Student Impact: Zachary Atkins ‘20

Zachary (Zach) Atkins made the most of his years at UW-Parkside, completing a double major in Communication and Psychology and taking every opportunity offered to benefit others.

Zach also played an instrumental role in developing a campus-wide event on Black mental health that featured a nationally recognized speaker. In the community, he has worked for a local nonprofit that provides recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities and served as a teaching counselor at an agency that supports clients experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. In his senior year, 2019-20, Zach was recognized as a Newman Civic Fellow, a nationally recognized leadership and service experience.

Zach also served as a success coach and peer advisor for other students in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), was on the executive board of the Black Student Union, and was a leader in the Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity.

Alongside his commitment and hard work, one thing was a constant driver of Zach’s success: scholarship support. Scholarships throughout his four years made it possible for Zach to dedicate his time to academic achievement and campus leadership.

“Since my first year on campus, UW-Parkside provided me with the tools to prepare for my future. If it weren’t for Parkside, I wouldn’t have been able to study abroad, I wouldn’t have learned to be a leader for my peers and spread awareness about critical issues on campus, I wouldn’t have found my second family on campus in OMSA, and I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today.”

Zach participated in UW-Parkside’s Cuba Study Tour exploring Cuba’s history, politics, and culture for 12 days in January 2019. He credits this short tour with a big impact by allowing him to experience a different culture than his own and expanding his global understanding.

“I was able to visit multiple cities, attend concerts, learn about their healthcare and education systems, discuss the African roots seen throughout Cuba, enjoy time at the beach, dance a lot, meet some incredible people, explore the natural aesthetics of Cuba, and eat way too much. I know that in the years to come studying abroad in Cuba will be one of my most prominent memories looking back on my college years.”

Zach graduated from UW-Parkside with the highest honor given to one graduate from each class: the Chancellor’s Award. Thanks to his achievements and the support of donors, his UW-Parkside experience sets an example for future students.