Tashia F. Morgridge (BSE 1955 Education) exemplifies the spirit of a human ecologist, committed to improving the quality of people’s lives and the values of leadership and service. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison and her master’s degree from Lesley University in Massachusetts, Tashia devoted her career to special education at the elementary school level. Her volunteerism, philanthropy, and board service have focused on children and young adults. She has been an active supporter of early literacy programs, youth civic engagement, and access to higher education for young scholars.
Along with her husband John (BBA 1955), the Morgridges have generously supported students, faculty, research, and initiatives across UW-Madison. In 2014, Tashia and John announced an extraordinary matching gift to inspire increased support for endowed chairs and professorships at the university. School of Human Ecology alumni and friends enthusiastically took up this matching challenge, partnering with Tashia and John to create ten new endowed faculty positions. In recognition of Tashia and John’s transformational impact on the School of Human Ecology, the SoHE community is honored to recognize Tashia as a 100 Women honoree.