When one thinks of the most stressful things in life – marriage/divorce, raising children, changing jobs or moving – searching for the right college for your child should definitively be added to the list. As parents of a high school sophomore, we weren’t sure exactly when to begin the process and didn’t know exactly what it would entail. If someone had told us to prepare earlier, we wouldn’t have listened.

Fortunately a friend advised us to start this process between our daughter’s sophomore and junior year. The friend was Tom Kleese, and so many times I am thankful that we paid attention.  The entire process can be very stressful even when you have a professional working with you for the "college goal". I can only imagine how difficult it would be trying to work through this life change on our own. 

From initial planning, research, testing, discussions, and campus visits, it takes so much energy that it is difficult to put down in words. Tom has been there for us, not only to facilitate the family discussions but also listening to Dad whine about money and daughter wanting certain schools.  He has smoothed out so many issues that now we can actually find consensus on many different aspects of college, even if we aren’t in total agreement. 

We are just beginning to get to the real center of this process and I can actually say that I am looking forward to this wonderful experience.  Working with Tom will be something we look forward to. Thank you, Tom.

J.A.

Dodgeville, Wisc.

I never thought I’d get my MFA. I owe so much to your teaching, encouragement and support during and after my time at UW-Richland.

Thank you so much for all that you've done for my family and me. I will be sure to inform my parents of the news about the $750 scholarship I received. Over the weekend I previewed some of the schools on the list you presented to us: Bethel University, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, St. Olaf, and UW-Stout. I will definitely continue exploring my options.

Thanks so much!

I came to UW Richland from a small town not knowing what to expect. Fortunately, a certain professor and I came across each other during my first semester. Professor Kleese helped me with the classes in which I was his student. But in the following year he also helped me transfer to my new campus and develop the necessary skills I would need to succeed there. He is an excellent teacher and mentor.

I feel confident in saying he is willing to help anyone in his or her hour of need, but he does not do the work for you. He teaches more than just art – he teaches you how to be an adult and understand adult situations. Professor Kleese helped me and many other students realize that not everything is going to be handed to you on a silver platter. Your Mom is not always going to be there to hold your hand. I am proud to say Professor Kleese was and is my teacher, advisor, and friend.