Wearing many hats, Mikayla demonstrates her service to Christ and Concordia.
As a double major in psychology and social work, Mikayla Dolan dedicates her time to CUW through club involvement, to the broader community through service, and to building a bright future for herself. Humble about the many positions she currently holds, Mikayla remains focused on helping others.
Finding her path in psychology
Inspired by a clinical psychologist she met at church, Mikayla initially wanted to pursue the same career. She found the study of behavior and the brain intriguing—especially how they intersect to help people.
“The program has challenged me academically and taught me critical thinking and research skills that I will be able to use in my future vocations,” Mikayla says. “The professors have also served as incredible Christian mentors and ensured that I am supported every step of the way.”
Not only has Mikayla grown in her leadership roles as a psychology major, but she has also participated in service projects for the community. As part of Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Week and her fall service-learning project, Mikayla joined her fellow Psychology Club members in preparing blankets for the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center, where she is currently interning.
“Mikayla, our Psychology Club president, is an amazing young woman whose leadership, compassion, and vision have truly shaped the club this year,” says Vittoria Sipone, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. “She has a gift for bringing people together and inspiring others to step up, and I couldn’t be prouder of the example she sets for her peers.”
While psychology gave her a strong foundation, Mikayla soon realized her call to serve was even broader.
A broader way to serve
She added social work as a second major because it felt like a natural choice and would look appealing to graduate schools. As she explored the program, she came to appreciate the beauty of its design. “It’s a wide field with so many different opportunities to serve people in the community and the world,” she says.
Recognizing the gifts God has given her, Mikayla says the social work program has helped her use them to serve God and His people. “It has helped me develop in empathy, understanding, and confidence in my ability to advocate for others,” she explains. “The practical experience the program offers, along with faculty who genuinely care for students, has made my experience something I am incredibly grateful for.”
With both majors serving as her groundwork, Mikayla has discovered a new passion. “I found out that I really love public policy, organization, and helping people on a really big, macro level.”
Graduating in May 2026, she plans to pursue law school. Her father, a pastor, wasn’t surprised. “It was funny—my dad would always make comments like, ‘You’d be a good lawyer,’” Mikayla says. When she told him she wanted to pursue law school, he was ready with his collection of resources.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:33-34
Faith in action
Here is a list of Mikayla’s current CUW extracurriculars. She says she has no favorites—she enjoys them all in different ways.
- Campus Ministry Leadership Team (CMLT): Service to Milwaukee Coordinator/Faith Associate in Wittenberg Hall
- Student Social Work Organization (SSWO): Executive Director
- Psych Club: President
- Comfort Dogs: Handler for Runner
- Feed My Starving Children (FMSC): Event Organizer
- Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center: Intern
“What those organizations all have in common is that they are very service-oriented and focused on serving Christ and His Kingdom,” Mikayla explains.
God calls us to do His work in His time. Through CUW, Mikayla found her calling to serve others. As part of her psychology service-learning project this spring, she is organizing an event with Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit that empowers volunteers to pack meals for malnourished children in nearly 70 countries.
Over 500 volunteers and $30,000 are needed to host this event March 18–20, 2026. To learn more about how you can support or volunteer, visit here.
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.