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For Mackenzie Johnston, the journey to becoming a social worker has been shaped by meaningful relationships, hands-on learning and a strong sense of community. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Bachelor of Social Work program, Johnston says the support she received from faculty, staff and classmates helped prepare her for a career focused on improving the well-being of others.
As a transfer student, Johnston arrived at UW-Superior with some uncertainty about starting over in a new environment. Those concerns quickly faded.
“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better undergraduate experience,” she said. “From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by both the faculty and my classmates.”
The social work program’s cohort model played a major role in helping Johnston find her place on campus. Working closely with the same group of students throughout the program fostered strong connections that extended beyond the classroom.
“Before long, those classmates felt more like family,” Johnston said. “We celebrated each other’s successes, got through challenges together and made so many memories along the way.”
While the friendships she built were meaningful, Johnston credits the program’s faculty with helping shape her professional confidence and passion for social work.
“The professors are what really made the program special,” she said. “They genuinely cared about us, not just as students, but as humans. They always made time to answer questions, offer encouragement and help us grow into confident future social workers.”
Their mentorship helped Johnston navigate challenges, develop critical skills and believe in her ability to succeed.
“They believed in us even when we doubted ourselves,” she said. “I don’t think I would be where I am today without their support.”
Beyond academics, Johnston found a campus culture centered on student success and well-being. Whether interacting with faculty, staff or fellow students, she experienced a community that made students feel valued.
She particularly appreciated campus resources such as the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness & Well-Being and the Marcovich Wellness Center, which reinforced the importance of self-care while pursuing a helping profession.
“Those resources reminded me how important it is to care for my own well-being while learning how to support others,” Johnston said.
A defining aspect of Johnston’s education was the program’s emphasis on real-world learning. Through field placements, community partnerships and applied experiences, she gained practical skills that prepared her to enter the workforce with confidence.
“Through field placement, community partnerships and hands-on learning, I felt prepared to step into the profession before I even graduated,” she said. “The program challenged me to think beyond the classroom and gave me the confidence to make a difference in my community.”
That experience also shaped her vision for the future and influenced her decision to continue her education at UW-Superior.
Johnston plans to enroll in the university’s new Master of Social Work program, an addition she believes will benefit both students and communities throughout the region.
“I think adding an MSW program is such an exciting opportunity, not only for UW-Superior, but for our entire region,” she said. “There really isn’t another program like it nearby, and I love that it’s built around community well-being, mindfulness and prevention.”
Her interest in those areas grew during an internship with the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness & Well-Being, where she saw firsthand the impact that prevention-focused programs can have on individuals and communities.
“That experience completely changed the way I think about social work,” Johnston said. “It showed me that social workers don’t just help people through crisis. We have the opportunity to create programs, build communities and promote well-being before problems become crises.”
Johnston said the quality of education she received as an undergraduate gives her confidence in the university’s new graduate program.
“I know the quality of education and support I received as an undergraduate, and I have complete confidence that this program will prepare students to become compassionate leaders in the field,” she said.
Looking ahead, Johnston hopes to build a career focused on community health, wellness and prevention. Her goal is to develop programs that help people live healthier, more connected lives while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive.
“After earning my MSW, I hope to work in community health and well-being, creating programs that help people live healthier, more connected lives,” she said. “I’m excited to continue my education at UW-Superior and be part of the very first MSW cohorts.”