Jody L. Bloyer ’94
B.A., Sociology/Anthropology
Reflecting on UW-Parkside
Why did you decide to attend UW-Parkside?
I decided to attend UW-Parkside after a visit with the head women’s basketball coach at the time, Wendy Miller. Her approach, care, and focus on basketball not only as a sport, but as a vehicle for life lessons, fit well within my own experiences and beliefs. As I researched, then, the academics there, I knew that it was a good fit for me.
What activities were you involved in at UW-Parkside?
Women’s basketball, intramurals, and volunteering. Playing a sport takes up a lot of your non-academic time!
How did your UW-Parkside experience impact your professional or personal life?
UW-Parkside afforded me the opportunity to continue to build on the strong educational foundation that I received at home. Community, family, academics, etc. were instilled in us and expected of us.
Professional and Personal Highlights
What has been one of the top highlights of your career?
The highlight of my career is and always has been the young people and their families whom I have had the privilege to serve.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life or your career and why?
My family. We are all educators in some capacity. They are and always have been significant role models in their educational work and beyond to so many, I can only continue to strive to do the same.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Playing with my grandbabies.
What is something that would surprise us about you?
I’m actually rather shy and get nervous every time I speak in front of others.
Advice from Jody
What advice do you have for current UW-Parkside Students?
Take it all in. Take every opportunity that is afforded you. Have fun. Work hard. Most importantly, as you go to school to do well in life, remember to also use your talents, gifts, and influence to do good.
Jody Bloyer has been strongly connected to public education her entire life. From district administration to a physical therapist and everywhere in between, her father, mother, sister, brother, and many extended family members have found their callings within the educational framework.
While Jody's specific journey has taken her to different places as a teacher, dean of students, coach, and school administrator, her current role has her serving in the capacity of Chief of Schools for Racine Unified School District (RUSD). Additional accomplishments include completing AASA's Superintendent's Academy-Howard University, establishing the Racine E.D.G.E. Task Force (Eliminating Drugs and Gangs through Education), developing RUSD's Community Connectors initiative, and founding her consulting business, InteGRITy Leadership and Coaching, LLC. Jody was also highlighted in the executive profile of the Milwaukee Business Journal for her work at Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School.
Jody's commitment is driven by her passion to create opportunities, equitable access, and outcomes for young people. Whether through the lens of leadership development, program implementation, systematic change, community outreach and involvement, or a myriad of other avenues, she strives to create spaces that support a person's potential and growth. She demonstrates to those around her the power of intentional and reflective practices and inspires others to do the same.
"I've not met a person yet whose title or position demonstrated their capacity as a leader. What makes and sustains a great leader is their ability to inspire purpose and action in others."
Jody attributes the celebrations of her journey to a strong network of family, faith, and friends. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, she lived the "it takes a village" and "neighbors helping neighbors" ideologies in a town of less than 800 people. Hard work, trust, integrity, and community were at the foundation of what she knew.
An avid sports fan and participant, she was recruited by UW-Parkside Women's Basketball Coach Wendy Miller where she received a scholarship and played for four years, setting the course in making her a Ranger for life.
While Jody states that her blessings are many, her greatest is in being a mom to her daughter, Keaunna, and grandmother to her grandchildren. She holds closely the love of her mom, dad, sister, brother and their families, Endel, "Big" Anthony, and so many friends who surround her with the support that motivates her in continuing her commitment to building a brighter future.
