For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – Nicolet College announced on Tuesday, Nov. 29 that Nicolet graduate Kricket Koehn was named the 2022 Alumni of the Year by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) District Boards Association.
Koehn is the first Nicolet graduate to receive the award.
A Rhinelander High School graduate, Koehn attended Nicolet from 2011 to 2013, graduating with an associate’s of Science Liberal Arts degree. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
In 2019, Koehn graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry and returned to Rhinelander to open her own practice in the Northwoods.
“Beginning my education at Nicolet set me on a path where many doors were opened for me on both my educational and professional journey,” Koehn said. “From my earliest days at Nicolet, the college instilled in me the value of lifelong learning and for that I will be forever grateful. The career I selected is always changing because of new technology, so you always have to adapt and be willing to learn.”
“While at Nicolet, Koehn balanced her classes with part-time jobs,” Nicolet stated. “One of those was at Northwoods Family Dental in Rhinelander, where she had been a patient since she was 13 years old. She job shadowed, worked as a front desk receptionist, and even had the opportunity to do basic dental assisting.”
Soon after earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree, Koehn returned to Rhinelander and purchased the practice where she worked as a young college student.
Northwoods Family Dental now employs 10 people, two of whom are Nicolet graduates. Two others graduated from different Wisconsin technical colleges.
Nicolet said Koehn also participates in a program called Donated Dental Services and provides free dental care to people in need. She also volunteers for Mission of Mercy and takes part in an annual event to provide free dental care.
Koehn was nominated for the honor by Heather Schallock, Executive Director of the Nicolet College Foundation.
“Selection criteria laid out by the WTCS District Boards Association includes demonstration of the important role technical college education has played in her career and personal life, noteworthy accomplishments in her field, service to community and a commitment to personal and professional goals and accomplishments,” Nicolet stated.
“Kricket was a wonderful student to have at Nicolet, serving as a mentor and role model for many,” Schallock said of the first-generation college student. “Helping others has always been high on her list, and along with her passion for building community and her professional accomplishments, she checked all of the boxes for the WTCS District Boards Association 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award. She is exceptionally deserving of this prestigious honor.”
