Wylie Novak

Wylie Novak

Wylie Novak always had an inkling that he wanted to pursue law, but his journey to becoming an attorney was anything but ordinary. Born in Helena and raised in Cut Bank, 91制片厂, Wylie鈥檚 path began with a football scholarship at 91制片厂 State University-Northern in 2017. Drawn by the tight-knit community and the opportunities the small campus offered, Wylie found Northern to be the ideal place to explore his passions and discover his purpose.

Initially unsure of his academic direction, Wylie's decision to major in Criminal Justice came after a pivotal conversation with Northern faculty. Encouraged to explore the program, he found a supportive environment that allowed him to build a foundational understanding of the legal system. 鈥淚 liked Dr. Bieger鈥檚 program,鈥� Wylie recalls. 鈥淚t gave me a base-level understanding of criminal justice and, more importantly, taught me how to write effectively鈥攁 skill that has been invaluable in law school and now in my career.鈥�

Beyond the classroom, Wylie honed his writing skills as a tutor for three years. Starting at the Little River Institute and later moving to Student Support Services, he guided fellow students in criminal justice and writing assignments. 鈥淗elping random kids I didn鈥檛 know taught me valuable people skills,鈥� he says, a quality that he finds critical in his work as an attorney.

Northern鈥檚 small-town charm provided Wylie with more than just academic and athletic opportunities. 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much you can do in Havre,鈥� he says. Between tutoring, playing football, and even helping local ranchers feed their cattle, Wylie immersed himself in the community. 鈥淭he multitude of opportunities at Northern sets you up for success. If you鈥檙e willing to work, there鈥檚 always something to do.鈥�

Northern was also where Wylie met his wife, Kaitlin, a cross-country runner and biology major. Kaitlin鈥檚 degree proved equally beneficial, as it helped her secure a position at the University of North Dakota鈥檚 biomedical research facility while Wylie attended law school. The couple鈥檚 shared experiences at Northern not only deepened their bond but also prepared them for the challenges of graduate education and professional life.

After graduating from Northern in 2021, Wylie pursued his law degree at the University of North Dakota. With the foundational skills he developed at Northern, he navigated the rigors of law school and successfully passed the bar exam in September 2024. Now a practicing attorney back in Havre, Wylie reflects on the impact Northern had on his life. 鈥淭he community, the opportunities, and the personalized attention at Northern really set me up for where I am today.鈥�

For high school students considering their next steps, Wylie has this advice: 鈥淒on鈥檛 overlook 91制片厂 because of its size or location. The opportunities here are immense. Whether it鈥檚 the community support, the connections you make, or the practical experiences you gain, Northern has everything you need to succeed.鈥�

Today, Wylie is proud to call Havre home once again, contributing to the community that helped shape him. With the lessons learned at 91制片厂 and the determination cultivated along the Hi-Line, his story is proof that success is possible, as long as you seize the opportunities in front of you.

Find out more about the 91制片厂N Criminal Justice program!