Lifelong Learning Close to Home:
Dr. Tanya Boman’s Journey from Student to Vice President at Lakeshore College
| Dr. Tanya Boman’s story comes full circle at Lakeshore College in Cleveland, Wisconsin. What began as a student journey in the college’s associate degree program has grown into a lifelong career dedicated to helping others succeed in higher education.
Right out of high school, Boman enrolled at Lakeshore and soon began working on campus. That early experience sparked her interest in higher education and set her on a path of continuous learning. She went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from nearby institutions, building on the strong foundation she gained at Lakeshore. Her career led her to roles at Fox Valley Technical College and Moraine Park Technical College before she returned “home” to Lakeshore seven years ago. Encouraged by her colleagues, she pursued a doctorate—another milestone in her lifelong commitment to education and growth. |
 Dr. Tanya Boman, Vice President of Student Success at Lakeshore College |
Question: How do you interact with students at Lakeshore College?
Boman: As my title suggests, my focus is student success. I oversee the entire student journey—from admission and onboarding to registration and support services. A big part of my role is connecting with students, listening to their goals, and helping them identify the pathways and resources that will help them reach those goals.
Question: How did your education prepare you for your career?
Boman: Each step of my education played a different role in shaping who I am today. My associate degree provided hands-on skills and practical knowledge to start my career. As I advanced through my bachelor’s, master’s, and eventually my doctorate, I learned to think more critically and strategically. Education helped me appreciate the value of relationships and partnerships—how collaboration leads to greater success for everyone. It also taught me to value different perspectives and learn from the diverse experiences of others.
Question: Why is post-secondary education so important?
Boman: Education helps you grow both professionally and personally. It gives you confidence, critical thinking skills, and the ability to see the world through new perspectives. For me, education was about more than earning degrees—it was about self-discovery, community involvement, and learning how to make a positive impact. Continuing education opens doors you didn’t even know existed and helps you uncover skills you didn’t realize you had.
Question: What do you say to people who think college is too expensive?
Boman: Education is truly an investment in yourself. At Lakeshore, we work hard to make that investment affordable. For instance, high school students can earn college credits through our dual credit programs at no cost. We also provide robust financial aid options and one-on-one guidance to connect students with available resources.
We’ve also built strong transfer partnerships, allowing students to complete their first two years with us—at a lower cost per credit—before transferring to a four-year university as juniors. It’s a smart, affordable pathway to a degree.
Question: Why is the New North a great place to pursue your education?
Boman: The New North region is truly committed to lifelong learning, advanced technology, and innovation. It’s a supportive environment where education, business, and community all work together to create opportunities.
What makes this region unique is the collaboration—you really feel the connection between schools and employers. Our business partners are deeply involved, from shaping programs based on workforce needs to offering internships, job shadowing, clinical placements, and guest speaking in our classrooms. It’s a community that believes in growing together.
