Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers
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President's Welcome Letter Welcome to the Wisconsin-Association of Colleges and Employers (WI-ACE) organization! As you explore the WI‑ACE website, you will discover the organization’s rich history and enduring commitment to serving members across Wisconsin. For decades, WI‑ACE has supported higher education professionals and industry recruiters through impactful conferences, networking opportunities, employer site tours, expert panels, and more. As your 2026 WI‑ACE President, I am honored to carry forward this tradition by offering timely professional development and meaningful opportunities for connection. My own WI‑ACE journey mirrors that of many members—familiar, yet deeply influential in shaping my professional path. I was first introduced to WI-ACE as a graduate student tagging along with professional colleagues to a WI-ACE conference in Wisconsin Dells. I was immediately embraced by WI-ACE and witnessed its special community in action. As I transitioned into my professional life, I sought a similar connection I experienced with WI-ACE in other professional organizations, only to learn that few could replicate the sense of belonging I felt with WI-ACE. When presented with the opportunity to rejoin WI-ACE, I gladly accepted. WI-ACE has consistently met me where I was in my career. When I sought leadership opportunities, WI-ACE offered meaningful service roles. When I sought professional development, WI-ACE provided engaging conferences and expert speakers. When I sought connection, WI-ACE fostered relationships through networking socials and virtual coffee chats. Many recruiters and career services professionals have found community with WI-ACE, like I have, over the years. As the economy and world of work evolves in Wisconsin, WI‑ACE has remained responsive and forward‑thinking—adapting to meet the changing needs of both employer and higher education partners. This thoughtful, balanced approach will remain central to our work in 2026. The WI-ACE Board and Event Planning Committee have been hard at work putting together an exciting lineup of professional development opportunities for the year ahead. WI-ACE has been and will continue to be a nimble organization that provides members with what they need, when they need it. For our new members (and seasoned members!), I encourage you to lean in—attend events, engage in conversations, volunteer for committees, and build relationships across our vibrant community. Your voice, perspective, and participation help shape the future of WI‑ACE. Thank you for being a part of WI-ACE’s story. Cheers, Courtney Pearson 2026 WI-ACE President |
Courtney Pearson WI-ACE President, 2026 |
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History
Founded in 1964, WI-ACE was originally named WCPA (Wisconsin College Placement Association) and was formed to “develop and extend policies and standards for the placement of graduates from its respective institutions”. In 1967, WCPA began including employers in its meetings. In 1973, another name change arrived renaming WCPA to WCPPA (Wisconsin Career Planning and Placement Association), and it published its first Career Guidelines book for students. In 1990, the WCPPA conducted its first statewide Employers survey. In 1997, the name “WI-ACE” (Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers) was adopted. In the Fall of 2020, WI-ACE hosted its first virtual conference. |
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