Millions of U.S. adults have some college credit but never complete their degree. The path back to school a second time is much harder to hike. There are roadblocks where one often finds themselves retreading the same barriers until one finds an even path.
In the late 1990s, Annette Crowder attended Madison College as a marketing major. Despite the excitement of meeting others and studying marketing, she ultimately stopped college to take a job in 2003.
Nearly 20 years later, the cooped-up dullness of the COVID lockdown, along with job layoff, prompted Crowder back to Madison College in January 2022.
“When COVID happened, like anyone else stuck in the house, I found out I was not having it. It was boring, and I hated it, and then I was just like, ‘What am I going to do?’”
Before the pandemic, Crowder served as a Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Aging Community Elder Representative (HCN TAU CER) in Dane County, a job she enjoyed with responsibilities she relished. Her primary duty was to collaborate with and learn from the “ELDERS” Tribal community members. She provided them with essential services such as attending appointments, managing their medications, communicating with their families, organizing events and finding resources within and outside the HCN.
She began to think she had found her purpose — until COVID prompted her layoff. Despite this setback, Crowder believed that her experiences at HCN TAU CER was a key factor in her life.
“I like connecting people with resources. I discovered this passion while working for the Ho-Chunk tribe and trying to make sure that these elders were getting served,” she said.
Crowder missed the job and the community connection, finding herself drawn to serving others. Confident she was on the correct career path, she returned to Madison College.
She started classes, but something was missing. Crowder realized she wanted to interact with people, just like she had the first time she enrolled, prompting her to join the Black Student Union (BSU).
The mission of the Black Student Union is to foster community and promote cultural and intellectual development through educational, community and social initiatives. Students of all backgrounds are invited to celebrate the vibrancy and depth of black culture, history and lifestyle.
The benefits of joining the BSU provide a secure and supportive space to develop your leadership abilities and gain valuable self-awareness. It offers a platform to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, acquire knowledge, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture.
Additionally, members learn how to support and stand in solidarity with Black and Brown students, developing a deeper understanding of their identity.
The experiences the club offers bring people together. During February’s Black History Month, the BSU presented “The History of Braids.” Throughout February, it will offer other events, such as the “Soul Food” family event and the “Yahara Journal and Open Mic Night.”
Crowder believes that club involvement and experience is equally important as academics. “College is not just about academics — it’s also about the experience. If you don’t get to experience college life, how can it positively impact you?” asked Crowder.
Crowder is currently serving as the president of the BSU. Under her leadership, the club has been revived from near extinction and transformed into an active organization with a fantastic executive team. According to Crowder, the team’s collaborative efforts have been incredible and have led to the club’s positive growth.
The executive team includes Christina Bankhead as Creative Director, Zawadi Ozulamoi as Secretary, Tatyana Brown as Social Media Director, Katrina Willis as Treasurer, Kennedy Washington as Communications Officer, and Margret Joof as Vice President.
The club also has three advisors: Jimmy Cheffen, Lawrence Ntim, and Rhoda McKinney. Crowder is proud to see the growing interest in the club, which she credits to introducing the new WolfPack Connect platform.
This platform has helped the club gain more attention and attract more members. The clubs looks to their members’ talent to improve the club. For example, Christina Bankhead recently designed an eye-catching beautiful logo for BSU.
Crowder’s accomplishments make for a long list. She is passionate about the Student Senate, where she is vice president of team development. She participates in the Retention Initiatives and Student Engagement (RISE) program, the Teens of Promise (TOPS) College Success Program, TRIO (the three original programs that were funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Special Services), Veteran Resource Services, Scholars of Color Mentoring Program and Men of Excellence and First-Generation Student Success.
Crowder has advice for adults looking to return to school. She said to start slowly. Her first semester she carried 12 credits, which she later realized could have been a lighter load.
“If you’re a Black or Brown student hesitant about Madison College or any college, my advice is to start slow and consider important factors like cost and class size. Madison College provides a great opportunity to get your feet underneath you instead of being thrown to the wolves,” Crowder said.
Crowder has shared her vision for the future of BSU, stating that it needs to foster stronger relationships with its alums and create a Black Student Union Scholarship through the Madison College Foundation.
She also believes organizing events such as flash mobs would be fun for people to hang out and enjoy themselves. It’s essential to have a visible message that says, “Hey, here we are” without being too serious all the time.
Crowder sees her future self joining the group.
“I want to be one of those alumns joining the flash mob,” she said

Editor’s note: BSU meeting are held every Monday from 12:00-1:30-3  p.m. in February online or in the Intercultural Exchange in the heart of the Truax Campus in room C1430, located across from student life and near the cafeteria.
For a complete list of Black History Month events, visit https://www.theonlineclarion.com/e-newsletter/2024/02/06/black-history-month-events/
More information available on WolfPack Connect https://www.wolfpackconnect.madisoncollege.edu/feeds?type=club&type_id=35456&tab=home