Teaching her introductory course in sociology, Ann Herda-Rapp is able to leave a lasting impression on new students who are just beginning to explore their future career interest areas. Herda-Rapp has spent the past four years dedicated to teaching in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. That is on top of teaching at the university for 20 previous years, at the former at UW-Marathon County, before she took on the leadership of the UW-Stevens Point at Wausau in 2018, serving as campus executive.
“It was an extension of my work as a professor,” she said. “I was primarily concerned with driving student engagement and serving our staff.”
She served in the role until 2022. Then, Herda-Rapp said she knew she would go back to full-time instruction and her department colleagues welcomed her back to teaching, “with open arms.” They wrote in support of her nomination for the 2026 University Excellence in Teaching Award, which she received last spring. That recognition driven by her department is a meaningful honor, she said.
“Especially deep into my career it is gratifying that your colleagues see you have been doing something right,” said Herda-Rapp.
Dr. Herda-Rapp strives to foster an environment in which students get to engage with each other regularly. Former student Nathan Bohr, a junior double major in sociology and history from Wausau, said classes with Herda-Rapp gave him the opportunity to develop strong arguments in group discussions.
“Professor Herda-Rapp articulates complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. She is always keen to have earnest class discussion that allows students to help each other understand concepts which has been invaluable to not only understanding the material but building soft skills that are invaluable to have in today’s society,” Bohr said.
After exams, Herda-Rapp gives students a chance for reflection. They will sometimes pair up with each other and examine their own work and understanding from their recent tests.
“We ask about what worked and what didn’t. I spend a lot of time talking about how to study, and how to do well. What to do next time,” said Herda-Rapp. “I try to emphasize studying as you go along to help them retain it.”
Bohr said students are always encouraged to connect over any questions they might have from the courses. A highlight for him, after transferring into UW-Stevens Point, was the SOC 355 Environmental Sociology course with Herda-Rapp. It delved into social issues and the hierarchy of systems, from the Grassroots local level to broader national legislative action. Even if students don’t choose to major in sociology, as Bohr has, he said the concepts she teaches provide students with an understanding of how the structure of society shapes us.
“She takes her role as an educator seriously, preparing rigorous, relevant, and student-focused courses. She truly has a passion for serving students,” said professor of social work Amy Zlimen Ticho, former chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Work. “Students come away from her classes with essential perspectives and knowledge, and many enroll in additional sociology classes because of her influence.”
Over the years, Herda-Rapp has developed 12 rotating courses. She applies key concepts important in sociology over a range of instructional methods. Her goal is to help students engage deeply in the material.
In return, her student course evaluations often remark on how they value her authenticity and clear course expectations, such as the need to keep up with the assigned readings.
“I want them to understand the world they live in a little better through sociology,” Herda-Rapp said.
Teaching others has long been Herda-Rapp’s passion. It’s still a joy when she sees the moments when concepts click for students and they are excited to gain new course knowledge. Those moments are reminders, like the phrase on her favorite coffee mug to, “Do what you love. Love what you do!”