Lakeland University has announced the hiring of Paul Griffin as its first recruitment coordinator for STEM K12 programs. Griffin, who has a background in manufacturing and workforce development, will also serve as strategic project lead at the university.
Griffin brings 25 years of experience in industries such as plastics, consumer goods, food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. His career has focused on workforce and organizational development through academic outreach, branding, recruitment, onboarding, training, leadership development, and succession planning.
Before joining Lakeland University, Griffin worked at MilliporeSigma for over seven years. He spent more than four years as associate manager of training & outreach where he led programming initiatives that increased educational events and volunteer engagement. He also managed MilliporeSigma’s Cooperative Education partnership with Lakeland University.
“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. He previously held roles in training and outreach at Alcami Corporation, Johnsonville Sausage, and Rockline Industries.
Griffin’s work includes involvement in manufacturing expansion projects valued between $10 million and over $160 million in Sheboygan County. He was also part of the core team that developed the $4.3 million Red Raider Manufacturing program in Sheboygan.
He has served on the Lakeland Board of Trustees since 2024 but will step down from that role to join the university staff. The position he is filling was funded by a 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,” said Lakeland President Beth Borgen.
“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 involved with several local organizations including United Way of Sheboygan County Community Action Team, Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels, Inspire Wisconsin, Lakeshore United men’s soccer teams, and Sheboygan North Boys soccer program.
He holds a master’s degree in administrative leadership – HR & workforce development and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also holds certificates from Lakeshore College.
