UW System honors 100 ‘Wisconsin Idea Fellows’ for public service to state

MADISON — The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has named 100 faculty and staff from across the state as 2004-05 “Wisconsin Idea Fellows” in recognition of public service contributions to their communities and the state and to help further job creation in Wisconsin.

In announcing the inauguration of the fellows program, Board of Regents President Toby Marcovich of Superior noted that public service has been a hallmark of the University of Wisconsin since its inception.

“Throughout the state’s history, our university faculty and staff have been dedicated public servants,” Marcovich said. “From the earliest county agents who helped farmers grow more productive crops, to today’s cutting-edge research faculty who are spinning off new Wisconsin companies, virtually every one of our employees helps in some way to improve the quality of life in the state.”

The Wisconsin Idea Fellows program will serve two purposes, noted Regent Roger Axtell of Janesville, who introduced a resolution designating the fellows.

“This is an opportunity for the president and the board to recognize people who make extraordinary public service contributions to the state,” Axtell said. “And, just as important, it’s a means of calling the attention of the public, government and business leaders to these UW experts who can serve as resources for them to help achieve job growth.”

Axtell said he was “overwhelmed” when he first looked over the list of honorees and saw the extent of their expertise and contributions: “It’s great to shine a light on these 100 people, and with 29,000 employees in the UW System, we are only looking at the tip of the iceberg.”

The fellows were nominated by the president and chancellors of the UW System’s 15 institutions. The president and the board intend to award the designation to 100 new Wisconsin Idea Fellows each year. The designation (“fellow” is an honorary title in higher education applying to both men and women) is purely honorary and carries no additional salary or stipend.

The program grew out of input from local community leaders who held meetings with Regents, UW System President Katharine C. Lyall and campus Chancellors around the state as part of last year’s “Engage Wisconsin” program.

“Civic leaders and local business owners asked especially for better information on the UW faculty and staff who could aid them in stimulating economic development across the state, addressing workforce needs and solving community problems in the areas of health, environment, education and public policy. This list of Wisconsin Idea Fellows is a start in that direction,” said Axtell, who worked alongside Regents Mark Bradley of Wausau, Peggy Rosenzweig of Wauwatosa and Guy Gottschalk of Wisconsin Rapids; UW-Extension Chancellor Kevin Reilly, Stevens Point-area businessman Bob Williams; and UW System Vice President Linda Weimer to plan the program.

“Many of these newly designated ‘Fellows’ can help provide ideas and support to stimulate high-wage job growth and promote economic development at the local level in agriculture, manufacturing, the environment and technology,” Lyall said. “These are important goals of Governor Doyle’s ‘Grow Wisconsin’ program and the university is actively participating in that effort.”

As examples of how these fellows already have contributed, Lyall pointed to honorees like Jan Gallagher of UW-La Crosse and UW-Extension, who advises businesses in seven western Wisconsin counties; Larry Cox, who directs the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship at UW-Madison; and William Gregory, dean of the Engineering School at UW-Milwaukee, who, with his son, just launched a new company, NovaScan, which will develop products to improve detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

Equally important, Axtell said, is the grassroots public service work done by honorees like Tom Schnaubelt, who is spearheading public-service/learning programs at campuses throughout the state; Sharon Chappy, who has developed an online accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program at UW-Oshkosh; Vickie Richmond Hawkins, who directs continuing education at UW-Marathon County; and Thomas Franklin of UW-Stout, who is helping to revitalize downtown Eau Claire.

“This is our opportunity to thank UW employees for the valuable teaching, research and outreach they do, often on their own time, for communities across the

Wisconsin Idea Fellows 2004-05

These 100 faculty and staff members, who work for institutions throughout the University of Wisconsin System, have been singled out for their extraordinary public service contributions, including outstanding service to local communities, research and outreach to businesses and nonprofits alike, and contributions through their fields of study to the quality of life and the economy of Wisconsin.

UW COLLEGES

James Dzimiela, Outreach Specialist for the Educational Opportunity Center, UW-Barron County: Dzimiela provides higher education and training opportunities to low-income adults in a 10-county target area and helps them set and achieve educational goals.
Marlowe Embree, Senior Lecturer, Psychology, UW-Marathon County: Embree, president of Business Development Group, a consulting firm specializing in soft-skills training, consulting and employment interventions, recently published a career workbook now used by internship students at UW-Marathon County.
Richard G. Hein, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, UW-Manitowoc: Hein is a participating member and expert consultant with the Upper Chippewa Basin Partner Team, an ecological action organization engaged in resource preservation and environmental education programs in the Chippewa River valley region.
Mary Hoeft, Professor of Communication and Theatre Arts, UW-Barron County: Hoeft has been a Victim/Offender Conference coordinator for Restorative Justice for the past three years and currently serves on the Board.
Robert McCallister, Associate Professor of Geography/Geology, UW-Rock County: McCallister conducts research that seeks to improve environmental management and is a member of a diverse community group that is assessing Rock County’s environmental health and making recommendations for improvement.
Vickie Richmond-Hawkins, Director of Continuing Education, UW-Marathon County: Richmond-Hawkins is a member of the Marathon County Chamber of Commerce Central Wisconsin Resource Group and serves on the boards of the United Way of Marathon County and Wausau Conservatory of Music.
James Veninga, Dean, UW-Marathon County: A champion of civic engagement, Veninga has worked on dozens of projects connecting campuses to community needs and is a frequent speaker on the role of the liberal arts in an increasingly technological society.

UW-EAU CLAIRE

David Franks, Professor, Special Education: Franks received the Reta and David Martell Distinguished Service Award from the Eau Claire Association for Retarded Citizens in 2003 and was recognized by the Eau Claire Area School District’s Early Childhood Special Education staff for 20 years of service in 2000.
Eric Jamelske, Assistant Professor of Economics and co-Director of the Chippewa Valley Center for Economic Research and Development: Jamelske spearheads several new initiatives to provide economic expertise to the Chippewa Valley business community and often joins other faculty to make presentations to local business groups.
Kevin Jones, Director, Small Business Development Center: Jones, selected by his peers as the outstanding SBDC staff member for 2003, works to connect the campus and community in regional and economic development though many activities, including the Angel Investors group, Innovation Center, Momentum Chippewa Valley, and Entrepreneurial Training.
Kevin Klatt, Assistant Professor, Psychology: Klatt is the director of the UW-Eau Claire Campus Autism Program, in which students provide behavioral interventions for young children with autism. He has been instrumental in influencing state and local funding policies to expand treatment options for autistic children.
Karen Maddox, Professor, School of Nursing: Maddox served on the Health Communities 2000 Committee in Eau Claire County, is involved with Chippewa County Health People 2010, and is an integral part of the National Youth Sports Program, held at UW-Eau Claire each year.
Andrew Phillips, Chair and Professor, Department of Computer Science: Phillips has developed collaborations with local industries such as Silicon Logic Engineering and Cray, Inc., and has partnered with Chippewa Valley Technical College and UW-Stout to help meet the engineering needs of the Chippewa Valley.
Chris Theo, Head of the Graphic Design program in the Dept. of Art & Design: Theo expanded UW-Eau Claire’s working relationship with local nonprofit organizations by connecting Graphic Design students with business and organizations in developing visual identity systems, stimulating economic growth while providing students “real world” experience.

UW-EXTENSION

Alan Anderson, Director, Center for Community Economic Development, UW-Extension: Anderson, who conducts training in leadership development, partnership formation and citizen participation for the Basin Educator staff and the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program, is a key resource for clients who seek help with strategic approaches to economic development.
Erica Kauten, Director of Business and Manufacturing Extension, and State Director of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center: Kauten serves as a board member for the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center. She also represents the UW System on the Wisconsin Technology Council and serves on the Board Development Committee of the Urban League of Greater Madison.
Neil Lerner, Director, Small Business Development Center, UW-Madison: Under Lerner’s leadership, the UW-Madison SBDC provides business management education and assistance through workshops, in-person assistance and telephone counseling in Dane, Columbia and Sauk Counties.
Vicki Lobermeier, Director of Small Business Development Center, UW-Stevens Point: Lobermeier led last year’s successful effort to connect with the Oneida County Economic Development office through videoconferencing, which allows effective counseling sessions without drive time for the counselor or the client.
David Muench, Community, Natural Resource and Economic Development Educator, Outagamie County UW-Extension Office: Muench’s guidance has benefited economic development efforts in northeast Wisconsin, and he helps solve community problems through education and citizen participation. His efforts focus on community and economic development, governmental and business management, and natural resources conservation.
Bill Ryan, Community Business Development Specialist, Center for Community Economic Development, UW-Extension: Ryan serves as co-president of the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council. He works closely with the Wisconsin Main Street program to deliver market analysis educational programs, and has co-authored an online downtown market analysis curriculum.

UW-GREEN BAY

Doug Gjerde, Director of Small Business Development Center, Business Assistance Center: Gjerde specializes in working with entrepreneurs and is involved with various projects to assist and advocate for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Hallett J. (Bud) Harris, Professor Emeritus, Natural and Applied Sciences: Harris has assisted UWGB and the Environmental Protection Agency in environmental restoration and protection and is currently working to develop an integrated approach to water quality across numerous state agencies.
John Katers, Assistant Professor/Natural and Applied Sciences: Katers, a specialist in waste management and recycling, provides technical expertise to the pulp and paper, electric utility and foundry industries. He also promotes science and math education in Green Bay as director of an Eisenhower Professional Development Grant for middle- and high-school classrooms.
Meir Russ, Assistant Professor/Business Administration: Russ is an active member of the Board of Directors of Advance–Green Bay Area Economic Development, writes a bi-weekly economic report for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and is actively involved with the Wisconsin Paper Council.
Larry J. Smith, Professor, Social Change and Development: Smith has contributed to community and environmental planning in northeast Wisconsin, especially scenic Door County, using systems analysis and a dialogue approach.
Kassie Van Remortel, Program Coordinator/Economic Development, Outreach/Extension: Van Remortel partners with the Employers Workforce Development Network, the Young Professional Network and the Bay Lakes Workforce Development Board in providing economic development programs and services in the area

UW-LA CROSSE

Peter Bemis, Assistant Director, Physical Plant & Landscape Architect: Bemis earned the first-ever Steward of Environmental Leadership Award from the Hixon Forest Nature Center for his demonstrated commitment to promoting environmentally friendly programs and practices.
Beth Cherne, Assistant Professor, Theatre Arts: Cherne received the 2003 Art Award in the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women of the Coulee Region.
Jan Gallagher, Director of Small Business Development Center: Gallagher has been an adviser in management to businesses in seven counties in Western Wisconsin for the past decade and has helped to improve the region’s business climate. She has taken a leadership role in many important initiatives that link the resources of the university to economic development, including an equity investment group and business incubator. She has served on many regional planning and development committees.
Kathy Hanratty, Financial Specialist, Business Services: Hanratty received the 2003 Activist Award in the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women of the Coulee Region.
Susan Butterfield, Program Assistant, Office of the Provost: Butterfield received the 2003 Office Support Staff Award of the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women of the Coulee Region.
Al Thompson, Assistant to the Chancellor for Affirmative Action and Diversity: Active in the La Crosse community, Thompson serves on the executive boards of the Downtown Rotary Club and the United Way of the La Crosse area and serves as co-director of diversity for Compass 2.
Al Trapp, Development Program Manager, Advancement: Trapp received the 2003 Volunteer of the Year Award from the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and has been a major force behind private fundraising for scholarships and programs at UW-La Crosse.

UW-MADISON

Richard M. Amasino, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, Department of Biochemistry: Amasino’s work during the past 15 years places him among the world’s top plant development biologists. He earns wide praise for the originality, quality and productivity of his efforts, which have enormous potential practical applications for agricultural and ornamental crops.
Y. Austin Chang, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering: Chang’s research in thermodynamics and kinetics is recognized worldwide, and companies like Johnson Controls and the Kohler Company praise his work in multi-component alloys, which has proved important for Wisconsin industry.
Michael L. Corradini, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, Department of Engineering Physics: Corradini is an internationally recognized expert in the area of nuclear reactor safety. His primary research and teaching efforts in the area of heat transfer and fluid flow have direct application to safe, continued operation of nuclear power plants.
Larry Cox, Director, Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship, Faculty Associate, Management and Human Resources: Cox is heavily involved in teaching, research and services related to entrepreneurial management and enterprise development, including the MBA concentration program in entrepreneurship and Weinert Applied Ventures, which invests in early-stage companies with student involvement.
Allen Dines, Assistant Director, Office of Corporate Relations: Dines works to help meet the needs of UW-Madison-related startup businesses, and his research interests include technology transfer of university research. He has organized, secured financing for, and managed technology-based businesses from inception to ultimate sale.
James E. Hodder, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, School of Business: A specialist in international and corporate finance, and risk management, Hodder uses his modeling skills to improve corporate structures. Hodder is also recognized for providing “real options” to businesses, such as Wisconsin Power & Light, which credits Hodder for keeping energy costs low for Wisconsin consumers.
Roderic Lakes, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, Department of Engineering Physics: Lakes is an expert in the area of biomechanics and composite materials who has assisted small engine companies in Wisconsin – including Briggs & Stratton, Harley Davidson, Kohler and Mercury Marine – with “timely, inspired, creative research.”
Michael W. Pariza, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, Director of Food Research Institute, Chair Department of Food Microbiology and Toxicology: Under Pariza’s leadership, the UW-Madison Food Research Institute remains the nation’s premier academic food safety research organization, collaborating with several leading U.S. food companies, including 10 based in Wisconsin.
Frank Rath, Associate Director of the Center for Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) Associate Faculty Associate: Rath develops and conducts seminars for the university’s Department of Engineering Professional Development, and has led many companies through the QRM implementation process, including Datex-Ohmeda and Serigraph, Inc.
Rolf D. Reitz, Director of the Engine Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering: Reitz’s strength in engine research and development has benefited Wisconsin businesses, including Bombardier Recreational Products, and has brought together academic and industrial sectors to address complex analytical problems.
Urban Wemmerlöv, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, School of Business: Wemmerlöv is internationally recognized for his work in several areas of manufacturing. His involvement with the development of the Joyce Erdman Center for Manufacturing and Technology Management has proven important to the School of Business and the business and industrial community.
Cynthia Williams, Director of External Relations for the Division of International Studies: Williams manages state and federal relations and develops constituency-building activities with alumni, business and policy leaders. Among other positions, Williams serves as chair of the Committee on State, Federal and Private Sector Relations of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges Commission on International Programs.

UW-MILWAUKEE

William Gregory, Dean of College of Engineering and Applied Science: Gregory’s interest in university-industry connections and technology transfer has resulted in the licensing of several university patents, including the first WiSys spinoff business. He has been a principal in five high-tech start-up companies, has received more than $10 million in grant funds during his career, and has seen the approval of $11 million in new funding.
Lucy Holifield, Director of the Milwaukee Small Business Development Center and Associate Director of the UWM Consortium for Economic Opportunity: Holifield works to develop and implement strategies and initiatives that meet the needs of businesses in Milwaukee. Her experience includes building small business development partnerships with community-based organizations, government agencies and the private sector.
Mark Levine, Professor of History, Director, Center for Economic Development, Dir., Consortium for Economic Opportunity, UWM Milwaukee Idea, Director, Center for Canadian-American Policy Studies: Levine’s research centers on North American urban history and public policy, focusing on economic change, urban development and cultural diversity in cities. He has researched the impact of Milwaukee’s downtown redevelopment efforts, including convention centers, stadiums and light-rail transit.
Mark Mone, Associate Dean, Executive Programs, Professor, Organizations and Strategic Management: Mone has served as UWM’s TechStar Executive Director, and authored a report titled “Critical Success for Knowledge-Based Industrial Clusters in Wisconsin.” His research focuses on organizational decline, downsizing, retrenchment and turnaround and research methods.
Stephen L. Percy, Professor of Political Science, Deputy Chancellor, The Milwaukee Idea, Director, Center for Urban Initiatives and Research: Percy directly manages the Milwaukee Idea Initiative, UWM’s bold plan to pursue university-community engagement to support UWM’s research, teaching and services missions, and to provide expertise and assistance for the greater Milwaukee community.
Sammis B. White, Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Director, Center for Workplace Development: White – an expert in economic development, urban education, entrepreneurship, fiscal impact analysis, housing policy and welfare reform – works closely with UWM and industry partners to identify and meet the resource training and development needs of southeast Wisconsin.

UW-OSHKOSH

Sharon Chappy, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science Program: Chappy leads a program that allows bachelor degree holders to earn a nursing bachelor’s degree in just 12 months – increasing the supply of trained nurses in Wisconsin, while providing employment opportunities for many individuals affected by recent economic downturns.
Judith Towne Hankes, Associate Professor, College of Education and Human Services: Hankes is a tireless advocate on behalf of Native American students. She is actively working with the College of Menominee Nation in a collaborative master’s degree for American Indian students, serves as a consultant for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and is a member of the Native American Gates Millennium Scholars Scholarship Selection Team.
Greg Kleinheinz, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Microbiology Colleen McDermott, Professor, Department of Biology and Microbiology: Kleinheinz and McDermott have received funding from a number of agencies to work with undergraduate and graduate biology students in testing recreational waters throughout northeast Wisconsin for bacteria likely to cause human disease. Local agencies have followed the advice suggested by their findings, which have provided safety assurances for citizens across the state.
Bill McConkey, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, School of Graduate Studies and Continuous Learning, Certificate in Workplace Communication: McConkey has developed educational opportunities for working adults through business-by-business needs assessments, student interest surveys and advisory groups. His work with area employers led to the innovative and popular Certificate in Workplace Communication.
C. Burk Tower, Professor, College of Business Administration, Wisconsin Family Business Forum: Tower helped to create the Wisconsin Family Business Forum, a partnership organization that assists family businesses through workshops, seminars, consulting and support. He earned a lifetime achievement award from the Oshkosh United Way in 2003.

UW-PARKSIDE

Dirk Baldwin, Associate Professor/MIS-Chair, Department of Business: Baldwin is a founder and chair of the Information Technology Practice Center, a partnership with southeastern Wisconsin businesses to enhance IT education and contribute to economic growth. Baldwin also provides consulting and has developed software for local businesses.
Norm Cloutier, Professor, Economics: Cloutier is a member of a consulting task force for the Racine County Economic Development Plan, co-directed a federal grant to the UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships, has studied skills gaps in the southeast Wisconsin workforce, and has directed the UW-Parkside Foreign Film Series for 22 years.
Chris Evans, Professor/Department Chair, Geosciences: Under Evans’ leadership, the Department of Geosciences established the UW-Parkside Environmental Resources Center, which focuses on fundamental scientific research, community services and student learning that enhance environmental quality and quality of life.
Cory Mason, Racine Small Business Development Center Manager: Mason led the SBDC in shifting emphasis to stimulate economic growth by creating capabilities that support entrepreneurs. The UW-Parkside SBDC is a key partner with local economic development groups, including the Center for Advanced Technology and the Racine County Economic Development Company.
Anne Statham, Professor/Director of Community Based Learning, Sociology: Statham has conducted community-based teaching and research since joining UW-Parkside in 1982. She served as co-director of two federal grants to the Community Outreach Partnership Center, has studied brain drain in Racine and Kenosha, and is assisting the Racine County Economic Corporation assess its economic development plan.
Tom Schnaubelt, Executive Director, Wisconsin Campus Compact: Schnaubelt is leading the statewide effort to strengthen civic engagement and service-learning partnerships between Wisconsin’s postsecondary institutions and the communities they serve. Wisconsin Campus Compact seeks to expand the role of higher education in educating students for careers, as well as for their roles as active, engage community members.

UW-PLATTEVILLE

Sue Curtis, Community University Partnership Program: Curtis works to identify local needs, to connect local citizens with faculty, staff and students at UW-Platteville and UW-Extension, and to provide encouragement and support for resulting service learning or community service projects.
Barbara Daus, Special Assistant to Chancellor & Executive Director of International Programs: Daus was instrumental in the development of the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Coalition. Daus co-chairs the Coalition’s strategic action team and coordinates distribution of economic development information throughout a six-county area. She is also active in the Dubuque-based Community and Schools Together program and the Platteville MainStreet program.
Louis Nzegwu, Associate Professor of Business, Executive Director of UWP International Business Resource Center: Nzegwu’s successful grant application to the U.S. Department of Education led to the establishment and continuous funding of the International Business Resource Center. The center helps small and medium-sized businesses develop foreign market strategies and provides international education experiences for students and faculty.
Robert Schatz, Manager, Outreach Program for Corporate Relations, Project Director for Rural Business Development Center: Schatz co-chairs the finance, agricultural and technology team of the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Coalition and was instrumental in its development. He has worked to form a dairy modernization working group and a regional venture capital network. He also secured federal funding for the Rural Business Development Center.
John Simonson, Professor of Economics, Director, Center for Applied Public Policy: Under Simonson’s leadership, the Center for Applied Public Policy is providing university expertise where needed across campus and among commercial, political and civic enterprises in southwest Wisconsin. Simonson also serves on the Platteville MainStreet economic restructuring committee.

UW-RIVER FALLS

Kelly Cain, Professor of Plant and Earth Science: Cain is active in partnerships to establish sustainable economic and community development programs. He has integrated student service-learning projects into St. Croix communities and promotes economic opportunities related to nature and tourism in the region.
William Cordua, Professor of Geology and Mineralogy: Cordua’s public information resource on mineral localities in Wisconsin assists those seeking information on the state’s mineral resources and encourages tourism from enthusiasts in the field. He has also provided a unique tour product on the area’s geological features for the Pierce County Tourism Bureau.
Michael Keenan, Professor of Chemistry: Keenan’s collaborations with Forward Wisconsin and local economic development coordinators have attracted high-tech industry to the region’s I-94 technology corridor. He also chairs the City of River Falls Park and Recreation Board and serves on the city’s Planning Commission.
Mark Kinders, Director, Public Affairs: Kinders is a founding member and third-term president of the St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Alliance. The bi-state collaboration among 13 Chambers of Commerce, 85 businesses, the National Park Service, UW-River Falls, and the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota promotes tourism in communities along the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Bradley Mogen, Professor of Biology: Mogen is collaborating with BioDiagnostics, a local agricultural biotechnology company, in the use of molecular genetic techniques to identify soybean varieties.
Glenn Potts, Professor of Economics, Director of the Center for Economic Research: Potts recently surveyed regional businesses on the use of information technology for the St. Croix and Pierce County EDCs, Polk County and West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development. He helped prepare a strategic plan for a BioTech/HiTech Incubator for the River Falls EDC, led strategic planning for the city of Amery, and is conducting interdisciplinary research on diversity in the western Wisconsin workforce.
Charles Rader, Professor of Geography: Rader promotes land and resource conservation and sustainable economic development in his work with the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Pierce County Partners in Tourism, the National Park Service, and the City of River Falls. He also works with UW-Extension on research using geographic information systems and mapping technologies.
Brian Smith, Professor of Plant and Earth Science and Extension Commercial Fruit Specialist: Smith is one of UW-River Falls’ most productive research scientists. He has secured funding through state, federal and private grants, and his research benefits many Wisconsin small fruit growers. He is recognized for his work with strawberries and developed a patented plum variety.

UW-STEVENS POINT

Bryant Browne, Associate Professor of Soils/Water Resources: Browne secured a patent through WiSys for his device that measures multiple dissolved gases in both surface and groundwater. Graduate students at UWSP are utilizing the technique.
Randy Cray, Professor of Economics, Director, Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau (CWERB) Scott Wallace, Assistant Professor of Business and Economics, Research Associate, Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau (CWERB): Through the Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau, Cray and Wallace bring timely economic analysis and information to stimulate economic development in Portage, Marathon and Wood counties. Their reports include overviews of national economic conditions and information on the health of the Central Wisconsin economy.
George J. Kraft, Professor of Water Resources, Director of the Center for Watershed Science and Education, and Director of the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center: Kraft’s outreach involvement includes the Perrier proposal to tap spring water in Adams County; reforming Wisconsin’s groundwater pumping laws, an effort with the River Alliance of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association; and assisting stewardship groups in organizing and managing water resources.
Tracy Hofer, Assistant Professor of Business and Economics, Director, Center for Economic Education: Hofer’s Center for Economic Education collaborates with UW-Extension and primary and secondary school teachers to provide economic education to students. The center is affiliated with the National Council on Economic Education and EconomicsWisconsin.

UW-STOUT

Joseph Benkowski, Director of the Stout Technology Transfer Institute, Director of Northwest Manufacturing Outreach Center: Benkowski connects small and mid-sized manufacturing companies with expertise at UW-Stout and area technical colleges. In the last three years, the center has brought economic impacts of more than $20 million to the companies assisted – a 17:1 return on investment.
Thomas Franklin, Consultant, Downtown Eau Claire Revitalization, Dunn County Comprehensive Health Assessment: Franklin conducts research consultations as part of the educational curriculum for graduate Applied Psychology students. Clients have included Downtown Eau Claire Revitalization, Dunn County Comprehensive Health Assessment and the Target Corporation Corporate Office.
Christopher Smith, Director of the Stout Technology Park: Smith was among the leaders who organized Synergy 2003, an economic development event for the nine-county area. He works closely with the County Economic Development Agent, the Workforce Development Board and regional economic leaders.
John Wesolek, Dean of the College of Human Development: Wesolek is a board member and president of Momentum Chippewa Valley, a regional economic development organization. He is a previous executive director of the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, which under his 12-year leadership, grew to become the largest such campus-based operation.

UW-SUPERIOR

Robert Beam, Professor of Economics, Member of All Hazard Mitigation Committee for the City of Superior: Beam brings his expertise in survey design and implementation to the All Hazard Mitigation Committee and helps with the project’s risk and vulnerability analysis. The project is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Association.
Julianne Raymond, Director of Small Business Development Center: Raymond was instrumental in establishing the successful Tourism Entrepreneurship technical assistance program in connection with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Snow Emergency Loan program. She also serves on the Northern EDGE steering committee.
Cecilia Schrenker, Chair, Teacher Education Department: Schrenker has served as campus director of planning and analysis, program development specialist for the Northwest Wisconsin Teacher Corps Project and Chair of the Teacher Education Department. She has earned numerous awards for excellence in teaching and advising.
Richard Stewart, Associate Professor, and Director of Transportation and Logistics Research Center: Stewart’s Port and Terminal Marine Transportation classes team up for projects with local businesses to improve the region’s economic health. The teams are now examining how to expand marine trade to the port of Superior and to improve use of existing facilities.
Michael Wallschlaeger, Chair, Educational Administration Department: Wallschlager is a management consultant for Midwest Professional Planners, a Wausau-based financial management company. In addition to his 17 years of university service, Wallschlaeger is a former National Committee Chair for the Professors of Secondary Administration and a Supervisor for the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

UW-WHITEWATER

Choton Basu, Management Professor, Co-Director, Global Business Resources Center: Basu works to provide Wisconsin businesses with resources and assistance related to international business and globalization. His work also seeks to involve students in meaningful global projects to facilitate learning.
James Bronson, Professor of Entrepreneurship: Bronson works to increase interest and competency in entrepreneurship in the current generation of students. He led UW-Whitewater’s co-sponsorship of the most recent Young Entrepreneur Conferences and Business Competitions.
Robert Horton, Professor of Information Technology and Business Education and Coordinator, Management Computer Systems Business Partnership Consortium: Horton manages one of the university’s most successful academic programs. MCS has earned #1 program status in North America from the Association of Information Technology Professionals seven times since 1984.The consortium consists of several Wisconsin businesses, including Harley Davidson, CNH Global, QuadGraphics, Team Soft and eInnovate.
Russ Kashian, Professor of Economics, Co-Leader of Proposed Economic Research Center Mark Skidmore, Professor of Economics, Co-Leader of Proposed Economic Research Center: Kashian and Skidmore are leading an effort to establish a center to provide economic development and planning expertise to southeastern Wisconsin communities. Kashian is an urban and regional economist. Skidmore’s research focuses on public economics and economic development.

UW SYSTEM

Mark Bugher, Director, University Research Park, UW-Madison: Bugher directs efforts to encourage faculty startup companies and enhance economic development. He serves on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on State-Local Partnership and the Wisconsin Technology and Entrepreneur’s Council.
Laurie Dies, Special Assistant to the Vice President and Economic Summit Coordinator, Wisconsin Economic Summits I, II, III & IV.: Dies spearheaded the University of Wisconsin System’s effort to host four highly successful statewide conversations about the future of economic development in Wisconsin. She facilitated partnerships among the education, business and industry sectors, including numerous state agencies, local and regional economic development organizations, and the state’s public and private education leaders.
Lawrence Casper, Assistant Dean for Research and Technology Transfer, School of Engineering, UW-Madison: Casper directs entrepreneurial projects through the campus-wide UW-Technology Enterprise Cooperative and is the primary contact for business, industry and government seeking technical capabilities in engineering.
Michael P. Dombeck, Pioneer Professor of Global Environmental Management, UW-Stevens Point, University of Wisconsin System Fellow of Global Conservation: Dombeck, formerly of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, is widely respected for his efforts toward watershed health and restoration, sustainable forest ecosystem management, sound forest roads and roadless area protection. He helped develop the $100 million Global Environmental Management Center at UW-Stevens Point.
Robert Greenstreet, Interim Chancellor and Professor, Department of Architecture, UW-Milwaukee: Greenstreet serves as the Interim Chancellor at UW-Milwaukee. He is an expert in the impact of law upon architecture and how such impacts shape the physical environment. He is active as an arbitrator, mediator and expert witness in construction-related cases.
Donald Nichols, Director, La Follette School of Public Affairs, and Professor of Economics and Public Affairs, UW-Madison: Nichols, an award-winning teacher, plays a prominent role in public affairs, both nationally and in the state of Wisconsin. He is an expert in macroeconomic theory and policy and regional economic policy. He serves on the board of the Thompson Plumb Fund.
James Thomson, Professor of Anatomy, UW-Madison Medical School, and Chief Pathologist, Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center: Thomson directed the group that first successfully isolated human embryonic stem cell lines in 1998.That group was also the first to report isolation of embryonic stem cell lines from a non-human primate in 1995.