College of Arts and Sciences Awards
CAS Awards Nomination Criteria and Submission Information
Excellence in Teaching Awards
Nominations for College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Awards are solicited from College of Arts and Sciences current students and alumni. Recipients are selected based on the responses from these students and alumni. The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1985 and is considered the college’s highest award of distinction.
Prior to 2018 an award was given in each of the three college divisions to recognize exemplary service in the classroom and beyond. Beginning in 2018, it was determined that only one outstanding faculty or academic staff member from the college would be selected.
2024
- Melissa Hayslip, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology
2022-23
- Cheng-Chen Huang, Biology
2022
- Michael Helke, Art
2021
- Katie Huber, Psychological Sciences
2020
- Scott Mitchell, Communication and Media Studies
2019
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
2018
- Ann Lawton, Art (IAS)
2017
- Greta Gaard, English
- John Wheeler, Biology
- Melanie Ayres, Psychology
- Lyz Wendland, Art (IAS)
2016
- Kaylee Spencer, Art
- Keith Chavey, Math
- Charles Rader, Geography and GIS
- Kathleen Maude, English (IAS)
2015
- David Bonko, Marketing Communications
- Joe Gathman, Biology
- Paige Miller, Sociology, Criminology & Anthropology
- John Ford, Biology (IAS)
2014
- Cecilia Bustamante, Modern Languages
- Earl Blodgett, Physics
- Kurt Leichtle, History
- Coni Gehler, Mathematics (IAS)
2013
- Mialisa Moline, English
- Stephen List, Mathematics
- Mathew Dooley, Geography
- Alan Pound, English (IAS)
2012
- Michelle Parkinson, English
- Rellen Hardtke, Physics
- Daniel Linwick, Psychology
- Betsy Gerbec, Biology (IAS)
2011
- James Pratt, Marketing Communications
- John Wheeler, Biology
- Kiril Petkov, History & Philosophy
- Ken Olson, English (IAS)
2010
- Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
- Glenn Spiczak, Physics
- Imtiaz Moosa, History & Philosophy
2009
- Nicholas Karolides, English
- Karl Peterson, Chemistry
- Erick Hofacker, Mathematics
- Rik Seefeldt, Psychology
2008
- Sarah Parks, Music
- Tim Lyden, Biology
- Cyndi Kernahan, Psychology
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
2007
- Morgan Clifford, Art
- Karen Klyczek, Biology
- Brad Caskey, Psychology
2006
- Jim Mulvey, English
- Eileen Korenic, Physics
- Wes Chapin, Political Science
2005
- Ruth Wood, English
- Kathryn Ernie, Mathematics
- Donald Petzold, Geography
2004
- Terrence Mannetter, Modern Language
- Clarke Garry, Biology
- Edward Peterson, History
2003
- Stephen Olsen, Marketing Communications
- Mark Bergland, Biology
- Brian Copp, Sociology
2002
- Jennifer Brantley, English
- Magdalena Pala, Chemistry
- Charles Rader, Geography
2001
- Keith Chavey, Mathematics
- Marilyn Duerst, Chemistry
- Clifford Mottaz, Sociology
- Barbara Werner, SCTA
2000
- David Furniss, English
- E. Katherine Miller, Biology
- Dan Linwick, Psychology
1999
- Carole Gerster, English
- Douglas Johnson, Biology
- John Buschen, History
1998
- Richard McNamara, English and Journalism
- Earl Blodgett, Physics
- Neal Prochnow, Physics
- Barbara Rebhuhn, Psychology
1997
- Nicholas Karolides, English
- Imtiaz Moosa, Philosophy
- John Shepherd, Physics
- Rik Seefeldt, Psychology
1996
- Teresa Brown, English
- Kermit Paulson, Physics
- Brad Caskey, Psychology
1995
- Ila June Brown-Pratt, Music
- Karen Klyczek, Biology
- Kurt Leichtle, History
1994
- James Mulvey, English
- Robert Pionke, Sociology
- Susan Rogers, Business Law
- Kathryn Ernie, Math/CS
1993
- Susan Beck, English
- Hossein Eftekhari, Economics
- Clarke Garry, Biology
- Jeffrey Rosenthal, Chemistry
1992
- Laura Zlogar, English
- Carl Finstad, Biology
- Bruce Decheine, Sociology
1991
- Kurt Wild, Art
- Curtiss Larson, Physics
- Ruth Hale, Geography
1990
- Richard Beckham, English
- Mark Bergland, Biology
- Herbert Cederberg, History
1989
- Glenn Potts, Economics
- Bruce Williamson, Math/CS
- Ronald Snell, SCTA
1988
- Walter Nottingham, Art
- James Delaplain, English
- Douglas Johnson, Biology
- Janna Cowen, Economics
1987
- Robert Beck, English
- Bruce Murray, Chemistry
- Brian Copp, Sociology
1986
- John Buschen, Art
- Neal Prochnow, Physics
- Robert Bailey, Sociology
1985
- Margaret Odegard, English
- John Hill, Chemistry
- Brian Schultz, Economics
Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities Awards
The CAS Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities Award is based on peer and self-nominations solicited from CAS faculty. Selections are based on the quality of materials submitted. This award was established in 2004 and historically recognized faculty from each of the College’s divisions. Beginning in 2018, it was determined that only one faculty or academic staff member from the College would be selected for the prestigious recognition.
2024
- Brett Kallusky, Art
2022-23
- Stacey Stoffregen, Chemistry & Biotechnology
2022
- Sam Alvarado, Chemistry & Biotechnology
2021
- Daniel Ehlinger, Psychological Sciences/Neuroscience
2020
- Paul Budde, Music and Stage and Screen Arts
2019
- Joseph Gathman, Biology
2017
- James Cortright, Neuroscience
- Neil Kraus, Political Science
2016
- Doug Margolis, English/TESOL
- Erick Hofacker, Math
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
2015
- Eoin Breadon, Art
- Ioana Ghenciu, Mathematics
- Ryan Fischer, History
2014
- Joseph Rein, English
- Matthew Vonk, Physics
- Melanie Ayres, Psychology
2013
- Robin Murray, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
- Jamie Schneider, Chemistry
- Betty Bergland, History
2012
- Bernice Ficek-Swenson, Art
- Joseph Gathman, Biology
- Paige Miller, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
2011
- Elizabeth Schneider-Rebozo, English
- Tim Lyden, Biology
- Kurt Keichtle, History & Philosophy
2010
- Greta Gaard, English
- Karen Klyczek, Biology
- Imtiaz Mossa, History & Philosophy
2009
- J. Michael Roy, Music
- David Rusterholz, Chemistry
- Kiril Petkov, History & Philosophy
2008 No awards made
2007
- James Zimmerman, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
- James Madsen, Physics
- John Heppen, Geography and Mapping Sciences
2006
- Peter Mak, Art
- Clarke Garry, Biology
- Cyndi Kernahan, Psychology
2005
- Randy Johnson, Art
- James Senft, Mathematics
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
2004
- Nicholas Karolides, English
- Mark Bergland, Biology
- Edward Peterson, History
Excellence in Service Awards
The College of Arts and Sciences values our faculty members’ outstanding service and leadership contribution in various areas of focus: College, university, community, and professional organizations. The CAS Outstanding Service Award was initiated in 2004. Peer and self-nominations are solicited from College of Arts and Sciences faculty and selections are made on the basis of the quality of the materials submitted. Since 2018, only one outstanding service award has been given by the College per year.
2024
- Lisa Kroutil, Chemistry and Biotechnology
2022-23
- Ryan Fischer, History and Philosophy
2022
- Grace Coggio, Communication and Media Studies
2021
- David Bonko, Communication and Media Studies
2020
- Cyndi Kernahan, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning
2019
- Kristin Tjornehoj, Music
2018
- Alexandru Tupan, Mathematics
2017
- Dan Paulus, Art-Graphic Design
- Jamie Schneider, Chemistry and Biotechnology
- Grace Coggio, Communication and Media Studies
2016
- Juan Carlos Chaves, Modern Languages
- Diane Jacobson, Pathways
- Rellen Hardtke, Physics
2015
- Douglas Margolis, English/TESOL
- Rhonda Petree, English Language Transition
- Kristin Tjornehoj, Music
2014
- Eileen Korenic, Physics
- Greta Gaard, English
- Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Communication Studies
2013
- David Milne, Music
- James Zimmerman, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
- Alexandru Tupan, Mathematics
2012
- Karen Klyczek, Biology
- David Rainville, Chemistry
- Marshall Toman, English
2011
- Mialisa Moline, English
- Don Leake, Mathematics
- Karl Peterson, Chemistry
2010
- Stephen Olsen, Marketing Communications
- Barbara Werner, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
- Kristin Tjornehoj, Music
2009
- Brad Mogen, Biology
- Robin Murray, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
- Kathleen Hunzer, English
2008 No awards made
2007
- Tracey Gladstone-Sovell, Political Science
- David Furniss, English
- Meg Swanson, Communication Studies & Theatre Arts
2006
- Tricia Davis, Sociology/Anthropology/Criminal Justice
- Gorden Hedahl, SCTA
- Lynn Jermal, Art
2005
- Michael Padgett, Art
- Brian Copp, Sociology
- Earl Blodgett, Physics
2004
- Wes Chapin, Political Science
- Brad Caskey, Psychology
- James Pratt, Speech Communication
Excellence in Advising Awards
The College of Arts and Sciences has recognized excellence in the important area of academic advising since 2002. Academic advising, considered to be part of effective teaching, is a highly-regarding hallmark of excellence for the College. This coveted recognition for outstanding advisor is based on student nominations.
2024
- Todd Wilkinson, Psychological Sciences
2022-23
- Moira Lynch, Political Science, Geography and International Studies
2022
- Doug Margolis, English
2021 - All CAS department chairs (2020-21 academic year)
- Eoin Breadon, Art
- Fred Bonilla, Biology
- Barb Nielsen, Chemistry and Biotechnology
- Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Communication and Media Studies
- Mialisa Moline, English, TESOL, and Modern Languages
- Neil Kraus, History and Philosophy
- Laurel Langford, Mathematics
- David Milne, Music
- Suruj Seunarine, Physics
- John Heppen, Politics, Geography, and International Studies
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
- Rich Wallace, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology
- Robin Murray, Stage and Screen Arts
- Tony Varghese, Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
2020
- Betsy Gerbec, Biology
2019
- Desiree Wiesen-Martin, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology
2018
- Grace Coggio, Communication and Media Studies
2017
- Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Communication Studies
- Daniel Marchand, Chemistry & Biotechnology
- Charles Rader, Geography and GIS
2016
- David Bonko, Marketing Communications
- Robert Coffman, Math
- Kiril Petkov, History
2015
- Cecilia Bustamante, Modern Languages
- Lowell McCann, Physics
- Cyndi Kernahan, Psychology
2014
- Kathleen Hunzer, English
- Eileen Korenic, Physics
- Paige Miller, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
2013
- Michelle Parkinson, English
- Karen Klyczek, Biology
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
2012
- Kaylee Spencer, Art
- Ross Jilk, Chemistry
- Melanie Ayres, Psychology
2011
- Morgan Clifford, Art
- Rellen Hardtke, Physics
- Rich Wallace, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
2010
- David Furniss, English
- Stephen Olsen, Marketing Communications
- Kurt Leichtle, History & Philosophy
2007 - 2009 No awards made
2006
- Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Speech, Communication & Theater Arts
- Elaine Hardwick, Biology
- Wes Chapin, Political Science
2005
- Marshall Toman, English
- Timothy Lyden, Biology
- Tricia Davis, Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
2004
- Thomas Barnett, Music
- Earl Blodgett, Physics
- Tracey Gladstone-Sovell, Political Science
2003
- Sandra Ellis, Journalism
- Karl Peterson, Chemistry
- Travis Tubré, Psychology
2002
- J. Michael Roy, Music
- E. Katherine Miller, Biology
- Bradley Casker, Psychology
Faculty Awards Wall
At the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, faculty responsibilities have traditionally included the areas of teaching, advising, scholarship and service. In recognition of this fact, the College of Arts and Sciences has presented faculty awards for Excellence in Teaching since 1985, Excellence in Advising since 2002, and Excellence in Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities and Excellence in Service since 2004. Although several of the awards are new, faculty in Arts and Sciences have contributed significantly in these areas since the inception of the college. The awards are intended to recognize sustained achievement, rather than accomplishments in a single year. Faculty are only eligible to receive an award in a specific category once in a ten-year period. A splendid visual reminder of these faculty accomplishments is found on the College of Arts and Sciences Awards Wall that was dedicated on April 27, 2004. The display is located in the main lobby of the Kleinpell Fine Arts building, across from the CAS Dean's Office.
The wall display was a collaborative project of the college, the UWRF Publications Office and Trick Communications located in Hudson. From information provided by the college dean and a design developed by Kevin Bertelsen of the Publications Office, Trick Communications manufactured and installed the 15-foot by 5-foot display using a variety of durable materials. The six formica panels (including the top banner) are adorned with adhesive-backed vinyl lettering, vinyl images produced on a large format printer, and laser-cut acrylic name plates. Campus photographer Jens Gunelson provided the photographs that are displayed on the wall.
Four members of the Whitmire family - Rick, Trudy, Chris and Liza - and three other members of the Trick Communications staff - Erick Vega, Craig Weiler, and Susannah Vickerman - were involved in the production of the display. Erick and Craig also happened to be UW-River Falls students.
Trick Communications has been in business for 30 years in Hudson. It specializes in collateral and marketing pieces, primarily printed materials, for banks, colleges and a wide variety of businesses. Approximately 10 years ago it added signage to its product line, utilizing nearly any kind of material available in the natural world or fabricated by humans. The business provides full service design, manufacturing and installation. Trick Communications work is on display in New York's Times Square, Disney World in Florida, on billboards in South America and throughout the U.S., even on a 65-foot Miller Brewing "bottle" in San Francisco.
At the dedication, CAS Dean Gorden Hedahl stated: “Clearly there are many individuals who contribute in countless ways to the work of this college. This wall only marks the beginning of our attempts to celebrate the work of the many people who help to make this campus an outstanding place for our students, colleagues and visitors.”
University Award Recipients from the College of Arts and Sciences since 2000
Since 1965, this has been the highest university honor bestowed upon our faculty. Current seniors and alumni from three and five years prior are invited to nominate a distinguished teacher. If you meet these criteria, click the link above to access the nomination form.
- Dr. Melanie Ayres, Psychology, 2023
- Rhonda Petree, English and Modern Languages, 2022
- Dr. Patti Cudd, Music, 2021
- Dr. Ian Williams, Geology, 2016
- Dr. Earl Blodgett, Physics, 2014
- Dr. Chen-Cheng Huang, 2012
- Dr. Karl Peterson, Chemistry, 2011
- Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics, 2010
- Dr. Daniel Marchand, Chemistry, 2009
- Dr. Travis Tubré, Psychology, 2008
- Dr. James Madsen, Physics, 2007
- Dr. Ed Peterson, History, 2004
- Dr. Jennifer Brantley, 2003
- Dr. Karen Klyczek, Biology, 2000
Paul B. and Robert Dykstra Faculty Excellence Award
Supporting faculty excellence, the Paul B. and Robert Dykstra Faculty Excellence Award endowment supports one faculty award per academic year. The award is designed to support faculty research, creative and scholarly activity. It is intended to be awarded to a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who is either currently involved in a project or has proposed a research, creative or scholarly project.
- Dr. Samuel Alvarado, Chemistry and Biotechnology, 2023
- Dr. Erik Withers, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology, 2022
- Dr. Alexandru Tupan, Mathematics, 2022
- Dr. Cheng-Chen Huang, Biology, 2021
- Dr. Lissa Schneider-Rebozo, English, 2020
- Dr. Ioana Ghenciu, Mathematics, 2020
- Dr. Matthew Vonk, Physics and Pre-Engineering, 2019
- Dr. Jamie Schneider, Chemistry and Biotechnology 2018
- Dr. Paige Miller, Sociology and Criminology, 2017
- Dr. Cyndi Kernahan, Psychology, 2016
- Dr. Mark Bergland, Biology, 2016
- Dr. Travis Tubré, 2013
- Dr. David Rusterholz, Chemistry 2011
Keith Wurtz Award for Teaching Excellence
Rewarding innovations in teaching and learning, the Keith Wurtz Award for Teaching Excellence endowment supports two faculty awards per academic year. The award is designed to support innovators and those who demonstrate "trailblazing" characteristics that may include innovative approaches to teaching, demonstrated scholarship of teaching and learning (e.g. publishing a journal article or textbook), innovative use of technology, curriculum development, effective assessment approaches and results, outreach and partnerships with collaborators on- or off-campus.
- Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology, 2023
- Dr. Rebecca Haley, Chemistry and Biotechnology, 2023
- Dr. Rich Wallace, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology, 2022
- Dr. Travis Tubre, Psychology, 2021
- Dr. Paul Budde, Music, 2021
- Dr. Arpan Jani, Computer, Information, and Data Sciences, 2021
- Dr. Cheng-Chen Huang, Biology, 2020
- Dr. Melanie Ayres, Psychology, 2019
- Dr. Desiree Wiesen-Martin, Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology, 2019
- Dr. Earl Blodgett, Physics and Pre-Engineering, 2017
- Dr. Joseph Rein, English and Creative Writing, 2015
- Dr. Karen Klyczek, Biology, 2014
- Dr. Kim Mogen, Biology, 2013
- Dr. Jamie Schneider, Chemistry and Biotechnology, 2012
- Dr. Cyndi Kernahan, Psychology 2011
- Dr. Eric Hofacker, Mathematics 2010
Good advising is a cornerstone of our students’ academic success. Since 2000, one outstanding faculty adviser has been chosen each year to recognize the contributions of this important role. Current seniors and alumni from three and five years prior are invited to nominate an adviser of the year.
- Dr. Paul Budde, Music, 2020
- Dr. Jennifer Willis-Rivera, Communication and Media Studies, 2018
- Dr. David Bonko, Marketing Communications, 2014
- Dr. Kathleen Hunzer, English, 2013
- Dr. Mark Bergland, Biology, 2012
- Dr. Keith Chavey, Mathematics, 2011
- Dr. Travis Tubre, Psychology, 2009
- Dr. Herb Cederberg, 2007
- Dr. Brad Caskey, Psychology, 2004
- Dr. Cliff Mottaz, Sociology, 2001
- Dr. Steve Olson, Marketing Communications, 2000
Chancellor's Award for Excellence for Classified Staff
- Jody Sather, Psychology, 2022
- Joan Kratt, Journalism, Marketing Communications and Political Science, 2012
- Susie Zimmer, Art and Outreach, 2005
- Sheri Reis, Mathematics, 2003
College of Arts and Sciences
Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
