2020 Bender of Twigs Honoree

I am honored to recognize Ms. Corinne Nilsen as an inductee into the Bender of Twigs Class of 2020. Ms. Nilsen is the Executive Director of a $3.5 million grant that serves students in foster and adoptive care, and she is a respected advocate for students at the national, regional, and local levels.

She leads the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, a highly competitive initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education and awarded through the Governor of Kansas. Wichita State University has been the sole writer and administrator of this statewide grant for more than 14 years, with Ms. Nilsen at the helm of a program that serves over 2,500 students across more than 900 schools in Kansas.

Her team of highly qualified staff members work in privatized offices across the state, providing academic services from middle school through high school. These services include tutorial support, college financial aid guidance, academic advising, career exploration, campus tours, and specialized workshops. Ms. Nilsen also ensures professional development opportunities for school personnel to better serve these students.

Importantly, the program emphasizes outreach not just to students, but also to their families, guardians, or residential home providers. The staff meet with students regularly and prepare them for academic and financial aid advising, connecting them with essential resources such as TRIO programs, disability services, and writing and math labs. Students are also encouraged to enroll in rigorous coursework including AP, IB, and advanced math classes.

To further support student success, the program offers scholarships to attend colleges or postsecondary institutions of their choice. Special attention is given to students aging out of foster care, ensuring they have continued access to education and supportive resources. Ms. Nilsen’s work is grounded in extensive research and a commitment to excellence in program development and implementation.

With over 25 years of service at Wichita State University, Ms. Nilsen has previously served as Assistant Director of Student Support Services and Director of Disability Support Services. She has chaired and presented at numerous local and national conferences and committees, sharing her expertise widely.

Ms. Nilsen is not only a professional role model but also a beloved wife to Eric, mother, and grandmother. Her dedication is exemplary, and her leadership continues to inspire all who work with her.

Congratulations, Corinne. You are a phenomenal and extraordinary individual and leader.