‘It doesn’t get any better’
Five questions with … Leslie Woltenberg, PhD
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
Looking back, she says there was always a common thread in all of her occupations. Whether she was at a college or a high school, in administration or advising, every job featured one commonality.
Teaching.
She was always a teacher, even if it was wrapped in another title. And it’s what led Leslie Woltenberg, PhD, to become assistant professor and coordinator of program evaluation for the College of Health Sciences’ department of Physician Assistant Studies.
“My story is about pursuing what you're passionate about,” she said.
One of those things she is passionate about is the University of Kentucky. So of course, she would have to attend the school. She grew up in the western part of the state, and she would watch UK basketball games with her grandparents. As a first-generation prospective college student, she dreamed of going to UK. And when she did finish her undergraduate degree, she decided to keep going, eventually earning her doctorate in Educational Policy.
She has expertise in qualitative research, program evaluation and collaborative learning, and formerly worked in UK’s Registrar’s Office and Office of Residence Life. She also served as registrar at Lexington Christian Academy.
But most of her students know all of this already, because her life experiences are incorporated into her teaching. It’s the only way she knows how to do the job. And it forges a bond with her students that few professors can claim.
“I’m comfortable sharing that part of who I am with them, because it helps the learning process,” she said. “We learn through stories. I think it also demystifies the dynamic a little bit and makes us (as instructors) a little more accessible, more real.”
Meet professor and alumnae Leslie Woltenberg, PhD. She’s been a Wildcat for the majority of her life. Here’s five questions …
1. Students describe your teaching style as “personal” and “relatable.” Would you agree, and why is that so?
I don’t think there’s any other alternative for me. Everyone’s wired differently, but I'm quite personal in my approach. I love learning, I love to teach, and I am passionate about creating a positive space for that to happen. I give tremendous credit to my parents, amazing and inspiring people who made it possible for me to pursue this crazy dream that is my reality now. They taught me what it means to truly care about people and go after your goals. The support from family, friends, and mentors has been invaluable in my journey. It is very full circle that my job allows me to do the same for students.
2. What led you to want to become a teacher?
I originally wanted to be a dentist, which is funny now because, in retrospect, I see very clearly that that was never the right fit for me. I have just always enjoyed learning and being around people. I found myself spending a lot of time as a resident advisor to help my homesick students feel better about being at this big place. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that ultimately started my career in working with college students.
3. And why UK?
UK for me was just how I conceptualized what college was — even before I really knew what it meant; it was just where I felt like I was supposed to be. Being a first-generation student, my family and mentors helped me understand the value of hard work and academics so I could pursue college. And being an RA, in retrospect, I can see how quickly that became part of my evolving identity. I felt at home here, because people helped me, and so the idea of extending that sense of family and helping others— I was all in.
4. The common thread seems to be that UK helped you find your way, right?
Yes, I have always been captivated by the magic of this place. When I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I knew my work wasn’t finished yet. I learned more about the student affairs profession and that led me to pursue a master’s degree and ultimately a PhD. I also met my husband when we were students here! So, yes, UK is definitely a big part of my story.
5. You worked for the registrar at UK, as well as the registrar at Lexington Christian Academy. You also served as the director of the UK Visitor Center. What eventually led you to the classroom?
I missed students and the pure joy of learning. I was behind the scenes in academia but I wanted to be teaching. Eventually, I joined the team at the Center for Interprofessional HealthCare Education to coordinate interdisciplinary education and activities. It was such an interesting callback to the things I loved: programming, bringing people together, a little more cerebral, with all of these different health professions. That experience gave me the gift of friendship with scholars from all different disciplines and it affirmed how much I value teaching. I saw that my residence hall was really a classroom. The Visitor Center was really a classroom. I knew that was where I belonged.
When I was younger, I never actually imagined myself as a faculty member or a teacher. But in retrospect it's so clear to me now.
I could not imagine for me, professionally, what in the world could be better.
BONUS QUESTION: What do you say when you interact with someone who is interested in enrolling in CHS?
I love it here! Learn about the incredible people and great things happening in CHS. Come visit campus. The magic was instant for me, and I hope it is for you.
We're in the business of supporting students in pursuit of their dreams. At its core, my job is to help people think critically and reach those dreams.
Come on — it doesn't get any better than that, right?