University of Wisconsin Oshkosh faculty and staff were welcomed and recognized for their accomplishments and contributions at the annual Opening Day Convocation Sept. 6.

The recipients for awards awarded during the Opening Day Convocation are as follows:

 

Endowed Professorship

Endowed professorships are awarded to faculty members who demonstrate outstanding research and engagement in community service. Funded by local sponsors, the awards support research projects and professional development for a four-year term.

 

Douglas Haynes
Associate Professor, English

Douglas Haynes is an essayist, poet, journalist and teacher. He has worked at UW Oshkosh for eight years, serving as an associate professor, director of advanced composition and University Studies Program Connect writing director. He teaches courses in creative writing, nature writing and advanced writing. Haynes’ work focuses on overlooked people and places. His writing has been published in more than 30 literary journals, magazines and daily newspapers, including Orion, Boston Review and Virginia Quarterly Review. Haynes’ narrative nonfiction book about disaster, migration and survival in Nicaragua is forthcoming in 2017. In addition to his writing, Haynes’ service work focuses on advocating for international education on environmental and economic justice issues. Haynes also is the president of the board of directors for Compas de Nicaragua, a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural exchange and community development.

Haynes is the recipient of the 2016 SNC Professor of International Relations Endowed Professorship.

Haynes earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UW-Madison and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

 

Nari Kim
Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy

Nari Kim has been recognized with more than 20 excellence awards from UW Oshkosh and international professional organizations. Kim’s research focuses on the application of innovative technologies based on the learning theories and practices for K-12 and higher education. Specifically, she is interested in the design of inquiry-based learning using mobile technology, as well as virtual and augmented reality to improve learning and performance in formal and informal education. During the last 20 years, Kim has designed and researched learning technology programs at various international organizations, such as Samsung, Daewoo, Seoul National University, Indiana University and Seeds of Empowerment. She has also researched critical thinking and collaboration in wikibook creation across six international institutions in the U.S., China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Kim works diligently to integrate technology into the pre- and in-service teacher education and leadership programs on the UW Oshkosh campus. She creates student-centered learning environments and challenges her undergraduate and graduate students to find innovative ways to use cutting-edge technology in their teaching and administration. She also mentored the South Korean teachers who came to earn an educational leadership master’s degree at UW Oshkosh.

Kim is the recipient of the 2016 EAA/CR Meyer Endowed Professorship.

Kim earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in educational technology at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, and a doctorate in instructional systems technology at Indiana University in Bloomington.

 

Roberta Maguire
Professor, English

Roberta Maguire is known for her talent and dedication as a writer, researcher, teacher and mentor. She has been a member of the faculty in the English department at UW Oshkosh for 19 years, during which time she also has served as director of the University Honors Program for three terms and is in her second term as the chair of the English department. Maguire’s research for the past six years has been devoted to defining the African American tradition in literary journalism, which has required bringing scholarly attention to under-recognized or forgotten voices and arguing for their considerable contributions not only to a distinctive African American tradition but also to the larger field of American literary journalism. Her current projects include coediting the 40-chapter Routledge Companion to American Literary Journalism and a book manuscript in which she is analyzing the stylistic developments that emerge in the literary journalism of five African American writers. Dedicated to student success, Maguire led the effort to redesign the curriculum for the University Honors Program and more recently to revise one of the core courses in the English major. Maguire has an extensive record of service on behalf of the College of Letters and Science and the University, from her membership on the Liberal Education Reform Team to her current work as chair of the Humanities Division of COLS and on the College’s Promotions and Post-Tenure Review Committee. She also serves the larger scholarly community and the region as associate editor of Literary Journalism Studies, executive committee member of the International Association for Literary Journalism Studies and vice-president of the board for the Wisconsin Humanities Council.

Maguire is the recipient of the 2016 Oshkosh Northwestern Endowed Professorship.

Maguire earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland, College Park, a master’s degree from New York University, and a doctorate in English—with an emphasis in American and African American Literature—also from the University of Maryland.

 

Marguerite W. Penick-Parks
Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy

Marguerite W. Penick-Parks’ teaching is rooted in years of scholarship in multicultural literature, white privilege and social justice—issues she is passionate about. Penick-Parks creates change that stretches beyond the classroom and into the realm of service-learning and community engagement. She asks her students to demand of themselves what they would demand of their future students and to strive for lessons grounded in issues of equity and social change. Creating safe classrooms for courageous conversations remains a goal of all her classes and is integrated into her teaching, scholarship and service. Penick-Parks always seeks new opportunities to enrich her teaching and at the same time sets a vision and model for other faculty and students. An example is when she worked collaboratively—investing significant personal time—planning the literacy block with College of Education and Human Services faculty. The cohesive block closely resembles what students will face when teaching literacy in the schools, and is now a model of co-teaching at the higher education level. Penick-Parks is a founding editor of the online journal Understanding and Dismantling Privilege. She also co-edited the books Everyday White People Confront Racial and Social Injustice and the forthcoming A Guide for White Women Teaching Black Boys. She’s been involved with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) as a participant and mentor and currently sits on the Coretta Scott King Award Committee for the American Library Association, the Social Justice Book Award Committee for the International Literacy Association and is a National Board member of The Privilege Institute.

Penick-Parks is the recipient of the OshKosh B’gosh Endowed Professorship.

Penick-Parks earned a bachelor’s degree in speech/drama education from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in educational policy from the UW–Madison, and a doctorate in curriculum and supervision from the University of Iowa.

 

Rosebush Professorship

The John McNaughton Rosebush Professorship recognizes UW Oshkosh faculty members for teaching, professional achievement and public service. Nominees are considered in a selection process by a panel representing all University governance groups.

 

Kimberly Rivers
Professor, History

Kimberly Rivers is an accomplished researcher, presenter, historian and teacher. Rivers has worked at UW Oshkosh for 21 years, serving as a lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor and professor, as well as two terms as chair of the history department. In addition to publishing two books, Rivers has published 13 articles in peer-reviewed journals and 10 short pieces. Rivers also presented 29 conference papers—11 at international venues. Dedicated to student success, Rivers is constantly updating course readings, creating innovative assignments and incorporating the latest technology in the classroom. She teaches courses at the introductory and advanced levels, teaching history both chronologically and thematically, and has advised five honors theses. Rivers also developed and team-taught an innovative Quest III course, “Charity and Memory, 1066 to the New Deal.” Rivers has served on a variety of governance committees in the College of Letters and Science, including co-chairing the Faculty Committee, College Tenure and Renewal Committee, College Promotion Committee and the Curriculum Committee. She also led the history department to create the University’s first department-level promotion guidelines.

Rivers earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Earlham College, a master’s degree in medieval studies from the University of Toronto, a license in mediaeval studies from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies and a doctorate in medieval studies from the University of Toronto.

 

Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award

Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award recipients are selected based on their teaching excellence, service, professional commitment and scholarly growth. A committee of faculty, students and staff determines who will receive the honor.

 

Anna Filipova
Associate Professor, Public Administration

Stand-out educator Anna Filipova teaches both undergraduate and graduate public administration courses at UW Oshkosh, including healthcare organization and management, healthcare policy and healthcare administration law. Since joining the University in 2009, she has worked hard to empower students to be active, engaged and responsible learners and to use creative methods to solicit their input for a shared learning experience. Her teaching philosophy focuses on student-centered learning, which occurs best when students are personally engaged with the material and perceive the information to be relevant to their own lives, needs and interests. “Understanding the diversity of student learning styles and student experiences, the different tempos they exhibit, the ways they react to certain topics, is the key to enhancing this engagement,” she explained. Filipova took part in the 2012-2013 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars Program. She also has been active in learning about, conducting, presenting and implementing Scholarship of Teaching and Learning research. Since June 2015, she has served as chair of the public administration department and coordinator of the Master of Public Administration Program.

Filipova earned a master’s degree in English philology from St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria; a master’s degree in leadership in public administration from Saginaw Valley State University; and a doctorate of philosophy in public administration from Western Michigan University.

 

Sarinda Taengnoi Siemers
Associate Professor, Economics

Economics is loaded with abstract models and mathematical approximations to reality. Sarinda Taengnoi Siemers has a gift for making those many abstractions real and comprehensible to students. She has been at UW Oshkosh since 2008 and currently serves as an associate professor of economics. She believes that teaching is a “work of the heart.” “My passion for teaching and my commitment to students’ learning and their academic success has driven me to keep my skills and knowledge current, to continually find ways to improve my teaching and to develop a profound professional relationship with students,” she said. “Teaching is more than just a career for me; it is who I am.” Year after year, students are inspired by Siemers’ enthusiasm and natural talent for teaching … so much so that “they can’t help but get excited about economics.” One student best summed up Siemers’ dedication: “She fosters a learning environment that goes beyond the classroom. In many ways, she has made me a more worldly and well-rounded individual.”

Siemers earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Thammasat University, Thailand, and both a master’s degree and a doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

 

Angela Westphal
Instructor, Communication

Angela Westphal brings enthusiasm and passion to her classes as one of the most experienced communication instructors at UW Oshkosh. Since returning to her alma mater in 2004, Westphal has taken an innovative, interactive and student-centered approach to teaching. In her freshman public speaking class, she has helped many students overcome anxiety and start off their college careers with success. One student said, “She taught us how to schedule and make time for everything even when we didn’t think it was possible.” With a 2013 College of Letters and Science Gateway Success Teaching Innovation Grant, Westphal teamed with two colleagues to develop a process that would improve students’ ability to provide feedback and lower anxiety levels. Westphal wants students to apply what they learn outside of the classroom. Students in her Organizational Communication class apply the concepts they learn to businesses in the community. Westphal also is praised for her commitment to serving her department through development and support of the annual Speech Festival, creation of an instructor collaboration site, numerous committee positions and participation in the University Studies Program. She strongly believes instructors can serve students best when they are connected to the broader University community. A former student summarized her experience: “Angela is a great professor because she is a person first and treats her students like they matter.”

Westphal earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from UW Oshkosh and UW-Milwaukee, respectively.

 

Sniffen Faculty Governance Service Award

The Barbara G. Sniffen Faculty Governance Service Award recognizes faculty members who have exceptional University service records.

 

William Mode
Professor, Geology

Bill Mode has spent his career challenging his students to achieve greater heights and sharing his fascination with geology both inside and outside the classroom. Mode has worked at UW Oshkosh for 35 years serving as an assistant professor, associate professor and professor, as well as 17 years as chair in the geology department. Mode also served as an associate dean in the College of Letters and Science for three years. Mode’s research focuses on glacial geology, palynology and climate change. He currently collaborates with geologists at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey to map Waushara County. A believer in spreading passion for geology through hands-on learning, Mode is well-known for making the world his classroom through field trips, providing his students with new and eye-opening experiences. Mode has served on a variety of governance committees in the College of Letters and Science, including the Tenure and Renewal, Curriculum, Promotion, Program Review and Academic Standing Review committees. He also has served on the University Academic Policies committee, as chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use committee and on various search and screen committees. In addition to his service at the University, Mode is a frequent presenter in K–12 schools and community groups, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for earth science.

Mode earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Augustana College, master’s degrees in geology and water resources management from UW-Madison and a doctorate in geology from the University of Colorado.

 

Outstanding Service Award

UW Oshkosh has many non-teaching faculty and academic staff members whose contributions enhance the University’s overall academic environment and support our educational goals. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes excellence of service that touches each member of the University community.

 

Scott Johnson
Associate Registrar, Registrar’s Office

Scott Johnson has been at UW Oshkosh for 11 years. He oversees staff who are responsible for credit examination, system development, the course catalog and room scheduling. He has been an integral team member for the implementation of the University Studies Program and was a leader in the Campus Solutions 9.0 upgrade, making UW Oshkosh the first UW System campus to complete this update. Johnson is dedicated to improving the experience for UW Oshkosh students by finding new and better ways to solve problems as they arise. Johnson also led the implementation of the online graduation application process, which allows students to apply for graduation electronically. An expert in the PeopleSoft Student Records module, Johnson is a member of the state and national Higher Education Users Group (HEUG) for PeopleSoft. He is a member of the UW System SIS Executive Committee, which oversees budget and project management for common systems used for UW-Madison’s PeopleSoft. Johnson also is a member of the Wisconsin Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers. In addition to his service to the University and UW System, Johnson was a Scoutmaster for Troop 146, has held several leadership positions in the Glacier’s Edge Council, Boy Scouts of America and was food committee chair for the 2015 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Dane County.

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and a master’s degree in continuing and vocational education with a certificate in agricultural education teaching from UW-Madison.

 

Ted Mulvey
Information Literacy Librarian, Polk Library

When it comes to research, many don’t know where to begin—this is where Ted Mulvey comes to the rescue. As the information literacy librarian, Mulvey teaches students, as well as instructors, how to use information resources—databases, journals, websites and more—efficiently, wisely and creatively. Mulvey consistently goes above and beyond to assist students with generating ideas, refining searches or tracking down sources. His friendliness and expertise help students learn critical-thinking skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Mulvey’s dedication extends into his work with faculty and staff. He attends evening staff meetings, serves on search and screen committees and collaborates on professional development. He has assisted in scholarly presentations, and he is co-authoring an article with a faculty member about first-year writing students and information literacy. His work with various faculty members contributes to the excellent reputation of the library across campus. Mulvey played a lead role in integrating the library with the University Studies Program, including the creation of ANVIL—an interactive, trivia-style game that teaches concepts associated with information literacy. He also evaluates and assesses University services for teaching and learning for the Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation process. Mulvey is active in his profession, serving at the executive level of two national Association of College and Research Library committees.

Mulvey earned a bachelor’s degree in music from DePaul University and a master’s degree in library and information science from Dominican University.

 

Jaime Page-Stadler
Director, Career Services

In more than 12 years as a leader in Career Services, Jaime Page-Stadler has brought her professional expertise and collaborative spirit to provide UW Oshkosh with innovative, high-quality programs and services that impact students’ professional development and employability. She began working as an assistant director in 2004 and progressed to associate director in 2006 and director in 2008. In the past six years, she has increased services by 37 percent with few additional resources. Under her leadership, Career Services has developed professional skills courses, increased the number of career workshops and events, grown the Career Fair on the Fox to one of the largest and most well-known events for job hunters in northeastern Wisconsin, and created the Career Closet to provide professional clothing to students at no charge. “Developing and sustaining community relationships and business contacts has been an area that I take great pride in,” Page-Stadler said. She has been active in her profession through the National Association for Colleges and Employers. Page-Stadler also serves the University through her work on search and screen committees and the Student Titan Employment Program, among other committees and initiatives.

Page-Stadler earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from UW-Whitewater and a master’s degree in college student personnel at Western Illinois University.

 

Outstanding Performance Award

The University’s Outstanding Performance Award recognizes exemplary members of the University staff whose activities, accomplishments and service are most deserving of acknowledgement.

 

Heidi Frey
University Services Associate, International Studies

Heidi Frey is driven, passionate, focused and caring—all characteristics that make her a good fit for her role at UW Oshkosh providing support to the International Studies Program and the University’s award-winning Model United Nations organization. Frey radiates happiness and is genuinely concerned about those around her—especially students. During her five years at UW Oshkosh, Frey has continuously improved the work environment for student employees and streamlined processes to make her office a great place to work. Beyond her role in the office, Frey has given of her time to the University through participation in the University Staff Senate, the Gender Equity Council, the Awards and Recognition Committee, the AFSCME Local 579 union and the AFSCME Council 32 statewide Higher Education Advisory Board. Frey also participates in bringing awareness to causes by fundraising and participating in events like Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and Take Back the Night.

 

Angelee Hammond
Academic Department Associate, Political Science and History

Angelee Hammond is described as a model employee—the “right hand” to every member of the political science department where she works year-round at UW Oshkosh. Hammond also serves in a summer role with the history department. She is described as “indispensable” in her roles. Hammond believes it is her job to guide, support and problem-solve—all tasks she takes seriously. To both departments, Hammond uses good judgment and is dependable, a good listener and a positive force when working with other staff, faculty and students. On campus, Hammond is involved with the Administrative Support Team, the Awards and Recognition Committee, the Global Scholar Committee and the Information Technology Users Group Committee. Hammond was a 2012 recipient of the University’s STAR Award and received the College of Letters and Science Service Recognition Award in 2007 and 2011. She also was involved in the Bayeux Tapestry Team and has served on many other committees and groups during her 20 years at UW Oshkosh. In addition to service activities, Hammond is an advocate for the LGBTQ community—and has participated in fundraisers to help the LGBTQ Resource Center.

Hammond earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from UW Oshkosh.

 

Katrina Helmer
University Services Program Assistant, College of Nursing

Katrina Helmer is known for her commitment to the College of Nursing at UW Oshkosh. Her supervisors and colleagues applaud her for going above and beyond, learning and growing within her role, her calm and welcoming demeanor, and her organization of crucial office processes and reports. Helmer’s work ethic is strong; she produces quality work and does her daily job with a team approach. Helmer said it excites her and fills her with pride to be a part of the College of Nursing and further the mission and vision of UW Oshkosh. Beyond her role in the College, Helmer is involved with many University and community activities, including the Small and Large Administrative UW Oshkosh Support Groups and the University Staff Leadership Series and Professional Development Day.

Helmer earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Russian language/culture from UW-Madison.

 

Amy Jeanty
Academic Department Associate, Sociology

Amy Jeanty is the glue that holds the sociology department together. As the first point of contact for students and others visiting the department, Jeanty is described as friendly, professional and truly interested in the well-being of students. Jeanty does her job as “the face of the department” with pride and believes that creating a secure, caring, stimulating and inclusive environment for students to grow is crucial to their success at UW Oshkosh. On campus, Jeanty is a member of the Community Advisory Board and the Administrative Support Group and a former member of the University Staff Council. She also is a regular participant in many community events like the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, events sponsored by the sociology department and a regular attendee of campus theatre productions.

Jeanty earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UW Oshkosh.

 

Amy Ready
Academic Department Associate, Human Kinetics and Health Education

Amy Ready is known within her department for going above and beyond expectations. She approaches every task with vigor and strives to make the department run smoothly. Ready strives to create an environment comfortable to students because she knows they are the educators and leaders of the future. Ready provides a high level of service by going above and beyond. She has been involved with many activities and initiatives outside of her department, including the University Staff Leadership Series and the University Staff Appreciation Day committee. Ready also has served as a Safety Team member and a volunteer for various causes. Ready is the past recipient of the Sally Margis Award—and hopes to eventually earn her bachelor’s degree from UW Oshkosh.

 

LGBTQ+ Ally Award

The UW Oshkosh LGBTQ+ Ally Award is dedicated to creating a stronger and more affirming campus environment for teaching, learning, serving and growing. The purpose of the award is to recognize a UW Oshkosh employee who is neither a member of nor an out member of the LGBTQ+ community for their excellence in leadership, advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Jean Kwaterski
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor/Business Manager, Division of Student Affairs

Jean Kwaterski’s commitment and knowledge of diversity and inclusion is unparalleled. Since she began work on campus 16 years ago, she has grown in her role as an LGBTQ+ ally. Early in her career, she attended a SAFE training, and today she is a Tier I SAFE trainer. She has been a vital voice in helping the LGBTQ+ community shape inclusive policy across campus. She is a member of the Campus Pride Index, chair of the Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence Committee and a member of the Inclusive Excellence Thought Partners. Kwaterski regularly attends and volunteers at LGBTQ+ campus events, such as the Harvey Milk Dinner and the LGBTQ+ Ally March. She leads by example. “I do my best to attend events sponsored by the LGBTQ Resource Center and Rainbow Alliance for Hope, and I encourage others to do so, either verbally or by wearing my various T-shirts acquired over the years,” Kwaterski said. “I purposely wear those T- shirts off campus to encourage conversations with people in the community.” Her impact has extended nationwide through her work on the National Association of College Auxiliary Services Board of Directors. She started the organization’s Inclusive Excellence Committee and implemented an inclusive excellence toolkit.

Kwaterski earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and an MBA, both from UW Oshkosh.

 

Queer Faculty/Staff Award

The UW Oshkosh Queer Faculty/Staff Award recognizes a queer staff or faculty member at UW Oshkosh for their excellence in advocacy, teaching, service, leadership and/or research on behalf of people of LGBTQ+ identities. The impact of such work includes, as well as exceeds, the critical role of validating the lives of queer students, faculty, staff and community members.

 

Liz Cannon
Director, LGBTQ Resource Center

Since 1997, Liz Cannon has worked for the betterment of the University community—most notably working to improve the professional, academic and personal climate for all members of the UW Oshkosh LGBTQ+ community. Cannon is the director of the LGBTQ Resource Center—an organization she advocated for and helped create. Under her vision and direction, the center has become a key campus resource demonstrating the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While Cannon’s doctorate is in English literature, she currently is a senior lecturer in Women’s and Gender Studies and teaches courses for the Social Justice Program. Her courses expand student understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in an inclusive and academically rigorous setting. Over the years, she has worked to infuse LGBTQ+ content across multiple disciplines. Her efforts led to the development of the LGBTQ Studies Certificate, which she coordinates. Countless LGBTQ+ students see Cannon as a positive role model. Her efforts as chair of the Campus Pride Index impact students immeasurably, including, but not limited to, the creation of the Rainbow Floor, the preferred name policy and SAFE training across campus. She played a critical role in the creation of the Harvey Milk Commemorative Dinner and the LGBTQ Ally March. And each year she mentors several interns at the center, as well as students through her role as co-advisor for Rainbow Alliance for HOPE. Because of her leadership and advocacy, a visible number of UWO students with particularly marginalized identities are out and have been able to develop their voice.

Cannon earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Oberlin College, a master’s degree in English Literature from Indian University Bloomington and a doctorate in English literature, specializing in women’s literature and feminist theory, from UW-Madison.

 

Inclusive Excellence Award

The purpose of the Inclusive Excellence Award is to emphasize the critical role that inclusivity plays on this campus. This award recognizes faculty or staff members who promote equity, inclusion and diversity on campus.

 

Grace Lim
Instructor, University Studies Program

At the age of 5, Grace Lim left the tiny island country of Taiwan for the United States, where she quickly learned the language of her adopted country. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, Lim has covered stories ranging in topic from hard-news crime to celebrity profiles—having worked for the Austin American-Statesman, Miami Herald and People magazine. She was a member of the staff that won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its coverage of Hurricane Andrew. At the University, Lim and her students produced the War: Through Their Eyes series. Lim now teaches students about the power of storytelling for the University Studies Program, which in recent semesters has showcased the Humans of Oshkosh Storytelling project. Since its launch, Humans of Oshkosh has featured more than 1,000 stories and acquired nearly 9,000 fans—telling stories about love and war, hope and despair, life and death, and everything
in between.

Lim earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas and a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

 

Regents Teaching Excellence Award

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents honors two faculty members and one department from the UW System for career achievements in teaching with this $5,000 award.

 

William N. Mode
Professor, Geology

Bill Mode has been a faculty member in the Department of Geology at UW Oshkosh for 35 years and department chair since 1999. Under his leadership, the department has established a strong rapport with students and alumni. He dedicates time and energy to maintaining an open door policy to advise and mentor students. Mode employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, hands-on learning experiences and group lab work. He involves students in research projects and field activities, planning field trips to other states and involving students in his own research, including a 12-year geologic mapping of the Fox River lowland. Emphasizing research, writing and mathematics in his classes, he fine-tunes the skills his students will need as graduate students and geologists. He has supervised more than 50 research students through independent studies, which—while not afforded teaching credit—is an especially formative type of teaching for the students. His field research in the Arctic is widely respected. Mode spends a considerable amount of time training and inspiring science educators to lead the next generation of students. He was instrumental in developing the UW Oshkosh Early Alert system to help students who are in jeopardy of failing. For 10 years, he has encouraged incoming first-generation students as part of the campus orientation program. He frequently speaks to K-12 schools and community groups.

Mode earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Augustana College, master’s degrees in geology and water resources management from UW-Madison and a doctorate in geology from the University of Colorado.