Lindsey Bliefernicht (BLEE-fur-nickt) grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin and went to UW-Madison for both undergrad and grad school, earning a B.A. in International Studies (Global Security) and Communication Arts (Radio/TV/Film) as well as an M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with a concentration in Global Higher Education. She most recently served as the Assistant Director for Students and Curriculum for the Institute for Regional and International Studies within the International Division, where she advised undergraduate students on international and regional studies programs and served as the primary point of contact for assessment, curricular policy, and data collection for federal grant reports. Lindsey has also held previous positions in International Student Services, International Academic Programs, the Center for Russia, East Europe and Central Asia, and the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
You’ll notice much of Lindsey’s background is internationally focused; from a young age, she’s been interested in learning about people from diverse backgrounds, which is what she pinpoints as the connection between her interest in studying both of her undergraduate majors and ultimately piqued her interest in joining the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Lindsey’s family hosted international students when she was in high school and eventually, she would study abroad at the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain for the 2016-2017 academic year. Lindsey identifies as a first-generation college student and has a passion for personal and professional DEI growth, previously serving as co-chair of the International Division’s Equity and Diversity Committee. During her free time, Lindsey enjoys thrifting for vintage decor and going to estate sales, watching Indian films (she is a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan), reading, traveling, sending memes and quoting 2000s romcoms like her life depends on it. She’s absolutely thrilled to join the team and cannot wait to get to know SJMC graduate students!