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Jeff Oliphant Blugold Spirit Award and Ron Satz Teacher/Scholar Award
Rose Battalio, Professor and Chair, Department of Special Education, is the recipient of the 2012-2013 Jeff Oliphant Blugold Spirit Award. This award is presented each year to a student, faculty, or staff member in CoEHS who clearly exemplifies the vision and mission of the university, CoEHS, and department; works successfully with others; maintains high standards; and provides leadership. Dr. Battalio joined the special education faculty in 2000, becoming chair of the department in 2008. Throughout her time at UW-Eau Claire, Dr. Battalio has been known for her professionalism and enthusiasm, for her ability to advocate for students and collaborate with colleagues. Students have tremendous respect for Dr. Battalio. Dr. Battalio is known across campus as a leader, one who shares her energy, insight, and practical problem-solving abilities to any and every task. Her nominator said, "Dr. Battalio shares her generous spirit with us all each and every day." Dr. Battalio truly makes a positive difference in the lives of students, faculty, staff.
Leah Olson-McBride, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, received the 2012-2013 Ron Satz Teacher/Scholar Award. The award is designed to recognize a faculty member meeting the following criteria: dedicated to student success, committed to democratic ideals and cultural diversity, excellence in scholarly contributions, and enthusiastic participant in one's field of expertise. Dr. Olson-McBride joined the faculty at UW-Eau Claire in 2009. In the past four years, she has demonstrated tremendous skills as a teacher/scholar. Nominators point out that Dr. Olson-McBride has done the following: received International Fellows grants, worked with at least 18 students on collaborative student/faculty research projects, published a number of articles and made scholarly presentations, traveled with students to South Africa, Louisiana, and the Lac de Flambeau reservation. Dr. Olson-McBride's commitment to social justice, to providing students with high-impact practices, and her ability to inspire and motivate students is extraordinary.
Excellence in Service Award
Jill Prushiek, Interim Associate Dean, received the 2012 Excellence in Service Award. Dr. Prushiek joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 1997 as an assistant professor of education studies and director of field experience for the College of Education and Human Sciences. She began her current position as interim associate dean in 2011.
Locally and regionally, Prushiek has worked with students, teachers and other education professionals to create educational opportunities and provide continuing counsel that furthers their professional development, said Dr. Vanissa Murphy, professor and chair of the department of music and theatre arts. "Locally, regionally and nationally, Dr. Prushiek has consistently demonstrated active participation in leadership roles through committee work, student organization advising and volunteer work with the Special Olympics," Murphy said. "She is a dedicated leader and collaborator and shows an amazing passion for serving others."
In her role as immediate past director of field experience at UW-Eau Claire and as a consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Prushiek has helped many school districts implement changes in teacher licensure and has trained numerous peers to become state mentors for new teachers. She has volunteered with the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, assisting new teachers in moving through licensure cycles. She has served nationally as a presentation reviewer for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and has served as UW-Eau Claire's delegate at the National Collegiate Athletic Association convention.
Prushiek serves on the board of the Wisconsin High School Forensics Association as its high school state speech adviser. She maintains active membership on the CESA 10 License Renewal and Support Center advisory board and the management team for Indianhead Area Special Olympics, for which she manages sports competitions across numerous counties. She has worked with Special Olympics for 14 years, receiving the organization's Jeff Wendt Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteerism and Service in 2005. Prushiek also is UW-Eau Claire's women's faculty athletics representative and supports all student-athletes by serving on Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA committees, chairing the university's Athletic Advisory Committee, hosting visiting teams during national championships, administering NCAA surveys and certifying eligibility forms.
"Jill genuinely cares about making sure she does her job well with the aim of providing a quality experience for our students," said Scott Kilgallon, UW-Eau Claire athletics director.
