Kelly Otto

About

Kelly Otto serves as the undergraduate program manager and is passionate about supporting students through program development and academic advising. In this role, Otto oversees the undergrad certificate in public policy and certificate in health policy and works to develop the new undergraduate major in public policy.

After completing a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis, Kelly initially joined La Follette in 2022 as the primary academic advisor. Prior to this role, Kelly’s work as an educator spanned 18 years, where she developed and taught engaging and innovative curricula at Madison College, Middleton High School, and Operation Fresh Start, an educational nonprofit. Kelly also worked to improve programming and the student experience as the diversity equity and inclusion co-chair at Madison College, and as a UW shared governance representative on the Campus Diversity and Climate Committee and on the School of Education Programs Committee. Kelly is passionate about designing relevant, accessible, and high-quality educational programs and experiences.

She enjoys hiking, bike riding, reading, writing, and spending time with her family.