Julie Skogsbergh

As a first generation college graduate who grew up in the upper Midwest, Julie’s educational journey from bachelor to doctorate wasn’t a linear one. Julie worked in both the beauty and medical insurance industries prior to working in higher education, and this practical experience has been significant in allowing her to connect with the working adult students whom she teaches, advises, and mentors.  

Her love for learning and her interests in culture and social justice have been constant threads throughout her educational journey, leading her to study of Intercultural Relations and then Anthropology.  

As a Senior Lecturer in the UWW Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Julie’s priority first and foremost is always to provide the fullest level of support for each of her students, to meet each student where they are, and provide support for students throughout their UWW journey. Her commitment to teaching and learning is rooted in what she calls “reciprocal pedagogy”, which centers on various pathways of learning for the student and the teacher with an emphasis on centering the student and their respective communities. Julie highlights how much of an honor and privilege it is to have the opportunity to teach, advise, and mentor students throughout their educational journey at UWW. Her signature “Shine On!” is rooted in a deep belief to always encourage students to acknowledge, embrace, and celebrate their own brilliance wherever they are on their path.

Educational Background

• B.A., International Relations with a minor in Spanish, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• M.A., Intercultural Relations with an area of specialization in training and consulting, Lesley University
• Ph.D., Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Graduate Certificate, Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Research and Community Interests

Julie is interested in critical and culturally responsive teaching approaches and student-centered learning, especially among adult learners and underrepresented students in higher education. She also has a strong commitment to community engagement and activism focused on systemic oppression. She has worked on a bilingual, community-based health messaging campaign with Project Baby through the Department of Public Health in Springfield, MA. Additionally, she continues to work on a project seeking to bring educational access and opportunity to the rural community of Lagoun, Haiti, with Rive (formerly Honor for Haiti Foundation).

Teaching Interests

Julie’s teaching interests are interdisciplinary, and have a common thread in relation to the themes of social justice and systemic oppression through an intersectional lens. She has an interest in beauty culture, cultural humility, health equity, and women’s lives. She has taught courses on these topics in a variety disciplines: African American Studies, Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Caribbean & Latinx Studies, Social Work, and Women's Studies.

Personal Interests

Julie loves to travel and spend as many summer days as possible at the beach. She enjoys spending time outside in nature, and her most treasured time is spent on walks with her ShiChi mix, Zoe. She is bilingual in both Spanish and English, listens and dances to a variety of Latin music, and when possible, can be found singing her heart out at a Marc Anthony concert. She is also an avid reader (especially memoirs, non-fiction, and historical fiction). Julie enjoys decorating and designing. Her other creative outlet is through cooking and baking, which she describes as a sacred connection to the diverse group of women from her family of origin as well as those whom she has met through her travels, all of whom have shared their kitchen wisdom as a form of love made visible.