Kristi Roth has always placed service at the heart of her professional life. This year, her dedication was recognized with the University Service Award at UW-Stevens Point, an honor that celebrates her commitment to campus, colleagues and community.
When the Common Council had not yet identified a chair for the 2026–27 academic year, Roth, a professor of education and former chair, agreed to serve an additional year beyond her elected term. Her willingness to continue in the role provided continuity for the council and helped ensure that the important work of shared governance could move forward without interruption. Colleagues described her decision as a generous commitment to the institution and its governance processes.
Common Council is the representative body of academic staff, faculty and university staff in UW-Stevens Point shared governance, which allows various constituent groups to participate in decision-making that affects the policies and operations of the university.
“Thanks to Kristi’s volunteering to be Common Council chair for one more year, the tradition of shared governance at UWSP will continue,” said Libby Raymond, UWSP publications editor. “Kristi’s selflessness saved Common Council and allowed it to continue to meet and address important campus issues and policies.”
Roth’s impact goes far beyond her official duties in this role. She volunteered to review and reorganize the University Handbook by identifying outdated and duplicate information, reorganizing chapters for clarity and providing detailed comments to expedite the revision process.
“Having the University Handbook reorganized, updated and culled down will save UWSP employees countless hours of time searching for what they need,” said Raymond.
With 22 years of service at UWSP, Roth has held numerous leadership roles including director of graduate studies and educational innovation, director of technology innovation in teaching and learning and co-director of the Teaching Partners program.
Her service extends to the Universities of Wisconsin where she serves as the faculty representative, and led the faculty representatives’ report “The Future of the Universities of Wisconsin: A View from the Classroom”. She also has contributed to systemwide policy development. As a faculty representative, Roth advocates for UWSP at the system level, meeting regularly with peers, administrators and regents.
Roth is known for fostering camaraderie and relationship-building among faculty and staff. Her leadership style balances technical policy analysis with big-picture thinking, always advocating for resources, and fair compensation and workload.
“Kristi’s work represents a deep sense of dedication and responsibility to our campus and the purpose of shared governance,” said Jess Bowers, faculty member in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. “Her leadership has positively impacted faculty, advanced meaningful policy and contributed to positive change for faculty, staff and students.”
Roth said her service has been guided by a commitment to advancing shared governance, strengthening teaching and learning and supporting inclusive, student-centered academic environments.
“Service has been central to my professional identity at UW-Stevens Point and to my personal values,” said Roth. “My desire to serve has shaped my contributions to the campus, my discipline, our students and the broader community.”
The University Service Award recognizes Roth not only for her extensive service record but for her transformative impact on UWSP’s culture, policies and community. Her leadership, vision and commitment have left an indelible mark on the university, ensuring that shared governance and collaborative spirit remain at the heart of campus life.