Opening Doors: Dr. Leslie Woltenberg reflects on her first-generation journey

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

For Leslie Woltenberg, PhD, the University of Kentucky has always been more than a place to earn a degree. It's where she found her direction, discovered her passion for teaching, and began a journey that continues to shape her life and career — as well as those around her.

As a first-generation college student, Woltenberg understands firsthand the excitement, uncertainty and possibilities that come with being the first in your family to pursue a college education.

Today, as an associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, as well as director of scholarship for the College of Health Sciences, she has the opportunity to help other students experience those same possibilities.

And it's a responsibility she doesn't take lightly.

"I am honored to be a first-generation college student," Woltenberg said. "The University of Kentucky opened doors for me, beyond what I even imagined possible. Every day, I walk across the same campus that made such a positive impact on my life. I never take it for granted!"

National First-Generation College Celebration Week, observed Nov. 2-8, provides an opportunity to recognize the experiences, accomplishments and contributions of first-generation college students. National First-Generation College Celebration Day is officially marked on Nov. 8.

For Woltenberg, the recognition is also an opportunity to connect with students who share a particularly meaningful part of her story.

"It is a blessing to connect with CHS students, including those who are first-gen," she said. "It is a special connection to share, to be a pioneer for your family and have this higher education experience."

Woltenberg's own journey to UK began in western Kentucky, where she grew up watching Wildcats basketball with her grandparents. Even before she fully understood what college would mean for her future, she knew where she wanted to go.

"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," she said in a previous interview with the College of Health Sciences.

With encouragement from her family and mentors, she pursued that dream, earning her undergraduate degree at UK before continuing her education with a master's degree and, ultimately, a doctorate in educational policy.

Along the way, she discovered that her passion for education extended well beyond the classroom. Her professional experiences included working in UK’s Registrar's Office and Office of Residence Life, serving as registrar at Lexington Christian Academy and directing the UK Visitor Center.

But regardless of her title or responsibilities, one thing remained consistent: her connection to students and her desire to help them succeed.

"I saw that my residence hall was really a classroom. The Visitor Center was really a classroom. I knew that was where I belonged," Woltenberg said.

That philosophy continues to influence her approach to teaching and mentoring. She believes sharing personal experiences and stories helps students see their instructors as more than just the people standing at the front of a classroom.

"We learn through stories," she said. "I think it also demystifies the dynamic a little bit and makes us (as instructors) a little more accessible, more real."

For first-generation students, those connections can be especially meaningful. Having someone who understands the experience — and can offer encouragement, perspective and guidance — can help make a large university feel a little more like home.

Woltenberg believes that sense of belonging is one of the things that makes the UK community special.

"I like to think of our UK community as extended family because this is such a supportive and wonderful place to grow as a person," she said.
 

To hear more about Woltenberg's journey, her approach to teaching and the role personal experiences play in education, listen to her episode of The Way podcast: "Learning Through Story" with Associate Professor Dr. Leslie Woltenberg.