Named the 2025 Sheboygan County Lakeland Economic Driver of the Year, Lakeland University is recognized for its Cooperative Education program, which enables students to earn up to 25 percent of their degree through paid work experience, supporting career readiness while helping students progress, persist, and graduate.

Lakeland University was named a co-winner of the 2025 Economic Driver of the Year Award by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC). The award recognizes organizations that make a significant and sustained impact on the county’s economy.

“We are honored to receive this award, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff as we navigate an ever-changing environment,” said Lakeland President Beth Borgen. “Dating back to 1862, Lakeland has a long history of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and embracing change.”

Lakeland’s economic impact in Wisconsin totals $94 million annually, according to a recent report from the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Lakeland has locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Janesville, Madison, Waukesha, and Wisconsin Rapids, as well as a campus in Tokyo, Japan.

The award highlighted Lakeland’s Cooperative Education program, which allows students to earn up to 25 percent of their degree through paid work experience. Since its launch in fall 2018, students have completed more than 3,500 placements, earning nearly 12,500 academic credits and more than $10 million in wages.