Faculty, Staff and Adviser Awards

Nominations due by March 13, 2026. 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. 

Sierra Howry honored with Distinguished Teaching Award

Sierra Howry, a professor of agricultural economics, is the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Students nominating Howry noted her ability to make meaningful connections. 

“Dr. Howry has open and honest conversations in her class and cares about students’ well-being and learning outside of the content in class,” one student wrote. “She always opens her class positively and is excited to be with her students. She values her students above everything else and wants to make connections. Dr. Howry goes above and beyond.” 

"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award," Howry said. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity each year to teach so many wonderful students. The students are what make my career fun and exciting. The energy and curiosity that students bring to the classroom inspires me to be the best professor that I can be. It is a privilege to be part of their educational journey, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to do what I love every day." 

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

Purpose and Eligibility: The purpose of the Michael Martin Adviser of the Year award is to recognize excellence in the advising of students. Full-time, tenure-track faculty 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.

Sylvia Kehoe, chair of the Animal and Food Science Department, received the Michael Martin Adviser of the Year Award. Students nominating Kehoe noted her commitment to her students’ success and well-being. 

“I truthfully can say Dr. Kehoe is the reason I made it through my degree successfully,” one student wrote. “She has been my number one support this entire time, without fail. She is the first person I share great news with but she has also always been the first person I know I can go to when I am really struggling, academically or mentally.” 

“Advising students is one of my absolute favorite things to do," Kehoe said. "I feel fortunate to be in a role where I can connect with students to support their goals and help them succeed. While I love this work, I could not do it without my incredible colleagues, who continually share their knowledge to help me. The relationships I build with students and the opportunity to make a difference in their lives are what makes this work so rewarding. Thank you so much for this amazing acknowledgment.” 

Shaheer Burney, associate professor of agricultural economics, received the University Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Award. Faculty members nominating Burney said his research has contributed to his field and enriched the experiences of his students. 

“Dr. Burney has guided nearly 50 undergraduate students in applied research, fostering critical thinking, data analysis and experiential learning,” wrote a nominating faculty member. “He has authored 14 peer-reviewed articles and five professional papers at UWRF, translating complex agricultural economics research into actionable insights for farmers and policymakers. He has secured more than $2 million in external funding while at UW-River Falls. Dr. Burney has exemplified excellence in research, mentorship and creative scholarly engagement.”  

"I am honored to be selected for this award,” Burney said. “This recognition reflects the contributions of so many incredibly talented collaborators who make my work possible, including the dedicated staff at the Survey Research Center, members of my research team across the country and the outstanding students at UW-River Falls. Ultimately, the most rewarding part of research is seeing its meaningful impact on our communities, farmers and the broader agriculture industry." 

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.

• 2025: Greg Ruegsegger
• 2024: Hiawatha Smith
• 2023: Jill Coleman Wasik 

Arriety Lowell, a senior lecturer of physics, received the University Excellence in Service Award. Faculty recommending Lowell noted her active role in helping to create and evaluate peer-led team learning programs. 

“She has become one of the campus leaders for the scholarship of teaching and learning,” wrote one faculty nominator. “I am not alone in seeking out her help when I am thinking about making a change in my teaching approach.” 

“Many thanks to my colleagues for their recognition, nomination and continued support," Lowell said. "Access to quality education is a critical part to supporting our citizens, communities and country. UWRF is a special place for our students and I am happy to be a part of the work we do.”  

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.

• 2025: Ozcan Kilic
• 2024: Steve Kelm
• 2023: James Graham

• 35 Years
  • Betsy Barrett: Health and Human Performance
  • Kathy Tomlinson: Mathematics
• 30 Years
  • John Ford: Biology
• 25 Years
  • Anne Tuveson: Chalmer Davee Library
  • Glenn Spiczak: College of Arts and Sciences
  • James Graham: College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
  • Jason Machtemes: IT - Infrastructure and Security Technology
  • Matt Fitzgerald: Residence Life Business Operations and Facilities
  • Michael Woolsey: IT - Enterprise Applications and Services
  • Patrick O'Keefe: Music and Stage and Screen Arts
  • Thomas Barnett: Music and Stage and Screen Arts
  • Timothy Lyden: Biology
  • Travis Tubre: Psychological Sciences
  • Zhiguo Yang: History and Philosophy
• 20 Years
  • Casey Maude: English
  • Charles Rickard: IT - Enterprise Applications and Services
  • Dustin Andert: Chemistry and Biotechnology
  • Jamie Schneider: Chemistry and Biotechnology
  • Leah Flanagan: Campus Recreation
  • Matt Dooley: Politics, Geography and International Studies
  • Maureen Olle-Lajoie: Academic Affairs
  • Molly Gerrish: Teacher Education
  • Pamela Bowen: Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies
  • Pedro Renta: University Advancement
  • Stacy Vollmers: College of Education, Business and Allied Health
  • Sylvia Kehoe: College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
  • Victoria Houseman: History and Philosophy
• 15 Years
  • Brandon Kelly: Building and HVAC Maintenance
  • Catherine Nasara: College of Arts and Sciences
  • Eoin Breadon: Art
  • Holli Powell: Financial Aid
  • Jacob Wissing: Athletics - Compliance and Student-Athlete Services
  • Joel Trepczyk: University Police
  • Joseph Rein: English
  • Kristin Carlson: Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Kurt Vogel: Animal and Food Science
  • Mandy Flett: Registrar
  • Mesa Carlsen: Event Coordinator
  • Michael Mueller: Facilities
  • Molly Matzek: Human Resources - Operations
  • Rachelle Haroldson: Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
  • Rebecca Raham: Global Cultures and Languages
  • Rhonda Petree: English
  • Ryan Rudesill: Athletics - Business Affairs
  • Sonja Maki: Plant and Earth Science
  • Stacey Stoffregen: College of Arts and Sciences
  • Megan Rasmussen: Ground Maintenance
  • Heidi Springborg: Teacher Education - CE
• 10 Years
  • Annaka Isenberger: Honors Program and Falcon Scholars
  • Brendan Weise: IT - Infrastructure and Security Technology
  • Courtney Wells: Social Work
  • Craig Cardell: Management and Marketing
  • David Breger: Accounting and Finance
  • Donna Thompson: College of Arts and Sciences
  • Jennifer Malarski: Management and Marketing
  • Katherine Fossler: College of Education, Business and Allied Health
  • Katie Possehl: College of Arts and Sciences
  • Kevyn Juneau: Plant and Earth Science
  • Lisa Breger: Economics
  • Michelle Benedict: Finance and Administration
  • Nate Overby: Enterprise System Services
  • Samuel Alvarado: Chemistry and Biotechnology
  • Shawn Daymond: Building and HVAC Maintenance
  • Sheri Marnell: College of Education, Business and Allied Health
  • Stephanie Kaminski: Student Involvement
  • Stephanie Shipp: University Center Event Services

• 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