Outstanding faculty and staff members were recognized recently at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for their work during the 2019-2020 academic year.
The Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service Award was given to Nate Bowling, professor of chemistry. Bowling engages both chemistry majors and non-majors in his classroom and in 2018 was awarded the prestigious Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. He has received $1.8 million in internal and external research grants, including those from the National Science Foundation, and mentors student research. He serves the university by helping with recruitment events and sitting on several department committees. He was the faculty athletic representative for 10 years.
The winner of the Classified Staff Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award, given to an outstanding and long-serving University Staff member, was Pat Kleman, dean's assistant in the College of Letters and Science. After starting in Purchasing, she was the academic department associate in psychology. In that role and in the dean's office, she has gone above and beyond to keep operations running smoothly and to serve as a valuable information resource.
Five faculty members were selected for the Excellence in Teaching Award:
- Myles Boothroyd, assistant professor of saxophone, has implemented several new course initiatives using technology and initiated a new saxophone ensemble.
- Jess Bowers, assistant professor of sociology and social work, engages students with respect, enthusiasm, real world applications, volunteerism and political advocacy.
- Cary Elza, assistant professor of communication, teaches and develops new courses that include technical interaction, active learning, critical thinking and civic engagement.
- Joshua Horn, associate professor of philosophy, connects ancient philosophy with current students' issues and recently developed two new courses.
- E. Jerry Jessee, associate professor of history and international studies, teaches with contagious energy and high-impact practices, and piloted a new social studies methods course.
Recognized with the University Scholar Award were:
- David Barry, professor of sociology and social work, who has published meaningful and diverse research on topics from global identity to natural burial, all while advancing and mentoring student research.
- Krista Slemmons, associate professor of biology and Scribner professor of biology education. She maintains an active and productive research program on the impact of climate change on lake ecosystems, collaborating with faculty across the nation and world.
University Service Award recipients were:
- Mary Bowman, professor of English, who spearheaded the assessment and revision of the General Education Program and chaired Common Council for the last two years during ongoing budget challenges.
- Yan Liao, professor in the University Library, who served as the Curriculum Committee chair for a year, rising to many challenges. She has served on numerous university committees and helps plan the Portage County Cultural Festival.
- Anne Swenson, acquisitions, University Library, who worked tirelessly to help coordinate, design, install and promote a special 125th anniversary art exhibit as part of the university's Historic Preservation Committee.
The recipient of the Academic Staff Excellence Award was Anne Rogalski, outreach program manager for Continuing Education. She was recognized for creating and coordinating workshops, classes, trips, camps and other activities for all ages with efficiency, creativity, resourcefulness and a positive attitude.
The Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award was given to Megan Espe, outreach coordinator at Schmeeckle Reserve. Instrumental in founding the Friends of Schmeeckle and helping with the group's projects, Espe also coordinates nature programs, candlelight hikes and contests at the reserve.
Several staff members were recognized for Outstanding Work Performance:
- Tom Bertram, Human Resources, filled in several crucial roles in the past year, including transitioning employees to a new health care provider and digitizing paper files.
- RoxAnne Forrest, children's learning center, increases efficiency, spreads program awareness and maximizes effectiveness as the center's assistant director.
- Kathy Heck, Purchasing, was dedicated, driven and detail oriented as she took on additional duties to increase efficiency and train employees at the Wausau and Marshfield campuses.
- Libby Raymond, Academic Affairs, took on extra duties to support the University Curriculum Committee efficiently through staff changes and addition of the Wausau and Marshfield campuses.
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