Faculty, Staff and Adviser Awards

Nominations due by March 14, 2025. Previous honorees are not eligible.

Nomination Guidelines

• The recipient can be nominated by all current students and alumni of UWRF. View the nomination form.
• Nominators, please reflect upon the various teachers you have had at UWRF and select the one who most challenged and motivated you to learn.
• Please list the name of that teacher on the survey and answer the questions listed in reference to that person.

Selection Procedure

• The Distinguished Teaching Award Committee is charged with selecting the Distinguished Award recipient. The committee will be chaired by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) Director (or designee) and will also include the Provost (or designee), a tenure-track or tenured faculty member selected by the Faculty Senate, an instructional academic staff member selected by the Faculty Senate in consultation with the Academic Staff Council and a previous Distinguished Teaching Award recipient nominated by the CETL Director and confirmed by Faculty Senate.  All faculty and academic staff appointments will serve for three years.
• The committee's selection will not be based solely on the number of nominations received but will also consider the survey responses. The committee will use a rubric approved by the Diversity and Inclusivity Committee to evaluate those survey responses. 

Kurt Torgersen honored with Distinguished Teaching Award

Kurt Torgersen, a senior lecturer in chemistry and biotechnology, received the Distinguished Teaching Award. Students nominating Torgersen noted his dedication to their individual success and his ability make the class an enjoyable part of the day, even for those intimidated by the subject. 

“Torgersen cared about us as people, not just as numbers,” one student wrote. “He worked hard to help us by constantly checking with us to make sure things made sense and just going above and beyond to ensure that we will be successful. He wanted all of us to succeed, and we all felt that from him.”

"I know many students come to chemistry feeling intimidated, and I take my responsibility as their instructor seriously,” Torgersen said. “My goal is to create an interactive, welcoming classroom where every student feels seen, supported and engaged. If they can look forward to attending my classes—even when the material is challenging—then I’ve done my job."

Nominations due by March 14, 2025. Previous recipients are not eligible. 

Purpose and Eligibility: The purpose of the UWRF Adviser of the Year award is to recognize excellence in the advising of undergraduate students. Full-time, tenure-track facility and professional staff with a minimum of four years of academic advising at UWRF are eligible. An adviser may receive the award only once. 

Nomination Procedure: Eligible nominators include all current students and alumni of UWRF. An online nomination form is available and advertised electronically to current students and alumni. 

Selection Procedure: The Advising Committee will review the nominations. The committee’s selection will not solely be based on the number of nominations received but will also take into account student and alumni comments in order to address disparity in advising loads in different departments. The committee will use a rubric approved by the Advising Committee to evaluate the qualitative feedback provided by nominators as part of the selection process.

Recommendation to the Chancellor: The committee’s annual recommendation to the chancellor will consist of a single adviser’s name.

Award Presentation: Of the nominations, the only name to be announced will be the adviser selected for the award. The award presentation will be made at the Chancellor’s Award Reception. It is recommended that a monetary prize accompany the award.

Improvement of Academic Advising: The Advising Committee will evaluate the nominations to gain insight on what students and alumni consider to be criteria for outstanding academic advising. These insights will inform development of faculty and student outcomes of advising, tools for their assessment and plans for their achievement.

Carver honored as Adviser of the Year

Kateri Carver, assistant professor, director of the Doctor of Education in Montessori Studies Program and director of the Master of Science in Education and Montessori Teacher Education programs, received the Adviser of the Year Award. Students nominating Carver noted her passion for and expertise in Montessori teacher education, her forward-thinking mentality and her willingness to go above and beyond to give her students the tools they need to succeed.

“Dr. Carver has a deep and comprehensive understanding of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy,” one student nominator wrote. “Her extensive experience in the field allows her to guide students through both the theoretical and practical aspects of Montessori education, helping them connect these principles with real-world classroom settings. She creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions and facing challenges. Her guidance helps students navigate both academic rigor and personal growth during their graduate studies.”

“Meeting with my advisees, the doctoral students who are all around the country and the master's students who are primarily spread across Wisconsin and Minnesota, is one of the highlights of my position,” Carver said. “Our online or phone advising meetings are often on nights and weekends since the students are all full-time working adults. However, this window of time offers me a unique opportunity to have a brief glimpse into their everyday life, making our meetings personal, genuine and productive. I am grateful for their trust and willingness to reach out for support and advice.”

Greg Ruegsegger, an associate professor of health and human performance, received the University Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Award. Faculty members nominating Ruegsegger said his research has contributed to his field and enriched the experiences of his students.

“Dr. Ruegsegger’s exemplary research, particularly his commitment to involving undergraduate students in his scholarly work, sets him apart as a leader in both academic research and teaching innovation,” wrote a nominating faculty member. “By involving students in the process of data collection and analysis, Dr. Ruegsegger not only contributes to the literature on exercise science but also provides his students with invaluable hands-on research experience, allowing them to actively shape the future of exercise and sport science education.”

"I’m honored to receive this award and grateful to my students and colleagues who make this work so meaningful,” Ruegsegger said. “Collaborating with students on meaningful research is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role, and it’s a privilege to help them gain hands-on experience while contributing to the advancement of our field. I’m also proud of our work examining weight bias in educational settings—research that not only informs my teaching but helps create more inclusive learning environments. I look forward to continuing to mentor students through research that shapes both their learning and our discipline."

Faculty and academic staff with a minimum of five years of experience at UWRF are eligible for this award. The following areas of achievement will be used when evaluating staff for this award:

1. Demonstrated research or creative activities with undergraduate students.
2. Dissemination of research through conference presentations and/or publications.
3. Display of creative activities through invited exhibitions or presentations.
4. Receipt of grant funding to support research or creative activities.

• 2024: Hiawatha Smith
• 2023 - Jill Coleman Wasik 

Ozcan Kilic, professor of management and marketing, received the University Excellence in Service Award. Faculty recommending Kilic noted his extensive involvement and leadership both on and off campus, helping to shape the academic and institutional framework at UWRF and furthering the advancement of research in his field.

“His extensive involvement in university committees demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the success of our students, faculty and the institution as a whole,” wrote one faculty member. “Beyond his significant contributions on campus, Professor Kilic’s service extends to the wider academic and professional community. His work not only elevates the university but also brings a global perspective to our academic environment.”

“I am deeply grateful to receive the University Excellence in Service Award,” Kilic said. “This honor reflects the support, collaboration and inspiration I have been fortunate to share with colleagues and students who define our UWRF community.”

Eligibility criteria for faculty include: 

1. Service to their department, college or university.
2. Service to their discipline.
3. Service to their community or surrounding region.
4. Additional service not specified in categories above.

• 2024: Steve Kelm
• 2023: James Graham

40 Years
Joseph Langer - Custodial Services

35 Years
Betty Bibeau - Athletics

30 Years
Jeffrey Berkhof - Athletics
Cindy Holbrook - Admissions

25 Years
Tricia Davis - Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology
Corinna Fosmo - Residence Life
Cara Gustafson - Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment
Tracey Nyeggen - Human Resources
Robert Rust - Technology Services
Wanda Schlesser - Teacher Education Field Experience
Angela Siwik - Communication and Media Studies

20 Years
Ozcan Kilic - Management and Marketing
Karen Knapton - C.H.I.L.D. Center
Neil Kraus - Politics, Geography and International Studies
Lisa Lee - Custodial Services
Michelle Parkinson - English
Mary Petersen - Admissions
Christopher Simer - Politics, Geography and International Studies
Alexandru Tupan - Mathematics
Karyn Wells - Residence Life

15 Years
Caroline Baker - Division of Academic Affairs
Jan Bechel - Police and Parking
Molly Foley - Exploratory and Tutoring Services
Veronica Justen - Plant and Earth Science
Logan Kelly - Economics
Tyler Koepke - College of Education, Business and Allied Health
Amy Norelius - C.H.I.L.D. Center
David Olson - Building Maintenance
Dan Paulus - Art
Joel Peterson - Ag Engineering Technology
Beth Schommer - Chancellor's Office
Alan Symicek - Facilities Management
Bee Vang - Continuing Education 
Rachael Walker - Animal and Food Science

10 Years
Robert Bode - Financial Aid
Timothy Boerner - Mathematics
Joel Donna - Teacher Education
Tovah Flygare - Sustainability
Daniela Goldfine - Modern Language
Thomas Gunderson - Police and Parking
Paul Haugen - Financial Aid
Jacob Hendricks - Computer, Information and Data Sciences
Mary Holle - Animal and Food Science
Daniel Ireland - Residence Life
Youngmi Kim - Ag Engineering Technology
Mary Maillette - Admissions
Yoana Newman - Plant and Earth Science
Yuliya Paukku - Chemistry and Biotechnology
Melissa Schnettler - Communication and Media Studies
Tracy Zank - Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology
 

45 Years
Lynette Pfremmer - Admissions              
               
35 Years                             
Steve Freeman - Athletics          
Helen Spasojevich - Chalmer Davee Library

30 Years                             
Veronica Godt - Health and Human Performance
Mike Polta - Ground Maintenance          
Dan Waletzko - Plant and Earth Science  
                                               
25 Years
Joe Cranston - Athletics
Missy Davis - Custodial Services
Kurt Donelson - Custodial Services      
Jamie Dunn - Residence Life     
Marlene Foster - Technology Services    
Kimberly Gould Speckman - University Advancement 
Craig Hara - Music and Stage and Screen Arts 
Cyndi Kernahan - Division of Academic Affairs 
Eileen Korenic - Physics              
Lowell McCann - Physics            
Dan Miller - Technology Services
Karl Peterson - Chemistry and Biotechnology
Laura Walsh - College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Brent Weigelt - Heating Plant
                                               
20 Years
Joseph Fischer - English
Ioana Ghenciu - Mathematics
Mark Gillis - Building Maintenance
Arpankumar Jani - Computer, Information and Data Sciences
Mari Kluck - Health and Human Performance
Crystal Lanning - Athletics
Amy Lloyd - University Center
Kiril Petkov - History and Philosophy          
Amber Qureshi - Biology             
Sarah Smits - Communication Sciences and Disorders              
Matthew Vonk - Physics  
Jennifer Willis-Rivera - Communication and Media Studies           
                                               
15 Years
Steve Alton - Building Maintenance
Arunendu Chatterjee - Mathematics
William Forster Ag Engineering Technology
Cindy Goldade - Continuing Ed Instruction
Sung Jones - Custodial Services
Mark Klapatch-Mathias - Sustainability
Rita Kozak - Continuing Ed Instruction 
Wendy Leach - Financial Aid
Justin Luther - Animal and Food Science
Kelsey McLean - International Education
Paige Miller - Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology
Alicia Rivard - University Advancement
Joseph Shakal - Ag Engineering Technology
Karen Smolarek - Student Support Services
Charlie Sowa - Athletics
Thor Wright - Technology Services
David Zlesak - Plant and Earth Science
               
10 Years                             
Jesse Aerlyn-Crook - Textbook Services              
Kristin Barstad - University Center       
Christy Boyer - Chalmer Davee Library               
Paul Budde - Music and Stage and Screen Arts
Heather Sumner Davis - Plant and Earth Science
Martha Donnelly - College of Arts and Sciences
Deborah Fristad - Music and Stage and Screen Arts
Kelly Grenzow - Exploratory and Tutoring Services
Grettel Hecht - Mathematics
Becky Pribnow - Student Billing
Amber Remble - Agricultural Economics
Zachary Rourk - Health and Human Performance          
Gregory Wertheimer - Facilities Management       
Desiree Wiesen-Martin - Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology      
Walter Wietzke - History and Philosophy 
James Williams - Technology Services