New Lakeland hire will grow STEM programs
Lakeland University has hired Paul Griffin, a well-regarded training industry professional, to help grow its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education (STEM) programs.
Griffin will serve as Lakeland’s first recruitment coordinator for STEM K12, leveraging his existing Sheboygan-area community partnerships to expand Lakeland’s presence. He will also serve as strategic project lead.
He has worked in manufacturing for 25 years, with experience in plastics, consumer goods, food, pharmaceutical and chemical operations. Much of his focus has centered on workforce and organizational development, including overseeing academic and community outreach, branding, recruitment, onboarding, on-the-job training, leadership development and succession planning.
Griffin has shaped a learning approach that’s known for being collaborative, behavior-driven and rooted in people.
He comes to Lakeland from MilliporeSigma where he’s worked for more than seven years, including four-plus years as associate manager of training & outreach. In that time, he led outreach programming initiatives and significantly increased annual educational and civic events, volunteer engagement and direct physical interactions. He also oversaw the company’s Cooperative Education partnership with Lakeland.
“I strongly believe it is crucial for organizations to be physically active and continuously present within this handshake community to sustain business needs within a challenging economy and limited workforce,” said Griffin, who previously served training and outreach roles at Alcami Corporation, Johnsonville Sausage and Rockline Industries.
Among Griffin’s notable work is manufacturing expansion workforce development projects ranging from $10 million-$160-plus million within Sheboygan County. He was also part of the core leadership team to develop the $4.3 million Red Raider Manufacturing program in Sheboygan.
Griffin has served as a member of the Lakeland Board of Trustees since 2024, a role he will leave to join Lakeland’s staff. Lakeland President Beth Borgen noted that the position Griffin is filling has been funded by a generous donor.
“We have been blessed to have Paul serve as a trustee and now we are excited to bring his talents to the Lakeland family in a day-to-day role,” Borgen said.
“Paul’s thoughtful approach and passion for hands-on learning will be a huge asset to Lakeland as we position ourselves to grow enrollment in STEM programs. Lakeland has state-of-the-art laboratories and amazing faculty/student research opportunities to share with the region. Paul’s role will facilitate awareness and expand strategic partnerships in the STEM industry.”
Griffin is an active community leader, including work with the United Way of Sheboygan County Community Action Team, the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels and Inspire Wisconsin. He is an active soccer coach for the Lakeshore United men’s teams and Sheboygan North Boys soccer program.
He has a master of science degree in administrative leadership - HR & workforce development and a bachelor’s in journalism, advertising & media studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also has certificates in web design and desktop publishing & digital design from Lakeshore College.
