Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has announced the recipients of the 2025 Academic Staff Excellence Awards, acknowledging remarkable contributions in teaching, research, service, and leadership.

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin remarked on the importance of the academic staff by stating, "As the largest employee group on campus, our academic staff members are critical to all that we do. They are gifted teachers, world-class researchers, impactful mentors, and innovative administrators. We rely on them to bring the Wisconsin Idea to life — in the classroom and throughout the state and the world."

The award winners are:

Scott Mellor, a teaching professor in the Department of German, Nordic, and Slavic+, received the Chancellor’s Hilldale Award for Excellence in Teaching. Associate Professor Claus Elholm Andersen lauded Mellor by saying, "Dr. Mellor is an indefatigable, energetic, dedicated, and innovative educator, someone who consistently pulls more than his weight in our busy and varied department."

Jeff Henriques, teaching faculty in the Department of Psychology, was honored with the Mary Lucy Clark Distinguished Teaching Award. Senior student Zoe Regenstein shared, "I could not imagine anyone else who could provide a more effective introduction to the world of academic research and statistical analysis than Dr. Henriques."

Lindsey Stoddard Cameron, from the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty, was given the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service to the University. Heather Daniels, Secretary of the Faculty, said, "Lindsey’s career at UW–Madison has been one of true service — from her assigned duties to contributions well beyond her scope of employment."

Professor Michelle Kelly from the Department of Pediatrics was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research: Independent Investigator. Associate Professor Ryan Coller commented, "Dr. Kelly is an exceptional health services researcher whose work has led to demonstrable advancements in patient safety and family-centered care."

Andrew Ruis, Associate Director at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, received the Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Research: Critical Research Support. Brendan Eagan noted, "Dr. Ruis embodies a professional culture of not chasing awards but focusing instead on doing work that is award-worthy."

Ron Kuka, from the Department of English, was given the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Leadership at the Individual Unit Level. According to Amy Quan Barry, "I know I would not be as successful as I am as a writer without strong and capable academic staff folks like Ron working the front lines."

Emily Hall, a distinguished teaching professor in the Department of English, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Leadership at the School, College, or Larger University Level. Joshua Calhoun praised Hall's impact, saying, "I struggle to imagine a more influential, more productive, more brilliant, more thoughtful campus leader than Dr. Hall."

The Robert and Carroll Heideman Award for Excellence in Public Service and Outreach was given to Charles Konsitzke, Associate Director at the UW Biotechnology Center. Ray Cross, President Emeritus, remarked, "As a veteran who lost several fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War, I know the incredible importance of this work. No one is more deserving of this recognition than Chuck."

Jenni Hart, department administrator at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, received the Martha Casey Award for Dedication to Excellence. Professor Kathleen Bartzen Culver expressed her admiration, saying, "Jenni is a colleague who is singular in her dedication to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s research, teaching, and service missions."

Betsy Teigland, from the Office of Global Health, was also honored with the Martha Casey Award for Dedication to Excellence. James H. Conway, Director of Global Health, said, "Betsy is an incredible individual — efficient, kind, humble, organized, dedicated and creative, with a willingness to help others that is genuine and unique."

These accolades underscore the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s commitment to recognizing the exceptional contributions of its academic staff.