Carthage College Hosts Panel on Healthcare and Higher Education Collaboration

Carthage College is set to host a pivotal panel discussion titled "What Healthcare Needs from Higher Education" on November 13, 2025.

This event aims to explore the pressing challenges within the healthcare industry and the essential role of educational institutions in preparing students for the evolving workforce.

The luncheon, organized by the Carthage Business and Professional Coalition, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Todd Wehr Center, located at 2001 Alford Park Drive in Kenosha.

Esteemed panelists include:

Lynda Bogdala, Administrator at Brookside Care Center in Kenosha.

Kristin McManmon, President and CEO of Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine.

David Reitzel, Chief Information Officer at Premier Inc. and a 1996 Carthage graduate.

To provide context on the regional healthcare landscape, Carthage President John Swallow will present insights from recent alumni and employer surveys, highlighting the industry's primary workforce challenges.

The discussion will delve into topics such as the increasing demand for care due to an aging population, innovations in service delivery, and data-driven changes.

Paul Martino, Dean of Carthage's new School of Health, will moderate the panel.

These panelists were among over 50 healthcare professionals interviewed during the development of the School of Health, which aims to align patient-focused and biomedical research programs under one adaptable umbrella.

Now chaired by Nicole Ryf, President of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, the Business and Professional Coalition has been uniting regional leaders at Carthage for nearly 30 years.

The 2025-26 season focuses on Wisconsin's emerging industries, workforce needs, and economic opportunities in the coming decade.

While the event is free, advance registration is required by November 8.

To register, visit the Carthage College website.

About Carthage College

Founded in 1847, Carthage College blends liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from distinguished faculty.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Carthage focuses on career development, making its graduates competitive in the workforce.

For more information, visit the Carthage College website.

Recent Healthcare Developments in Kenosha

In October 2025, the Kenosha Innovation Center celebrated its grand opening.

This 64,000-square-foot facility serves as a hub for startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies, fostering innovation and collaboration in the region.

Additionally, the Kenosha Community Health Center was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.

This funding supports the implementation of an integrated medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare model at Pillar Health, aiming to improve health equity and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

These developments underscore Kenosha's commitment to advancing healthcare services and education, making the upcoming Carthage panel discussion particularly timely and relevant.