For Mike Hagel, coming to NWTC wasn’t just a personal decision – it was a choice for his family. After seven years in the U.S. Army, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Hagel was medically retired following injuries sustained in combat. He was awarded the Purple Heart, in recognition of his sacrifice and bravery.
Then he was onto his next mission: building a better future for his wife and five children.
“I went through a really bad time after getting out of the service,” Hagel said. “But having kids and more family experience made me realize I needed to do something better. That’s how I ended up at NWTC.”
Hagel chose to pursue a degree in cybersecurity – a growing, in-demand field that offers opportunities for remote work and long-term stability. It wasn’t just the program that drew him in, though – it was NWTC’s culture and support.
“NWTC is the right fit because of the flexibility,” he said. “It allows me to go to school, work a couple of part-time jobs, and still have time with my family. From day one, the community here made me feel like I belonged.”
When he began taking classes at NWTC, Hagel would go into the Veterans Lounge to work on his assignments, which is where he met Ashley Drzewiecki and David Hernandez, Veteran Services specialists at NWTC.
“They wanted to ensure that things were going well and if I needed any help outside of school. That really made me understand that students aren’t just numbers to faculty and staff – they want to make sure you succeed,” Hagel said.
One moment that especially stood out to Hagel was at the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Student Ambassador Banquet, when Dr. Jennifer Flatt, NWTC vice president of Student Affairs, held his baby daughter so his wife could take photos while he gave a speech.
“That moment showed me what NWTC is really all about – family and accomplishments. I think they’re beyond amazing at it,” Hagel said.
Hagel has quickly become a leader on campus. He now serves as:
His impact spans from ensuring student veterans and their dependents know the benefits and resources available to them, serving as a liaison between student veterans and the College, and advocating for technical college education on a local and state level.
Hagel’s leadership also extends into the community. After being medically discharged from the U.S. Army due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other physical injuries, he found healing through scuba diving. As an assistant instructor with Green Bay Scuba, Hagel works alongside the nonprofit H.O.O.A.H. (Helping Out Our American Heroes) to provide free scuba diving training to fellow veterans – helping others experience the same sense of weightlessness and mental clarity that diving gave him.
Mike Hagel was honored recently at the WTCS Student Ambassador Banquet. He was joined by several NWTC administrators and staff. Pictured left to right: Scott Anderson, associate vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development; Dr. Kathryn Rogalski, vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development; Carla Hedtke, NWTC Board of Trustees member; David Hernandez, Veteran Services specialist; Hagel, WTCS Student Ambassador; Ashley Drzewiecki, Veteran Services specialist; Joseph Richter, Student Involvement manager; Dr. Jennifer Flatt, vice president of Student Affairs; and John Grant, associate vice president of Student Affairs
As NWTC’s 2025 WTCS Student Ambassador, Mike Hagel will serve a one-year term advocating for technical education through appearances, presentations, and various events on behalf of NWTC and WTCS.
He was nominated by David Hernandez and Ashley Drzewiecki, NWTC Veterans Services specialists. At first, Hagel thought they were joking about nominating him – he hadn’t even heard of the WTCS Student Ambassador program.
Hernandez and Drzewiecki said they nominated Hagel because “[his] leadership, personal experience as a combat veteran, and dedication to student success make him an ideal candidate for this role. He embodies NWTC’s values of excellence, integrity, and community, and will represent NWTC with distinction and pride.”
After learning that he was chosen to be NWTC’s ambassador, Hagel recalled thinking, “The things I've been able to overcome and be where I am is really starting to show and people recognize it, which means a lot.”
While Hagel’s list of campus roles is impressive, his greatest motivation is found at home.
“With five kids and a stay-at-home mom, my main goal is to give them the life I didn’t have growing up,” Hagel shares. “We didn’t have a lot of money, and I want my kids to have opportunities – to go places and to have what they want. That drives everything I do.”
Hagel, his wife, and their five children at the WTCS Student Ambassador Banquet.
Cybersecurity wasn’t just a practical choice for Hagel – it was a personal one. “I didn’t want my kids to grow up without their dad around,” he said. “This field gives me the chance to be there for them while still building a great career.”
After earning his associate degree in 2026, Hagel plans to continue his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree – and hopefully, land a federal job that honors both his military background and his career goals. “I’d love to work in government,” he said. “My time in the service would roll over and help me retire earlier, meaning more time with my family.”
Through hard work, resilience, and the right support system, Hagel is using his time at NWTC to elevate not just his career, but the lives of the people he loves most.
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