University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Associate Dean of Students Houa Xiong has been named as one of the state’s 48 most influential Asian American leaders by Madison 365.
Xiong has worked at UWO since 2003 and spent 15 years as an academic adviser. She jumped to her current role in May 2019. Before coming to Oshkosh, the La Crosse native earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation management and a master’s in student affairs administration from UW-La Crosse.
“I feel honored and am proud to be part of this selected group, but I don’t even think of being recognized for something I already love to do every day,” she said. “As I reflect on and think more about this recognition, I feel appreciated and blessed by the many individuals who helped, guided and mentored me as a student and young professional.
“Now, I’m thankful to have supportive leaders and supervisors at UW Oshkosh who give me so many opportunities to grow as a professional.”
She also stressed the importance of her family—her parents, who sacrificed for her, and her husband, children and siblings, who’ve been there for her through ups and downs.
Art Munin, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs, said Houa is a deeply valued member of the Dean of Students Office team who regularly goes above and beyond in her service to the UWO community.
Art Munin
“She serves as an advocate and mentor for many students and has done everything possible to assist students while our institution has endured this pandemic,” he said. “Additionally, Houa has worked tirelessly as a diversity educator and inclusion advocate through presentations, student group advisement and student organization outreach.
“She is incredibly deserving of this recognition, and we are fortunate to have her at UWO.”
Like the rest of the University community during this unprecedented summer, Xiong has been hard at work preparing for the return of students and the start of the fall semester. And she has a lengthy to-do list to keep up the success.
“My plans for fall are to be positive; stay happy and smile; take it one day at a time; utilize all resources; ask what I don’t know; stay healthy; and continue to make our campus better,” she said.
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