F1RST is the official publication of Carroll University. The magazine puts a fresh spin on stories about campus life, updates on alumni and in-depth features connecting the accomplishments of Carroll alumni, faculty and staff to today's headlines. Comments and ideas about the publication can be made to editor@carrollu.edu.
2F1RST is published twice annually
Story Idea?Email the editor of F1RST with detailsF1RST Magazine was recognized with a 2019 MarCom Platinum Award for excellence in
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Current Issue | Winter 2026
This special issue commemorates the 180th anniversary of our founding, inviting readers to explore pioneering milestones through the 180th timeline centerfold, along with an update on the Pioneer Driven Campaign’s progress. We also highlight achievements of Pioneer student-athletes, introduce our new Engineering programs and welcome Dr. Eli Hestermann as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Most Recent Articles
PDF Downloads of Past Issues
See how Carroll tackles various aspects of "health," including the university's response to Wisconsin's mental health crisis through compassion and personal future impact. Plus, check out how nursing students are diving into Immersive Virtual Reality while others strike a healthy balance in utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking of balance, all this and more is possible as Carroll remains financially sound amidst higher education turmoil, continuing to provide many paths for Pioneers to take on the world.
- Spring 2023
- Learn about Carroll's broad effort to acknowledge neurodiversity and provide better access for neurodivergent students across the campus and see where our students are headed now that the world has reopened for Cross-Cultural Experiences. Also find an update on plans for a student-centric Wright Street and discover how wood from a historic downed black walnut tree from Main Lawn has found new life.
- Fall 2022
- Carroll President Cindy Gnadinger reflects on her first five years and looks forward to what's next. Then discover how Carroll's faculty are researching best ways to incorporate technology into curricula, an exploration that will benefit teaching at Carroll and better prepare future educators. And meet Mohammed I.T. Bey, Carroll's new Vice President of Institutional Inclusion, who shares how he plans to foster inclusion and understanding across campus.
- Fall 2021
- Join in the celebration of Carroll University's 175th birthday! Then read about a unique interdisciplinary research project which utilizes drones to monitor water quality on a local lake. Finally, learn how Carroll's libear arts foundation empowers the path of today's Pioneers.
- Spring 2021
- Learn all about Carroll's sustainability efforts, as your favorite university goes green, and get a glimpse into some recent convocations. These additional learning opportunities for our students reflect the value and importance of a liberal arts-based education.
- Winter 2020
- An issue about resilience, innovation and progress. Tour the renovated Education Hall and meet the new dean of the School of Education and Human Services. Then read about the resourceful approaches taken by the Carroll arts and athletics programs to adapt to COVID-19. Finally, find out how Carroll successfully navigated a turbulent year for higher education in a special 2019-20 Annual Report.
- Summer 2020
- As the world was engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic, students, faculty and staff scattered to the safety of their homes – changing everything except for our Pioneer mindset. Also meet Carroll's furriest friends as they graduate to their forever homes and discover how historians interpret the stories of the past.
- Spring 2020
- Join a professor and student as they search for new tools in the battle against killer bacteria, learn about the path biology major Benyapa Khowpinitchai took to Carroll and the artful balance she discovered here, and remember the legacy of service that the late P.E. MacAllister '40 leaves behind.
- Fall 2019
- Graduate students share why they chose to continue their studies at Carroll, learn about a unique program that pairs teaching students with middle schoolers and explore the newly-renovated "Bergs" and Charles Street Hall.
- Summer 2019
- Learn how Carroll's health science students are getting valuable lessons in collaborative care on Milwaukee's southside and go behind the scenes as the Carroll Players present "Tartuffe."
- Spring 2019
- Explore the consequences of today's play deficit, go behind the scenes of Carroll after dark to see who keeps the University running 24/7 and visit the new collaborative spaces that are popping up all over campus.
- Fall 2018
- Get a behind the scenes look at the Rankin Hall renovation, discover what happens at Carroll during the 'quiet' months of summer and enjoy the final results of (in)sight: a portrait project.
- Summer 2018
- Relive the inauguration of Carroll's 15thand first woman president, visit a Waukesha laboratory school where lessons in education are everywhere and take a walk inside the new Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall.
- Spring 2018
- Take a walk on the wild side with Carroll students at the Milwaukee County Zoo, discover Carroll's new website and relive an alumns' interaction with Lombardi's Packers
- Fall 2017
- Meet Carroll University's new president, explore faculty and staff research and share one last pint with Pokey
- Summer 2017
- A conversation with Carroll's outgoing president, pre-college programs and Celebrate Carroll
- Spring 2017
- Carroll's online literary journal, healing ways, music therapy program, Carroll's international student-athletes
- Fall 2016
- Bold new look for Pioneers, seeking cultural harmony on European tour, previewing the Michael and Mary Jaharis Science Laboratories
- Summer 2016
- A fence on the horizon, Jack Miller's Pioneer journey took him to the edge of civilization, Carrol faculty and staff summer reading guide
- Winter 2016
- Head games, did we break democracy and faking life, death and disease in Carroll's health science labs
