FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2025
Green Bay, WI — Students at UW-Green Bay will continue benefiting from the real-world experience of former U.S. Congressman Reid Ribble, who has signed on for a second three-year term as the political science program’s practitioner in residence. Ribble’s continued involvement means more opportunities for students to engage directly with someone who has shaped national policy and navigated the complexities of American government.
Ribble is no stranger to the classroom. Since 2015, Ribble has been a regular guest in UW-Green Bay Professor Aaron Weinschenk’s political science classes, offering insights from his time in Congress and helping students explore careers in public service. He’s facilitated internships in congressional offices and provided one-on-one career guidance to students interested in government work.
“I am excited to continue to be affiliated with UW-Green Bay in this way,” said Ribble. “The ability to share what I have learned from my personal experience while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives with students has been incredibly rewarding. It has been a pleasure to get to meet and interact with so many UW-Green Bay students over the past several years. I look forward to continuing to be involved with the UW-Green Bay community.”
During his first term as practitioner in residence (2022–2025,) Ribble hosted events, led discussions on careers in politics and met with students across disciplines. “We are thrilled that Congressmen Ribble is willing to serve a second term,” said Weinschenk, who has collaborated with Ribble on a variety of initiatives for the past ten years. “His insights into our government have helped our students get a better sense of what they might want to do after graduation and to think more deeply about whether a career in politics or government might be of interest to them.”
One standout discussion event hosted by Ribble in 2025, drew students from across campus to learn about the wide range of government careers and ask questions directly of Ribble. Weinschenk noted that it was “a phenomenal chance for our students to learn about the wide array of careers that exist in government and to ask questions of someone with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge.”
Reid Ribble served six years in the U.S. House of Representatives (R-WI-08). During his tenure, he served on the Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, Budget and Finance and Foreign Affairs Committees, where he served as vice chairman of the Committee on Emerging Threats. During his time in Congress, Ribble met with more than 25 heads of state and in his capacity on the Committee on Foreign Affairs traveled extensively throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Notably, he was one of just a few Republicans to travel with President Obama to try to normalize trade relations with Cuba. Prior to serving the 8th district, Ribble spent more than 30 years as the president of his own roofing company in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He also served as the CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association following his time in Congress.
“We are incredibly excited that Congressmen Ribble will serve a second term as our practitioner in residence in political science,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “Our students always benefit from learning from people who can educate through their lived experience in their fields. Congressman Ribble has a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share his ideas and insights with our students. It is truly special that he is willing to serve UW-Green Bay in this way and we are grateful for his dedication to the university.”
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 100,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
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