The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire announced on May 4 the recipients of its 2026-27 University Fellows and 2025-26 Karlgaard Faculty Excellence Awards. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to teaching, research, and service during a reception attended by university leadership.
These awards highlight the university’s ongoing efforts to recognize faculty excellence and support projects that enhance academic quality. Recipients will work on selected projects over several years with financial support ranging from $10,000 to $12,500 annually.
Interim Chancellor Michael J. Carney said, “Thank you for your commitment to high-quality teaching, your dedication to scholarship and for all you do to enhance the reputation of UW-Eau Claire as an exceptional place to work and study.” Dean Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn added, “This year’s Faculty Fellows reflect an outstanding dedication to our students. These are some of our finest teachers, outstanding researchers and importantly, they are outstanding colleagues committed to UW-Eau Claire being a remarkable place for all.”
Among those recognized were Dr. Sarita Mizin as Richard Kopplin University Fellow in honor of Helen X. Sampson; Dr. Meg Lagunas as Mary E. Granger Mid-Career Nursing University Fellow; Dr. Rachel Pierce as Mary E. Granger Nursing University Fellow; Dr. Xiaoyu Yang as College of Business Early Career Fellow; Dr. Nici Ploeger-Lyons as College of Business University Fellow; and Dr. Papia Rozario as Bartelt Early Career Fellow.
Nomination materials included endorsements such as: “Dr. Sarita Jayanty Mizin is a brilliant scholar who… still has room to grow as a scholar in ways that will elevate both the English department and REGSS department,” said Dr. Asha Sen; “Dr. Lagunas [is] one who is continuously pressing the bounds of nursing education… She takes initiative to innovate,” said Dr. Sonja Meiers; “Dr. Pierce provides strong service… Her future work will expand the research nationally,” said Dr. Lisa Schiller; “Seeing an early-career professor with the dedication and enthusiasm that Dr.Yang has is truly energizing,” said Dr.Kristy Lauver; “Nici is an exceptional teacher-scholar whose sustained excellence in teaching… have strengthened our department,” said Dr.Paula Lentz; “She creates an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued,” said Dr.Harry Jol about Rozario.
The Karlgaard Faculty Excellence Awards went this year to three faculty members: Dr.Emily Hastings (computer science), Dr.Allison Beemer (mathematics), and Dr.William Wolf (physics & astronomy). Funding for these awards comes from alumni David and Marilyn Karlgaard.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire supports a prominent Blugold Marching Band recognized among the most active in the Midwest at various events according to its official website. The institution contributes broadly through collaborations that impact Wisconsin’s culture, economy, and intellectual growth according to its official website. Its campus features include a Science and Health Sciences Building shared with Mayo Clinic Health System according to its official website, while national recognition has been given for quality education practices according to its official website. Partnerships with Mayo Clinic Health System and Marshfield Clinic promote health sciences initiatives according to its official website, emphasizing critical-thinking development along with career-focused opportunities preparing students for community roles according to its official website.
As these awardees begin their funded projects or continue their research endeavors under these fellowships, observers may look forward not only to advancements within specific fields but also continued enhancements in student experience at UW-Eau Claire.
