Tomahawk resident Keely Coffman named Nicolet College Student Ambassador

RHINELANDER – A Tomahawk resident has been named a Nicolet College Student Ambassador.

A release from Nicolet said every year, the college and the Nicolet College Foundation select student ambassadors to represent the voice and interests of the student body.

Nominated by their instructors, ambassadors for the 2025-26 academic year are Keely Coffman, an early childhood education student from Tomahawk, who will serve as a Nicolet College Student Ambassador; and Kailey Kupfer, a nursing student from Elcho, who will serve as a Nicolet College Foundation Student Ambassador.

Coffman said what she’s learned in the early childhood education program will help her succeed in her future career because she’s gained both professional knowledge and self-confidence.

“(The program) has given me the confidence to begin working toward some larger career goals,” Coffman stated.

Those goals, she said, are to teach at a local school after earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary school education.

“Keely has proven to be a leader by advocating for child care in her community,” said Diana Rickert, Early Childhood Education Program Director, who nominated Coffman. “She is regularly involved within her community and is a positive role model for those in the early childhood education program.”

Kupfer is a student in a unique nursing program partnership between Nicolet College and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, which enables students to earn both an Associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN).

Kupfer’s future goal is to become a registered nurse and work locally in her community with her nursing license.

“In both nursing skills courses and clinical settings, she has consistently demonstrated responsibility, strong communication and an ability to inspire her team while exemplifying the core values of the nursing profession,” wrote Cassie VandeHei, Nursing Instructor, who nominated Kupfer.

“The program has helped me build confidence, stay motivated and strengthen my overall skillset,” Kupfer stated. “The challenging and supportive environment continues to push me to my greatest potential.”

Each of Wisconsin's 16 technical colleges selects one student ambassador every year to participate in a leadership development and recognition program in April in Wisconsin Dells. Following that session, the students officially serve as ambassadors for one year and, unofficially, for a lifetime. The Nicolet College Foundation also selects its own ambassador.