College of Arts and Sciences honors faculty excellence with annual awards

Sept. 5, 2024 - The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has announced recipients of this year’s faculty awards recognizing excellence in research, service, teaching and advising. 

The awards, given annually, are intended to highlight the dedication and positive impact of CAS faculty. 

Recipients of this year’s faculty excellence awards nominated by CAS faculty are:

• CAS Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity Award: Brett Kallusky
  Kallusky, professor of art, is recognized for his work having a significant and positive impact on the art department and on art overall during the past five years. During that time, Kallusky’s accomplishments include creating a fine arts photography book detailing impacts of climate crisis, taking part in multiple exhibitions, and service as a portfolio reviewer. He was the recipient of the 2020 Minnesota State Arts Board Grant and a semi-finalist for the competitive McKnight Fellowship in Visual Arts.
• CAS Service Award: Lisa Kroutil                                                
  Kroutil, professor of chemistry and biotechnology, is recognized for her extensive contributions to her department, college, UWRF and the surrounding community. As one award nominator explained, “(Kroutil) cares deeply about the academic success of UWRF students,” makes “selfless contributions when department needs arise” and “provides excellent care for her advisees by focusing on listening to them and their needs.” 

Recipients of this year’s faculty excellence awards nominated by students and approved by a faculty committee of past award winners are:

• CAS Teaching Award: Melissa Hayslip
  Hayslip, assistant professor of sociology, criminology and anthropology, is honored for demonstrating outstanding teaching qualities and techniques that help her students learn and remember content effectively. Her students praise Hayslip’s innovative teaching methods and her deep sense of caring for her students. “She is incredibly kind and understanding, and she actively checked in on me last semester. She is also clearly passionate about what she teaches,” one student said of Hayslip.
• CAS Advising Award: Todd Wilkinson
  Wilkinson, professor of psychological sciences, is recognized for his exemplary commitment to guiding and supporting students, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. Students praised his work to help them transition to college life during their first year on campus and connecting them with needed resources. They noted his commitment to student success and well-being. “Not only has he provided opportunities, but he has given unconditional support in times when I did not believe in myself,” one student said of Wilkinson. 

"We're delighted to recognize these CAS faculty for their outstanding commitments to service, scholarship, advising, and teaching,” CAS Dean Wes Kisting said. “Exemplary efforts like these are what make our college and university so special. They make a tremendous, positive impact on our students."

CAS prepares students for fulfilling lives as well as rewarding careers. CAS offers a world-class, forward-thinking liberal arts experience distinguished by a deep, student-centered commitment to personal mentoring, high-impact practices and a culture of care for every Falcon.

For more information, visit uwrf.edu/CAS/Awards/index.cfm.