UWSP’s Karg retires

Mel Karg, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s director of high school relations, retired January 20 after serving the university in a number of roles.

He began his association with UWSP as an incoming freshman in 1957. After a brief period of teaching high school and media broadcasting, he became a residence hall director at Steiner Hall in 1964. During his 35-year career at UWSP, he has served as director of residence life, director of student conduct, and for the past 16 years, director of high school relations.

Karg has produced numerous video and television programs, radio promotions and print publications that have kept UWSP apace with modern student recruitment practices. His marketing innovations have earned him recognition from his peers, including an Award of Merit by the National School Public Relations Association for Karg’s 1989 15-minute piece, "The Adventure of Tomorrow." In that same year, he was cited by the Greater Wisconsin Chapter of the International Television Association for narrating a television spot announcing UWSP’s open house.

Bill Jordan, assistant director of admissions, will take on many of Karg’s duties including service as chief recruiting officer for the university. "The transition within our department has been the easiest I have ever seen," said Karg. Jordan will inherit "a splendid and veteran staff."

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Karg served in the Navy, spending much of his time on the Rhine River Patrol in Germany. Prior to his honorable discharge in 1956, he earned an equivalent high school diploma.

While a student at UWSP, he met his future bride, the former Nancy Lingenfelter, a 1961 alumna. They have three children and four grandchildren.

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