2026-27 University Fellows
The University Fellows will work on a project of their choice over a period of three to five years, with awards of $10,000 or $12,500 per year paying for course overloads or a course release. Interested faculty submitted project proposals that were reviewed by a committee of college deans, who selected the recipients.
At the April reception, Interim Chancellor Michael J. Carney expressed his gratitude to the nine recipients for their hard work and the way their efforts elevate the overall excellence at the university.
"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," Carney said.
The awardees are selected by a deans' committee, and Dean Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn of the College of Arts and Sciences was pleased to recognize the honorees.
"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," Sternfeld-Dunn said.
Richard Kopplin University Fellow in honor of Helen X. Sampson
Dr. Sarita Mizin, associate professor in the departments of English and Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Mizen, who joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 2020, has since demonstrated professional excellence in her teaching and research. She established the Magliocco Scholars Program for English majors from underrepresented backgrounds and was selected by students to direct the Intersectional Women’s Center.
“Dr. Sarita Jayanty Mizin is a brilliant scholar who, because of the depth of her service to our institution, still has room to grow as a scholar in ways that will elevate both the English department and REGSS department,” said Dr. Asha Sen, professor of English, in nominating Mizen.
Mary E. Granger Mid-Career Nursing University Fellow
Dr. Meg Lagunas, associate professor of nursing
Lagunas joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 2022. She is an elected member of the Graduate Curriculum and Admissions Committee and the University Planning Committee.
“Dr. Lagunas as a competent scholar and one who is continuously pressing the bounds of nursing education and nursing science, often though research collaborations and interprofessional activities. She takes initiative to innovate as a means of improving nursing education and advancing nursing knowledge,” said Dr. Sonja Meiers, the Jane W. and James E. Moore nursing research professor, in nomination materials.
Mary E. Granger Nursing University Fellow
Dr. Rachel Pierce, assistant professor of nursing
Pierce joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 2022 and teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Nursing. A nationally known researcher and speaker, Pierce has served on the Graduate Curriculum and Admissions Committee and the University Planning Committee.
“In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Pierce provides strong service to the university and community through committee work and public health initiatives. Her future work will expand the research nationally, aiming to inform policy and develop clinical guidelines to ensure equitable access to contraception for hospitalized patients,” said Dr. Lisa Schiller, professor of nursing, in nomination materials.
College of Business Early Career Fellow
Dr. Xiaoyu Yang, assistant professor of management and leadership
Yang, who joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 2020, serves on the University Planning Committee and International Business Committee and co-chairs the College of Business Strategic Planning Committee.
“Dr. Yang’s energy and excitement for educating our students and improving the learning environment provides continual hope for what higher education can continue to provide. Seeing an early-career professor with the dedication and enthusiasm that Dr. Yang has is truly energizing,” said Dr. Kristy Lauver, professor and chair of the management and leadership programs department, in a nomination letter.
College of Business University Fellow
Dr. Nici Ploeger-Lyons, associate professor of business communication
Ploeger-Lyons joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 2020. She served on the College Strategic Planning Committee, Employee Recognition Committee and Curriculum Committee, chaired the COB Department Personnel Committee and served on the UW-Eau Claire Holistic Honors Review Team.
“Nici is an exceptional teacher-scholar whose sustained excellence in teaching, impactful research and substantive service have strengthened our department, the College of Business, the university and the broader field of business communication. She is also a prolific, nuanced scholar whose research has made significant contributions to the field of business communication,” said Dr. Paula Lentz, chair of the business communication and information systems department.
Bartelt Early Career Fellow
Dr. Papia Rozario, assistant professor of geography
Rosario joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 2020. She was the faculty advisor for the UW-Eau Claire Delta Tau Chapter of the Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society from 2022-25, chair of the department Scholarship and Awards Committee and technical advisor to the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Superior.
“Dr. Rozario is a proficient and prolific scholar whose teaching integrates research inspired projects, case studies and data-driven exercises to help students see the impact of their work beyond the classroom. She creates an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and each student feels empowered to contribute and explore,” said Dr. Harry Jol, professor of geography.
2025-26 Karlgaard Faculty Excellence Awards
The $10,000 awards are available annually to faculty in the departments of physics and astronomy, computer science and mathematics. The funding is provided by UW-Eau Claire alumni and longtime donors David and Marilyn Karlgaard to recognize faculty and encourage them to remain at the university.
Computer Science Karlgaard Faculty Excellence Award
Dr. Emily Hastings, assistant professor of computer science; UW-Eau Claire faculty since 2023.
Mathematics Karlgaard Faculty Excellence Award
Dr. Allison Beemer, associate professor of mathematics; UW-Eau Claire faculty since 2020 and researcher in the field of mathematical coding and information theory.
Physics and Astronomy Karlgaard Faculty Excellence Award
Dr. William Wolf, associate professor in physics and astronomy; UW-Eau Claire faculty since 2019. Research field is around computational models of a unique class of stars called white dwarves.
