MADISON — Four University of Wisconsin System professors whose commitment to student success stretches far beyond the classroom have earned the 2006 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards. The annual honors go to four outstanding teachers from UW System campuses located within the Alliant service area. This year ’s recipients are:
- Thomas Klubertanz, professor of biological sciences, UW-Rock County.
- Kenneth Mayer, professor of political science, UW-Madison.
- David L. Nelson, professor of biochemistry, UW-Madison.
- Kristopher K. Wright, assistant professor of biology, UW-Platteville.
UW System President Kevin P. Reilly will present this year’s awards on Oct. 20, at a 2 p.m. ceremony at Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, in Madison.
“The Underkofler Award recognizes the extraordinary work of teachers who are truly dedicated to serving the students of the UW System,” Reilly said. “These outstanding teaching faculty are certainly part of why this university is known for academic excellence and world-class instruction.”
The awards program represents a 14-year-old partnership between the UW System and the Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL) Foundation, now part of Alliant Energy. They are given in honor of James R. Underkofler, a long-time senior executive with the company who retired in 1990, and pay tribute to Underkofler’s enduring interest in encouraging and promoting undergraduate teaching excellence. Tim Heinrich, executive director of the Alliant Energy Foundation, will be present at the awards ceremony.
The Underkofler Awards program is administered by the UW System Office of Professional and Instructional Development. A UW System committee composed of faculty and teaching academic staff selects the finalists from candidates nominated by eligible institutions.