Students study horses in the colt barn with Animal Science Assistant Professor Casie Bass (center) at the Campus Farm.

 

Bass named 2018 Distinguished Teacher

 

September 13, 2018—Animal Science Assistant Professor Casie Bass is the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Teacher Award at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the highest award bestowed on campus.

Bass is the 55^th faculty member to be honored with the award since its inception in 1965. Nominations for the award are solicited from recent graduates and graduating seniors. Distinguished teaching recipients represent talented and caring educators who make a difference at UW-River Falls.

Bass, a native of Jonesboro, Ill., joined the faculty at UWRF in 2015. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and a Master of Science degree in equine reproductive physiology/animal science, both from Southern Illinois University. She also holds a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology/animal science from North Dakota State University.

Bass teaches in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, instructing courses including Introduction to Animal Science, Equine Management and Equitation, Physiology of Reproduction and Equine Reproductive Techniques. Student nominators wrote repeatedly of her approachable nature and dedication to her students.

“Dr. Bass has always been friendly and helpful. She has always offered encouragement to her students and is easily approachable. She is overall outstanding, and I am so happy that she has been my research adviser for over a year,” wrote one student nominator.

A second nomination letter echoed the sentiment.

“Dr. Bass also goes above and beyond for her students! Everything she teaches has the sole purpose of setting us up for success in the future,” said the nomination.

Another nominator praised Bass for both her expertise and excitement in the classroom.

“She is very well educated in her studies and teaches in a way all students understand. As soon as she walks into the classroom she always has a smile and has much excitement when teaching! She is very easy to talk to in and outside of the classroom. She is literally the best professor I have ever had!”

In addition to her teaching duties, Bass serves as an adviser to the Association of Women in Agriculture and is coach of the UWRF Equine Judging Team.

Her research interests focus on various aspects of reproductive physiology within female mammalian species, specifically maternal recognition of pregnancy and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in mares. In her three years at UWRF, Bass has worked one-on-one with four undergraduates to complete five research projects.

Outside of the classroom, Bass is involved in the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the Equine Science Society, the American Society of Animal Science, and the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics.

Bass was honored Sept. 12 during a reception on campus. A plaque bearing her likeness was added to the wall of distinguished teachers in the Wyman Education Building. As the recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award, Bass will deliver an address at the fall commencement ceremonies in December.

In response to being named Distinguished Teacher, Bass expressed enthusiastic appreciation for the teachers and professors that she had throughout her studies.

“I have three degrees but none of them were in teaching,” she said, explaining that the positive impact she is able to have on her students is to the credit of the educators encountered in her life.  She also thanked her family for their support and her students for inspiring her and pushing her to continue learning every day.

For a history of the award and to view a list of previous distinguished teachers, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/Awards/Teachers/