The Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education has awarded Dr. Jeffrey Rafn
Champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for his outstanding achievements to the district, students, and greater community.
This inaugural award recognizes an individual, organization, or group that has demonstrated significant commitment and contributions in advancing a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community within the Green Bay area public school district and beyond.
“Dr. Rafn’s commitment over the years to Green Bay Area Public School District students has resulted in our students having greater access to dual credit courses and removal of barriers to higher education,” shared Board President Laura McCoy.
Over his course as president of NWTC, Dr. Rafn exemplifies a long history of embracing diversity in the community. His commitment to all students has been demonstrated in many ways during his tenure and has played an instrumental role in initiatives such as
- Launching Turbocharge; a partnership between NWTC, GBAPS, and UW-Green Bay to reduce the economic barriers to post-secondary education and provide pathways for student success. Graduates of the program graduates earn at least 15 college credits, a college certificate, or an equivalent achievement while in high school.
- NWTC is home to the GBAPS charter school, Northeast Wisconsin School of Innovation, which enables students to access dual college credit courses, giving students opportunities to explore career options and earn college credit while in high school. The results of this partnership has exceeded in student retention and success. The partners have recently extended their contract through at least 2028.
- Dr. Rafn is one of the initial founders of the S.U.N.G. Committee, an organization among St. Norbert College, UW-Green Bay, NWTC, & Green Bay Area Schools. Their mission is to bring change to our education system and beyond through opportunities that reflect, celebrate, and promote the growing ethnic and diverse population of the region.
“His legacy will be ensuring that ALL truly means ALL. We are grateful for his leadership and partnership in developing pathways for all students to find success,” said McCoy.
