Meet Our Three New Staff Members

This spring, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication welcomed three new staff members to the team: Lauren “Lo” Anderson, Jamie Prey and Darby Winchel. All three have already started making their mark by strengthening relationship with our students, faculty and alumni communities. Get to know our new team members and what they’re most excited about in their new roles.

Lauren “Lo” Anderson – Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Hometown: Verona, Wisconsin

Educational background: B.S. 2015 in Gender and Women’s Studies and Environmental Studies from UW–Madison

During the spring semester of my senior year of high school, I received a phone call that changed my life. Dr. Mercile Lee, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and founding director of the Chancellor’s Scholars Program, called in the evening to personally offer me a spot in the Chancellor’s Scholars Program (now the Mercile J Lee Scholarship Program), class of 2011 cohort. The program saw the potential in my academic, service and leadership abilities well before I saw those qualities in myself and provided me with the financial support and holistic mentorship needed to thrive at UW-Madison as an underrepresented student. Within the program and at UW-Madison, I discovered the importance of showing up authentically, using my voice and prioritizing community and belonging. I am immensely grateful for the support the program gave me as a student, the connections I made there that continue to uplift me as an alumna, and how Mercile and the program advisors, in no small part, inspired my professional career.

What attracted you to the UW–Madison campus and the SJMC?

Growing up in the Badger State, UW-Madison was always a top choice. Even though I was somewhat familiar with the downtown and Capitol area of Madison, it was when I took a campus tour on a beautiful summer day that I was officially hooked! I don’t remember the specifics, but I remember getting that welcoming “this is it” feeling as we walked around the campus learning about student life. I felt confident that there would be academic and career-related opportunities for me, no matter what I decided to study (I was still deciding on a major). That proved to be true. My favorite highlight was studying abroad for a semester in Kenya and Tanzania. I got to go on safari and meet incredible people while completing course requirements for my Environmental Studies major! My love of nature and animals led me to choose the program. Still, the experience of being immersed in the richness of East African culture was my favorite part of my study abroad experience. I love that SJMC embraces a broad liberal arts education, which makes the undergraduate Journalism program very study-abroad friendly. I always enjoy chatting with students about their interests outside of the classroom and planning their degree coursework. I am thrilled to join the fantastic community of SJMC faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

What are you most excited about doing at the SJMC?

I have always been an inquisitive person, so I have been most excited to begin learning all about SJMC’s extraordinary history, the endless number of pathways in reporting and strategic communication, and how the SJMC exemplifies the Wisconsin Idea, including the ways our community supports students in fostering their unique voice, embrace their creativity, as well as providing options for students to engage in both the theory and practice of mass communication in and out of the classroom. Finally, it’s been a pleasure to start getting to know all our brilliant and dynamic students as an academic advisor!

What are your favorite hobbies or activities outside of the SJMC?

Inside the SJMC, you might find me watering my office plants or working on a puzzle in the staff room (right outside my office) during my lunch break. Outside the SJMC, I enjoy going on nature walks to notice the seasonal changes and identify the plants and animals I encounter. I also like practicing yoga, crafting, painting, gardening, and eating delicious food with friends and family. When I want to relax, I like to watch a movie or read with my cat, Kiwi. I should clarify that while she does watch movies, she can’t read; she just hangs out nearby. Despite her illiteracy, she is brilliant and the best fur baby a girl could ask for!

Jamie Prey – Alumni Relations Officer

Hometown: LaGrange, IL

Educational background: B.A. 2012 in Communication Arts from UW–Madison (Vilas Hall alum!)

What attracted you to the UW–Madison campus and the SJMC?

I was a student here, and had a great experience on campus. Since I was a student, I had a goal of working for the university and helping to foster community for future students as well. I’ve never seen another campus like this one, and I have a lot of pride in what we offer here!

What are you most excited about doing at the SJMC?

My role will allow me to bridge the gap between our current students, and the alumni they will soon become. I’m excited to give students a chance to learn about their future from our vast alumni pool, while offering our alumni an opportunity to reconnect with their ‘home’ school. I am also super excited to experience Homecoming in a whole new way, enjoying it with alumni and as an alumni!

What are your favorite hobbies or activities outside of the SJMC?

Reading, knitting, walking by the lake, spending time with friends and family!

Darby Winchel – Career and Internship Specialist

Hometown: Beloit, Wisconsin

Educational background: B.A. in Journalism (Reporting) and Gender & Women’s Studies from UW–Madison (SJMC alum!)

What attracted you to the UW–Madison campus and the SJMC?

Being an SJMC alum, I was so excited to get back to my roots and support a wonderful, innovative department. I mean it with my whole heart when I say our students are a joy to serve and so inspiring in what they are aiming to achieve – both during and after their college careers.

What are you most excited about doing at the SJMC?

I’m excited about continuing to serve and collaborate with students to build industry-specific career resources, strengthen connections between students and alumni and just be a supportive presence that students can turn to while navigating the huge milestone of becoming a young professional.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities outside of the SJMC?

I’m very new to archery (like, I’ve hardly touched my bow) but am really looking forward to getting out and practicing more this spring. I’m also daydreaming about starting a micro-bakery and perfecting a few yummy recipes.