Excellence in Teaching Award – Kate Kipp, sociology and social work
"At the core of social work is the concept of connection," says Kate Kipp, assistant professor in the UW-Stevens Point Department of Sociology and Social Work. "To me, social work is about connecting people to their inner lives, support systems, communities, and universe. I believe there are three levels of connection needed for transformative teaching and learning.
First, an educator must connect with each individual student. An educator must connect with the entire class, and finally the educator must make meaningful connections between research and the student's practice as a social worker."
Kipp's work over the past few years was recently recognized with an Excellence in Teaching Award. She served as a part-time instructional academic staff member in the department for five years before becoming a full-time faculty member in 2019.
In her short time as a faculty member, Kipp has taught seven social work courses, six of which were new for her. This multi-course teaching load is partially the result of the expansion of the university's social work program to its Wausau and Marshfield campuses.
Kipp volunteered to be the primary Wausau-based faculty member, which resulted not only in multiple course preparations but also the need to teach both associate degree-seeking students and undergraduates, the extensive use of distance technology, and teaching on multiple campuses in a given semester.
"Even before the pandemic, Professor Kipp became skillful with distance education technology and online learning platforms, and she has embraced the opportunity to develop her skills in this way," says Amy Zlimen Ticho, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Work. "Her expansive knowledge base and ability to deliver important, useful information on such a wide array of topics is impressive. Professor Kipp is a highly versatile educator in terms of content, target audience, and mode of delivery."
Kipp's efforts are appreciated by her students.
"Kate is the kind of professor that makes every student feel like they are the most valued in the room," says social work and sociology student Jemina Woods. "She fosters intellectual and respectful conversations in the classroom that empower students to engage in scholarly activity, both during and after class. She takes her role as a professor to the next level in every way possible, and she prioritizes students' personal and professional development. She is empathetic and kind, and on more than one occasion has stayed well after the end of class to assist students with questions.
Kate is the kind of person you hope to meet and aspire to be."
See also:
Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service Award - David Barry
Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award - Tina Rajski
Excellence in Teaching Award - Lauren Gantz, Kyle Herrman, Erin Speetzen
University Scholar Award - Chris Diehm, Alex Ingersoll
University Service Award - Jennifer Collins, Shelly Janowski, Kathryn McGarry
Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award - Lisa Golda
Outstanding Work Performance Award - Janette Baumann, Corinna Neeb, Lisa Nelson, Heather Springer
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