2019 - Eric Sanden

Eric Sanden, professor of conservation and environmental planning, has been named the 2019 Adviser of the Year at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He was formally presented with the award at the UWRF Spring Semester Opening Meeting January 21.

Current students and recent alumni submitted nominations for the award which was established by UWRF in 2000. The Faculty Senate Advising Committee then reviewed the nominations and made a recommendation to the Chancellor. 

In their narratives, students emphasized Sanden’s caring and welcoming attitude, along with his experience and thoroughness in guiding a student along their career path.

 “Dr. Sanden always has a kind and friendly attitude towards his students and does his best to help us in our academics and career goals,” said one student. “He is timely and knowledgeable about university policy and is understanding of how to get done what needs to be done.”

Another student wrote, “Professor Sanden has been a vital resource for me. He takes the time to help students in all aspects of life. He has helped me start my career and I could not thank him more.”

When asked to describe three qualities that make Sanden uniquely suited for this award, a third student offered, “Excellent listener; good at explaining; friendly and welcoming.”

“It’s really a team effort with faculty and staff working together diligently to make the best experience for our students,” Sanden said of the award. “Our amazing students make us all look good.”

Sanden joined the faculty at UW-River Falls in 1992 after earning his Ph.D. in range science from Texas Tech University. In 2015, Sanden was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science (CAFES) at UWRF. That same year he was named director of the CAFES Internship Program, a long-standing program in the college. Through the efforts of faculty and industry partners, hundreds of CAFES students are provided with a paid, guided workplace experience each year.

For more information about the award, email laura.walsh@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3535.