Preston Hayward
The Kelly Warnecke Hayward Residence Life Scholarship was established in 2008 by her loving husband, Preston Hayward; their children, Brennan and Jocelyn; UWO alumni, family, and friends of Kelly.
Kelly Lee Warnecke Hayward was born in West Allis and graduated from Sussex-Hamilton High School. In 1997, she earned a bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in coaching from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In 2000, Kelly earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Auburn University in Alabama.
During her time at UW Oshkosh, Kelly was employed by the Department of Residence Life as a community advisor in Webster Hall and Clemans Hall. She was instrumental in founding the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Chapter at UW Oshkosh. Kelly was a dedicated and committed floor leader, hall leader, and community advisor. She was known for her exceptional programming skills and outstanding relationship building and was awarded Program of the Year in recognition of her skills in these areas. She was especially dedicated to UW Oshkosh Homecoming and Winter Carnival events, and took great pride in being involved with these events, as well as encouraging other students to do the same. Kelly was also actively involved in the coordination and promotion of Residence Hall Week.
Through her service to residence life, she met her husband, Major Preston Hayward, a fellow community advisor in Donner Hall. Preston graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Preston has held several positions within the U.S. Army.
Kelly was a very supportive U.S. Army military spouse. She was very active within military family readiness channels. Kelly moved to many places in support of her husband, and she loved the travel and cherished the friends she met around the world. Friends would always remark that Kelly was the first person to show up at their door with a smile and offer assistance when someone new moved into the neighborhood.
As a nationally and state certified school counselor, Kelly relished the challenge of helping students within the alternative and public school environment. Kelly made a difference in the lives of many students in Wisconsin, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, and Washington. Kelly passed away in 2007.