Spring graduate Jean Ronoh takes multi-tasking to another level

Graduating from college is the ultimate triumph for any student. But perhaps the accomplishment is just a little bit sweeter for Jean Ronoh.

In addition to the rigorous coursework involved in earning a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Ronoh is also a wife and the mother of three young children: Diane (11), Charlotte (4) and James (2). She epitomizes the strong, intelligent woman who can do it all.

When asked how she juggles her responsibilities, Ronoh replied with a chuckle, “I have no clue.”

She continued, “But I acknowledge that I wouldn’t have made it this far without support from my family; supportive and understanding instructors like Steve Steblay, who let me bring my two-year-old son to class; the UWS Childcare subsidy program offered through the Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center (VNSC), which made it affordable for us to have our four-year-old in full-time day care; and just the overall flexibility I was given at UWS. I was able to start as a distance learning student and transition to a full-time, on-campus student for the final stretch of my program.

“But when I have a free moment, my hobby is sleeping,” she added. “I’m not even kidding.”

From Kenya to UW-Superior

Both Ronoh and her husband, David Ronoh, are originally from Kenya. She grew up in a small village called Chebigoi and is one of four children born to their schoolteacher parents.

Ronoh attended three different girls-only boarding schools from 4th through 12th grade and graduated from Kapkenda Girls’ High School in 2009. She is fluent in three languages: Nandi, Swahili and English.

David was an international student in Minnesota, and eventually attended both Lake Superior College and The College of St. Scholastica. He later enlisted with the U.S. Army, and his first military assignment was in Georgia. Today, he is a Second Lieutenant with the Minnesota National Guard.

The couple were married in 2013. Jean joined her husband in the U.S. in 2016 and became a U.S. citizen in 2021.

Despite raising their family in America, it is important to the Ronohs that their children observe Kenyan traditions. Every year, the family celebrates Madaraka Day (Kenya’s Independence Day) on June 1, and Jamhuri Day (the day Kenya became a republic) on December 12. They also attend cultural events such as Gotabgaa.  And Jean enjoys cooking flavorful African dishes for her family, including Pilau, Chapati, Nyama Choma and Kachumbari.

Law School Ambition

Ronoh will graduate this spring with a degree in legal studies and criminal justice. She has begun the arduous process of applying for law school, and eagerly awaits news of her acceptance.

For Ronoh, law school has been a long-term goal. “I’ve always been interested in the law,” she noted. “I have a passion for social justice, human rights and dispute resolution.
“I hope to go to law school, but in the meantime, I might work as a legal assistant or a paralegal,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to work in the areas of dispute resolution or immigration law.”

During her time at UW-Superior, Ronoh has been involved in Alpha Phi Sigma – an honors society for students pursuing criminal justice and legal studies. She also worked as a paralegal through an internship with the law offices of Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, & Balmer.

University Experience

Ronoh’s UWS experience has been a positive one. “The university has supportive instructors and a supportive learning environment,” she said. “You get lots of help from your teachers, and the one-on-one attention has been amazing.”

“A highlight of my time at UWS has been my participation in the TRIO McNair Scholar program,” she added. “It has helped prepare me for graduate school and inspired me to explore my full potential.”

This program, funded by a grant through the U.S. Department of Education, helps prepare first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students for graduate school. Aaron Wainman, UW-Superior’s assistant director of the TRIO McNair Scholars program, shared that Ronoh has been an exemplary student.

“Working with Jean has been fantastic,” he said. “She’s funny, fun to work with, very driven and not afraid to say what she needs to say to be successful.

“I also want people to know just how much she’s juggling,” Wainman added. “Her grit and determination are palpable. Jean exemplifies so many wonderful things about our students and our campus. She is someone who really fits the definition of who we want to work with at UWS.”

Giving Gratitude

Ronoh wanted to give a special thank you to Alli Willingham, her academic advisor; Erica Backstrom, her faculty mentor; Khalil (Haji) Dokhanchi, one of her professors; and Wainman for their excellent guidance.

“I have such a deep appreciation for every instructor at UWS,” she stated. “They’ve really helped me achieve all of my academic goals.”