Gratitude for Carroll University Partners

Carroll University’s deep commitment to community engagement is making a measurable impact just beyond its campus—most recently recognized through the success of nearby Hadfield Elementary School in Waukesha, WI.
 
In a heartfelt message to university partners, longtime educator Mike Elliott ’92, M.S. ’18, credited Carroll with playing a significant role in Hadfield’s transformation over the past six years. Once facing challenges with low attendance, lagging academic performance and high staff turnover, the school has since experienced a remarkable turnaround. This spring, Hadfield was officially recognized by the State of Wisconsin as a High Impact School—an honor awarded for strong attendance, improved academic outcomes and success across all student populations.
 
Nearby neighbors of Carroll University, Hadfield Elementary serves a student body facing multiple barriers. Approximately 80 percent of students live below the poverty line, 38 percent have special needs and more than half have experienced the incarceration or loss of a parent. Despite these challenges, the school has made significant strides—due in part, Elliott emphasized, to consistent and meaningful partnerships with strong organizations like Carroll University.
 
Over the years, Carroll students, faculty and staff have contributed to Hadfield in a variety of ways. Education students have gained hands-on experience through practicums and student teaching placements, working alongside Hadfield educators while strengthening classroom instruction. Carroll’s athletic teams have also played a vital role, with football players mentoring students during recess, basketball teams reading to younger grades and numerous student-athletes serving as mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters and other initiatives.
 
Additional efforts have included one-on-one mentorship for fifth graders through a shared community engagement course called Cross-Cultural Experience (CCE), interactive science programming hosted by Carroll’s chemistry department and opportunities for Hadfield students to attend collegiate athletic events for free—often their first time attending live sporting events. Annual traditions such as the Public Safety Toy Drive have further reinforced a sense of care and connection.
 
“These experiences show our students that people care and that there are great things in the world to strive for,” Elliott shared. “Many now want to be nurses, scientists and college athletes.”
 
Elliott announced his retirement this year after a 35-year career in education. Reflecting on his time at Hadfield, he expressed gratitude for the university’s continued involvement and its lasting impact on students.
 
“Carroll provided me with a tremendous foundation through athletics and academics,” he added. “Hadfield has been so fortunate to be a part of your continued excellence.”
 
Though retiring, Elliott and his wife, Dr. Lisa Elliott ’90, plan to remain active supporters of the university community.

As Carroll University continues to emphasize experiential learning and civic engagement, its partnership with Hadfield Elementary stands as a powerful example of how higher education institutions can help uplift local communities—creating opportunity, inspiration and lasting change for the next generation.