Roberta models exemplary nursing leadership, innovation, advocacy, and practice. As faculty lead for the Systems Leadership and Innovation track of the DNP program, she demonstrates a passion for helping her students, whether by making time to connect one-on-one, helping them break down barriers, or taking advantage of opportunities. As one of her nominators put it simply, “Dr. Pawlak changes the lives of her students.”

“I truly am beyond grateful for what she has taught me,” another of Roberta’s nominators says. “From organizational involvement and leadership theory to executive finance and business concepts understanding, she made sure that each course proved beneficial and impactful.”

Another student says meeting Roberta was the reason they applied to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UW–Madison. “Working full-time, having a family, and being in the DNP program full-time is difficult. Dr. Pawlak helped me find inspiration when I needed it and has encouraged me to take care of myself when I needed to hear it. She has lined up so many opportunities and connections throughout the last three years, and I am walking away from this program knowing the sky’s the limit for me.”