Quala Champagne: Wisconsin's first black woman warden
Alumni & Friends, Winter/Spring 2004
Being the warden of a mediumsecurity men’s prison may seem a daunting and even dangerous task. To Quala Champagne ’87, it’s an exciting career move that rewards her hard work and uses her unique abilities.
On September 26, 2003, Champagne was sworn in as the new warden of the Racine Correctional Institution (RCI), which houses about 1,500 inmates and 400 staff. She is the first black woman in Wisconsin to become a warden and one of only five women overall to hold that post. Gov. Jim Doyle and other dignitaries were on hand for the event.
Having worked in corrections since 1991, Champagne understands the qualities necessary to be an effective warden.
“Communicating well to my staff and the inmates, understanding our mission, listening, being accessible, leadership, honesty, integrity – these are all important,” Champagne said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Born in Chicago, Champagne grew up in DeForest, Wis. Her father worked at the Mendota Mental Health Institute, which influenced her decision to get a degree in psychology at UW-Whitewater. She said the field helped her look at individuals, what motivates them and how they interact. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from UW-Oshkosh.
Because of her desire to work with juveniles, Champagne has been a supervisor at the Southern Oaks Girls School in Union Grove and a social worker and deputy superintendent at Ethan Allen School in Wales. In an interesting twist, she previously worked as a program review coordinator at RCI, which she found to be a friendly, professional place. Now she’s back – this time at the helm.
Prisons can be tough places. Does the new warden have any fear working there?
“No, I don’t,” Champagne said simply. “We run a safe and secure institution. One of my goals is to make my presence visible. I am confident that my staff can respond to any situation that may arise. That’s part of getting out there.”
When not at work, Champagne, who lives in the Milwaukee area, likes to hike and hunt with her beagle. She also loves to travel and is a firm believer in exercise as a key to health. Someday she may pursue her doctorate degree, but for now, she says with a smile, “my hands are full.” – Jane Provorse