Thought Leaders
From our esteemed faculty
UW-Eau Claire faculty and academic staff are distinguished scholars, researchers and award-winners — experts in their respective fields. Whether it's asking new questions, spotting big trends, providing perspective on global issues, or innovating and testing new concepts, our faculty are making a difference in and out of the classroom. Their insights, theories and solutions are impacting the world, the nation, and our local communities.
The latest from UWEC Thought Leaders
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Using science to change the world
For many scientists, it is our job to tell the story of those who cannot speak; we advocate for those who cannot do so themselves. For me, science has always been about giving voice to a story that otherwise would have gone untold.
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How do you become a Supreme Court justice?
Does the U.S. Supreme Court matter in your day-to-day life? Absolutely. Gay marriage, voter rights, U.S. immigration policy, carbon emissions, school prayer, abortion, labor unions, affirmative action and racial bias in law enforcement are among the hot-button issues that are likely to make their way to the country’s highest court in the next few years. Since justices are appointed for life, the confirmation process is a big deal. Experts on the U.S. Constitution discuss how someone goes from being nominated for the Supreme Court to being confirmed as a new justice.
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Why African American History Month still matters in 2017
African American History Month, clearly, publicly and unflinchingly, defends the humanity, citizenship and rights of African Americans and our multiracial allies. It serves not just African Americans, but all Americans.
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Evaluating information sources in a 'fake news' era
Jill Markgraf, the head of research and instruction in McIntyre Library at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, shares strategies for finding, evaluating and selecting appropriate and reliable information sources, skills that are more critical than ever given how quickly information or misinformation now can be shared.
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Commencement speaker shares life lessons to inspire UW-Eau Claire grads
UW-Eau Claire alumnus Joseph Webb Jr. shared his personal story Dec. 17 with the university’s newest graduates, delivering a message about the value of tenacity, hard work and making the right decisions.
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Using education to change our world for the better
Jodi Thesing-Ritter shares the history of the UW-Eau Claire Civil Rights Pilgrimage and how it helps students learn about the civil rights movement.
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Music in the civil rights era
Dr. Ryan Jones reflects on the importance of civil rights era music.
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Exhibit highlights work of 1964 civil rights volunteers
Greg Kocken, head of McIntyre Library's Special Collections, Archives and Records Management area, shares how thousands of ordinary individuals came together to challenge and change our nation.
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Building strong community the right way
In connection with the National Hazing Prevention Week, Dr. Alan Rieck, music and theatre arts, speaks to the issue of organizations and community building, on campus and in life.
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Enlarging freedom for 25 years
Dr. Katherine Schneider reflects on how the Americans with Disabilities Act has vastly enhanced her life since its inception 25 years ago.
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Sharing two worlds
Dr. David Jones reflects on his experience as a "non-heritage learner" participating in the Hmong Cultural Practices and Ceremonial DII Immersion this spring in Fresno, California.
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What would Atticus do?
Dr. Charles Hanson, professor emeritus of English, who teaches an Honors course in Southern American literature, examines a current debate in race relations in the southern U.S. through the eyes of literature.
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PedalPub attacks: A case of groupthink gone wild
Dr. Maureen Schriner examines groupthink and social media as they pertain to recent issues in the news, like attacks on PedalPubs in Minneapolis.
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Violist has shared passion for creating music and understanding the brain
UW-Eau Claire music professor draws on her background in neuroscience to discuss performance anxiety, and explain it in a way that helps to understand it from a scientific level, and perhaps overcome it.
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Why are all teachers white?
Dr. Christina Berchini, assistant professor of English, has published an article in Education Week Teacher for April 28, 2015.
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Liberal arts education is the key to a modern science career
Today’s workplace demands more of scientists than complicated lab work. Some of the most pressing issues we face as a society must be tackled by teams of scientists and engineers from multiple disciplines and backgrounds, says Dr. Jennifer Dahl.
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Lessons from Selma: What I learned from the Civil Rights Pilgrimage
History becomes reality for graduate student Dennis Beale as he walks in his ancestors’ footsteps on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage. Dennis shares his experience in Selma, Alabama, and the lessons he will carry with him throughout his life.
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Why I give
Patti See, distinguished student services coordinator in UW-Eau Claire’s Academic Skills Center and a senior lecturer in women’s studies, made the following remarks during the recent Foundation Employee Appreciation Luncheon.
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Bullying: Not just a kid problem
We don’t typically use the term “bullying” when referring to those over the age of 18, but harassment, hazing, intimidation, stalking or other manifestations of interpersonal harm can have significant consequences on a college campus.
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‘Thank you for your service’ not always most meaningful to military veterans
Is saying “Thank you for your service” enough when speaking to a military veteran? It is a safe thing to say, but actions speak much louder than words to show your support of our returning veterans.