadership skills," she says. "It was incredibly rewarding to see those young girls grow and later invite them to the Leadership Institute's summer program."

She also served as a PLACE Fellow, an experience that deepened her commitment to community service. Led by Distinguished Professor Emerita of Communication and Leadership, Dr. Tamara Burk, the PLACE Fellow program selected students annually for paid nonprofit internships, leadership workshops, and mentorship opportunities focused on service and community impact in the Eau Claire area during her time here. These experiences, along with the guidance of influential mentors, left a lasting impression. “Dr. Burk’s words about leadership being the ability to ‘punt’ have stayed with me. Those lessons shaped me into the leader I am today.”

For Dr. Wilson, Black History Month is a time of reflection and empowerment. “It’s about honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who came before us while celebrating where we are and where we’re headed. It’s also about setting others up for success in the future.” She sees her position as an opportunity to inspire and connect with a broader alumni network, particularly younger and underrepresented graduates.

“I want to bridge the gap between alumni, young alumni, and current students,” she explains. “Alumni come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and economic backgrounds. You don’t have to wait until you’ve ‘made it’ to give back. Everyone has something valuable to contribute.”

Dr. Wilson encourages young Black women aspiring to leadership roles to embrace networking. “It’s not always easy to step into spaces where people may not look like you, but you’re ready, just as you are. Reach out, build connections, and take up space. You belong in those rooms.”

As she continues her role as President of the CCAA, Dr. Wilson envisions creating a more inclusive, vibrant alumni network. Her goal is to empower alumni and students to lean on each other as a supportive, intergenerational community.

Looking back, her advice to her younger self, and current students, is simple but profound: “Enjoy the moment. Don’t be so busy thinking about the future that you miss the incredible opportunities right in front of you. And never be afraid to network.”

Dr. Wilson’s journey exemplifies the spirit of ������Ƶ: a commitment to leadership, service, and community. As we celebrate Black History Month, her story reminds us of the importance of representation and the lasting impact of empowering others to lead.

Dr. Kristin Wilson ’17 is a trailblazer, and her vision for the alumni association and beyond continues to uplift and inspire. With her dedication, the ������Ƶ community is poised for a future where all voices are heard and celebrated.