The UW–Madison School of Education offers academic excellence in areas spanning the arts, health, and education. We are a proud community of innovative leaders, creative thinkers, and fearless trailblazers. Our talented students are committed to making their college experience a meaningful journey that aligns with their interests and helps them achieve their future goals.

Following is a Q&A with Emily Tlachac, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Dance and Graphic Design and graduating in spring 2026.

Where are you from and how did you become interested in pursuing a degree in this field? I am from Delafield, Wisconsin, a small town just east of Madison. I grew up dancing at a studio in my hometown. While I wasn’t sure about pursuing dance professionally, I knew I wanted dance to stay in my life. With support from my hometown dance teacher and my parents, I took a chance and decided to pursue a BS in Dance.

Figuring out my second major definitely took a little more exploration. I wanted something that would allow me to pursue other career options, but still intersect with dance in some way. After trying out a variety of different options, I finally landed on Graphic Design. The Graphic Design program at UW–Madison is unique because it is a specific focus within the Art major. I found this to be a strength as my coursework consisted of both fine arts and graphic design classes. Through the program, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of different mediums and investigate how they intersected with my passion for dance.

How did you decide that you wanted to become at UW–Madison Badger? Both my parents are UW–Madison alumni, so I grew up listening to their stories about life as Badgers. From singing “Varsity” at football games to sitting on the Terrace at Lake Mendota, their memories shaped my understanding of what it meant to belong to a community that was both spirited and supportive. When it came time to apply to college, I wanted to follow in their footsteps and experience for myself what it truly means to be a Badger.