New warden is first black woman to hold post in state

By Jeff Wilford

Wednesday, September 17, 2003 8:59 AM CDT

STURTEVANT - Quala Champagne's appointment as the warden at Racine Correctional Institution is a milestone.

She's the first black woman to become a prison warden in Wisconsin. She's one of only five women overall who are

wardens.

Even so, Champagne, 37, said she doesn't feel any extra pressure to perform her job well.

"I always set goals for myself," Champagne said. "Being a role model ... is an added bonus. It's not something that I'm seeking to do."

Champagne was sworn in Tuesday as the new warden of the Racine Correctional Institution. She succeeds Steven Beck, who left the post in January, and takes over from Ken Morgan, who has been the acting warden since then. Champagne actually started as warden on Aug. 25.

The ceremony took place at the prison. Gov. Jim Doyle swore her in. Matthew Frank, secretary of the Department of Corrections; and Steve Casperson, the director of adult institutions for the department, were also there.

Among the goals Champagne said she has as warden are running a safe and secure prison, running an efficient and fiscally responsible prison, and communicating with staff and inmates. Champagne said she plans to be very visible on the prison grounds, talking with staff and inmates as time permits.

She said she's still getting a feel for the prison.

"I think that's my first goal here - to look at what we do well and what we need to improve," Champagne said. But she doesn't have any specific changes in mind. "It is a well-run institution right now."

Champagne, who was born in Chicago but grew up in DeForest, Wis., has worked for the Department of Corrections since 1991.

She started as a social worker at the Ethan Allen School for Boys in Wales. She was an assistant unit supervisor at Southern Oaks Girls School in Yorkville for a year. She returned to the Ethan Allen School in 1995, first as a corrections unit supervisor, finally as deputy

superintendent.

Doyle said Champagne's appointment as warden is important because of the historical first it represents.

"We have now come to a point where somebody, based strictly on their qualifications, their strengths and their desire to get ahead" can advance, Doyle said.

"She is a person who has gotten here the hard way, working hard," Doyle said.

Matt Frank said wardens face many challenges, among them focusing on the rehabilitation of inmates. Doyle said working in corrections is often thankless, where good work goes unnoticed but mistakes become very

public.

"I look forward to the challenges that the position of warden has ahead for me," Champagne said.

Dozens of dignitaries - including state representatives and other wardens - people from law enforcement and prison staff attended the ceremony. Champagne's mother and sister were also there.

The Racine Correctional Institution has about 1,400 inmates and 400 staff.

Special Offer: Get 5 Weeks of the Journal Times for $7!