2001 - Clifford Mottaz

UW-River Falls sociology Professor Clifford Mottaz has been named "Adviser of the Year" for the 2001 academic year.

Chancellor Ann Lydecker made the announcement on Aug. 27 at the opening meeting for faculty and academic staff, where she congratulated Mottaz and presented him with a check. He will also receive a plaque to commemorate the honor.

Said Lydecker, " Good advising is a critical component of the education we provide. It ensures that our students are able to move forward in a timely manner to graduate and to pursue successful careers. Professor Mottaz is always available to his students to answer their questions and to provide thoughtful advice. He is an example to us all."

Nomination for the award is through advisees and recent graduates.

Mottaz said he was pleased and honored to be selected for the award. "I would like to thank the students who nominated me and those on the advisory committee who made the selection," he said.

One former student and advisee said of Mottaz, "He advises with the same genuine concern for students that he shows when he instructs. He guides students to set goals and arrange schedules that meet their needs.¹¹ Another said, "Professor Mottaz is a kind person who loves what he does."

A student said found Mottaz so approachable and so helpful that she recommended him to her friends, and soon they were advising with him as well.

A professor of sociology at UWRF since September 1969, Mottaz earned his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees at the University of Minnesota. His professional experience includes the publication of a number of papers on topics related to work and occupations, such as work satisfaction, work alienation and organizational commitment.

Mottaz received another honor this year when, in a different ceremony, he was recognized as the 2001 "Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year in Social and Behavioral Sciences" for the College of Arts and Sciences at the university.