MADISON —The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will honor this year’s recipients of the Academic Staff Excellence Awards at its next meeting in Milwaukee on June 7. These awards recognize exceptional service to the university.
“This year’s award recipients reflect the high caliber of our academic staff across the UW System,” said Regent Janice Mueller, chairwoman of the selection committee, in a news release. “We are delighted to recognize their wide-ranging and significant accomplishments as they work to support student success and strengthen their institutions and communities.”
Award recipients are selected for superior performance resulting in significant contributions to the department and institution; use of positive personal interaction to manage work changes; and a consistently creative approach that improves productivity and work quality. Each recipient is awarded $5,000.
The 2019 recipients include two individuals and one program:
Elaina Koltz, financial aid advisor, veteran services, UW-Green Bay. Koltz is widely respected for her knowledge of complex student veteran education benefits and her dedication to helping students succeed. In 2002, she became UW-Green Bay’s school certifying official, the liaison between the university’s students and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mark Klapatch, sustainability and custodial supervisor, sustainability/facilities management, UW-River Falls. Klapatch oversees a staff of 17 full-time employees and 60 to 70 part-time student employees. Among his responsibilities, he tracks sustainability initiatives; facilitates reports; presents in classes; mentors student volunteers and student organizations; works with all campus departments; and manages the campus’s waste minimization, recycling and landfill diversion efforts.
UW-Parkside Library, UW-Parkside. Currently directed by Anna Stadick, the UW-Parkside Library creates a welcoming and enriching environment to support academic excellence and student success. As campus persistence and graduation rates continue to improve to historic levels, the library has been an essential part of this success.
Other members of the Academic Staff Excellence Awards selection committee included Regent Robert Atwell, Regent Scott Beightol, and Regent Drew Petersen.
Feature photo courtesy UW System. Pictured are UW-Parkside Library staff members.
