Outstanding faculty and staff members were
recently recognized at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for their work
during the 2014-2015 academic year.
The inaugural Excellence in Teaching,
Scholarship and Service Award was given to Professor Andy Felt, mathematical
sciences. Working with students on research projects on campus and in the
community, he combines teaching, scholarship and service. He created the
UW-Stevens Point Center for Athletic Scheduling, which uses mathematical
formulas to develop schedules for several Division III schools. He has taught at
UW-Stevens Point since 2000.
The highest award for non-teaching classified
staff with more than 25 years of service was given to Ann Klosinski, a university
conference coordinator in University Centers. She received the Carolyn Rolfson
Sargis Award. During the past 30 years at the university, she has also worked
in Admissions, the Foundation and Residential Living. She coordinates a
multitude of events at the Dreyfus University Center, working with students,
faculty and staff. She has led several projects to upgrade space management and
calendar technology at UW-Stevens Point.
Faculty selected for the Excellence in
Teaching Award included:
- Assistant
Professor Jennifer Bray, biology, who received high praise from many students
in her human physiology and animal biology classes since joining UW-Stevens Point
in 2012.
- Assistant
Professor Neil Prendergast, history, who teaches environmental history and has collaborated
with faculty across campus on several interdisciplinary courses since 2011.
- Professor
Dona Warren, philosophy, who has inspired students in critical thinking and
logic skills at UW-Stevens Point since 1995.
- Associate
Professor Shelli Dubay, natural resources, who has mentored numerous
undergraduate and graduate students in research projects since joining
UW-Stevens Point in 2005.
- Professor
Perry Cook, education, who has a “hearts on, hands on and head on” approach to
teaching science education. He came to UW-Stevens Point in 1994.
The following were recognized with the
University Scholar Award:
- Professor
Eric Anderson, wildlife, advises numerous student research projects and has earned
thousands of dollars in research and teaching grants. He’s also led numerous
study and research abroad trips since he began at UW-Stevens Point in 1990.
- Professor
Robert Rosenfield, biology, a nationally recognized expert on raptor ecology,
works closely with students in field courses and research projects. He came to
UW-Stevens Point in 1991.
University Service Award recipients were:
- Associate
Professor Tobias Barske, world languages and literatures, an active member of
several department, university and professional committees and organizations.
He has taught at UW-Stevens Point since 2006.
- Professor
Randy Olson, physics and astronomy, who came to UW-Stevens Point in 1985. He
served as the director of the planetarium for 30 years and the Faculty Senate
chair for three terms.
- Randi
Greene, a University Child Learning and Care Center office associate. She is
active with the Classified Staff Council and two Faculty Senate committees and
lends support to the Alliance of Non-Traditional Students organization.
Jim Joque, director of the Disability and
Assistive Technology Center, received the Academic Staff Excellence Award. He
has worked with people with disabilities for more than 30 years, assisting
students and helping create inclusive policies at UW-Stevens Point since 1998.
He also is an instructor of outdoor recreation courses.
The Academic Staff Spirit of Community
Service Award was given to Scott Johnson, director of the Central Wisconsin
Environmental Station. He has partnered with numerous community agencies to
provide services for area youth and educational opportunities for UW-Stevens
Point students. He began working for UW-Stevens Point in 2005.
Several staff members were recognized for
Outstanding Work Performance:
- Tammi
David, UWSP Foundation, was instrumental in a recent computer program upgrade
and transition.
- Jackie
Durigan, College of Professional Studies Dean’s Office, created detailed budget
projections in planning for several new academic programs within the college.
- Julie Johnson,
University Advancement, developed new procedures for gift processing, resulting
in increased accuracy, timeliness and efficiency within the UWSP Foundation.
- Mary Jo
Oliver, Continuing Education, took on new duties in financial processing and
training staff in a new data base program.
- Heidi
Wallner, Purchasing, put in extra work to ensure cost effectiveness and timely
payments within her department during a staff shortage.