Photos by Dan Moore, University Photographer.
Bold thinking. Gratitude. Mission-driven adaptability. A growing and thriving UW-Green Bay. These phrases and much more highlighted the 2025 Convocation, where Provost Kate Burns and Chancellor Mike Alexander shared the ‘tremendous momentum’ and the many opportunities for faculty and staff as the 2025-2026 school year begins. We are Built to Rise!
As Mike shared in an email to all faculty and staff, “Current times demand that we redefine the value proposition for regional comprehensives in higher education. Our model is outdated. As an industry, we are not keeping up with the ways technology is changing and impacting how people learn now and in the future. And increasing percentages of the country are questioning whether attending college is worth it. However, we also know that more students attend regional comprehensives than any other kind of university. UW-Green Bay is a great financial value. Our university has shown we can adapt to meet our mission. And we are uniquely positioned to evolve further to meet the needs of our region and the students we support.”
The full 2025 Convocation presentation can be found here.
Additionally, the event celebrated the incredible accomplishments of faculty and staff. Faculty were recognized with named professorships and both faculty and staff through the UW-Green Bay Founders Association awards.
Named professorships are created through private gifts and given to faculty members who have outstanding records of scholarly accomplishment and community engagement. This year, four professorships were awarded.
Congratulations to all who were nominated! Special thanks to UW-Green Bay Council of Trustees President, Cordero Barkley for his help presenting the awards. The recipients are as follows:
The Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg Professorship
The Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg Professorship was established in memory of the Rosenbergs, who were long-time residents of Green Bay and supported UW-Green Bay from its inception. The award recognizes a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay.
Dr. Sawa Senzaki has been awarded The Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg Professorship. Dr. Senzaki has shown outstanding scholarship supported by the National Institute of Health and in collaboration with students, faculty from across this institution, and scholars across the U.S. and internationally.
Dr. Senzaki’s strength-based approach to teaching is in perfect alignment with student needs. Her committed service to the university and community non-profits live the spirit of UW-Green Bay’s mission. Congratulations Dr. Senzaki!
The Patricia Wood Baer Professorship
The Patricia Wood Baer professorship in Education was established to reflect the deep commitment of Ms. Baer to the Green Bay community in education, volunteering, and philanthropy. The award recognizes a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The professorship is specified for faculty who work directly with K-12 schools, K-12 teachers, or UW-Green Bay students who later enter the teaching profession.
Dr. Brian Merkel will receive the Wood Baer professorship. Dr. Merkel has shown impressive dedication in his teaching both at UW-Green Bay and at the Medical College of Wisconsin, including supervising 300 independent studies and presenting and publishing with students. His leadership with Tiny Earth has resulted in research opportunities for an additional 144 students, providing hands-on antibiotics discovery for high school and college students, with the program now one of 4 capstone experiences within the Green Bay Area Public Schools. Bringing this timely research into the community and schools clearly shows UWGB’s mission as a regional comprehensive. Congratulations Dr. Merkel!
The Frederick E. Baer Professorship
The Frederick E. Baer Professorship in Business, created by Frederick and Patricia Baer, recognizes outstanding contributions in business education and civic leadership. The award recognizes a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The professorship is specified for faculty who work directly with business leaders, business development, or students who later enter the business world.
Dr. Sampath Kumar will receive the Baer Professorship. Dr. Kumar is a highly productive scholar who engages students in applied research and chairs multiple academic programs. In the classroom, Dr. Kumar blends analytics, strategy, and experiential learning to prepare students for dynamic business environments. Dr. Kumar collaborates with leading regional employers, including Schneider National, to connect the university with it’s community. Congratulations Dr. Kumar!
The Philip J. and Elizabeth Hendrickson Professorship
The Philip J. and Elizabeth Hendrickson Professorship in Business was established by the CEO of Krueger International (now KI) and UW Regent, Philip Hendrickson, and UW–Green Bay alumna Elizabeth B. Hendrickson. The award recognizes a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. This professorship is intended for faculty whose work helps students in the classroom understand the positive role of business in the community, and the importance of business ethics. Recipients are expected to provide leadership in creating opportunities for student involvement in the Green Bay area business community.
Dr. Vallari Chandna will receive the Hendrickson Professorship. Dr. Chandna is an award-winning educator known for student-centered teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers. Dr. Chandna’s impactful research on digital entrepreneurship, sustainability, and artificial intelligence in business demonstrates her applied and forward-looking inquiry. Her dedication to community outreach is seen in her regional economic development efforts, leadership programming, and work with local boards. Congratulations Dr. Chandna!
The Founders Awards for Excellence program was created to honor the outstanding work of UW-Green Bay faculty and staff members, based on a cumulative record of sustained excellence, rather than a single noteworthy achievement.
The University Staff Award for Excellence
This award is presented to an individual whose unwavering dedication and exceptional service have made a lasting impact on the UW-Green Bay community. For over a decade, this recipient has been the dependable, organized, and resourceful force behind the scenes—supporting the Pride Center, and the Multicultural Resource Center. Their deep knowledge of campus policies, tireless coordination of events, and strong support for students have made them truly essential.
She has helped improve the Campus Cupboard. She also volunteers at Commencement. She works hard to support university staff through the UW-Green Bay Staff Professional Development Committee. She always goes above and beyond her role. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusivity make UW-Green Bay a more welcoming and supportive campus for all.
Simply put, she is the glue that holds many of UW-Green Bay’s efforts together. We are very thankful for all that she does. This year’s recipient of the University Staff Award for Excellence is Loretta Rafter. Congratulations!
The Academic Support Award for Excellence
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Academic Support Award for Excellence to this year’s deserving recipient.
His unwavering dedication and innovative approach have significantly enhanced the academic journey of students. His diligent work in streamlining the transition from General Education to the Core Curriculum has not only reduced the time and cost for students to obtain their degrees but has also ensured they receive accurate and beneficial credit assessments. He serves as the primary point of contact for transfer-related inquiries, maintaining tools such as Transferology and TES, and adapting to ongoing curricular changes.
His collaborative efforts with leaders on transfer agreements have established flexible pathways with technical and private colleges, benefiting a diverse student population. His contributions to creating and maintaining articulation agreements, reviewing transfer credits, and aligning coursework with the Universities of Wisconsin have been invaluable. His behind-the-scenes work has been critical in providing clear paths to degree completion, improving recruitment and retention, and promoting overall student success.
In conclusion, his humility, patience, and good humor make him exceptionally effective and appreciated by his colleagues. His energy, dedication, and positive attitude make him a model employee and a deserving recipient of the Academic Support Award for Excellence. Please join us in congratulating Andrew Meyer on this well-deserved honor. Congratulations!
The University Award for Excellence in Community Outreach
According to the nominator, the winner of this award is the epitome of how we can implement practical learning experiences that truly benefit the broader community.
Through a series of impactful publishing projects, this team has demonstrated remarkable community outreach. Their work serves as a powerful bridge, connecting the mission and goals of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay with the rich cultures of both local and statewide communities.
By helping authors bring to life a wide range of diverse and meaningful topics, they have not only reached a broad and engaged reader base but also connected these stories to everyday life. Their efforts are a shining example of high-impact practices—engaging students in real-world, work-based learning experiences that have tangible results.
Perhaps most importantly, they have supported artists and authors who had dreams—dreams that may never have come to life, without this team’s guidance and expertise in navigating the often-complex world of publishing. Through their dedication, these voices have been heard.
If you’ve ever seen an excited crowd packed into the STEM Innovation Center—standing room only, people of all ages and backgrounds, all geeking out over a freshly opened box of books—chances are, you’re witnessing a book launch in action.
Congratulations to the UW–Green Bay Teaching Press—winner of the Founders’ Award for Community Outreach!
The University Award for Excellence in Collaborative Achievement
The recipient of the University Award for Excellence in Collaborative Achievement is a subcommittee formed in response to a strong call within NAS (Natural and Applied Sciences) to address issues of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI)—as an organic response to the way the people felt in the aftermath of the George Floyd and similar incidents occurring in the nation in 2020.
One of its most impactful accomplishments was supporting a successful proposal by NAS faculty member Dr. Brian Welsch through the Provost’s Strategic Initiatives. This led to the creation of a STEM Study Lounge—modeled after study tables for student athletes—to provide an inclusive, welcoming space for students across all three CSET units. The lounge has become a tangible symbol of support for student belonging and academic success in STEM.
The subcommittee also championed the need for gender-neutral restrooms in the Laboratory Sciences Building, advocating for more inclusive campus infrastructure.
In addition, their strong leadership in supporting the Campus Cupboard—which supplies food and essentials to over 400 students monthly—has made a lasting impact. Their ongoing efforts in organizing food drives and raising awareness across campus have significantly enhanced this vital resource.
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the University Award for Excellence in Collaborative Achievement is Natural and Applied Sciences Subcommittee on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all subcommittee members: Dr. Amy Kabrhel, Dr. Breeyawn Lybbert, Dr. Rebecca Abler, Dr. Julie Wondergem, Dr. Kiel Nikolakakis, Dr. Mandeep Bakshi, and Dr. Keir Wefferling. Also, we would also like to thank all the committee members of the CSET Student Study Lounge—whose dedication and collaboration were essential in bringing this inclusive space to life. Congratulations!
The University Award for Excellence in Institutional Development
There is so much that could—and should—be said about this year’s recipient of the Institutional Development Award.
She has been a driving force in institutional growth through her unwavering commitment to underrepresented students—students of color, LGBTQ+, first-generation scholars, and others whose voices too often go unheard. Her work ensures these students are not only seen but supported, celebrated, and empowered.
Her leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—DEIB—has been marked by integrity, compassion, and vision. She has built spaces where students can better understand their world and their place in it.
Among her most impactful initiatives are I Am Psyched!, a national tour celebrating women of color in psychology, and BIPOC R.I.S.E., now New Scholars Rising—a peer mentoring program supporting first-generation and BIPOC students. These efforts are lasting testaments to her role as a champion for marginalized communities.
She is a past recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to equity and inclusion. As one nominator wrote, she is a true example of career-long dedication to this vital work.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s honoree, Dr. Christine Smith! Her work continues to shape not only this university, but the future of higher education itself.
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
As one of the nominators fittingly stated, this individual is an “extraordinary asset to the university.” They serve as a perfect example of the highest standards in teaching, mentorship, and student engagement. Their unwavering dedication to student success, commitment to inclusive and transformative learning, and innovative instructional practices have profoundly impacted the academic community.
In the Neuroscience Lab, students gain hands-on experience in data analysis, project design, and participant interaction, conducting meaningful research on the development of morality and empathy. This individualized learning environment fosters both academic skills and personal growth. Consistently, excellent student evaluations reflect their ability to make complex topics accessible and inspire confidence in approaching difficult subjects.
Beyond the classroom, their commitment to mentoring students from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds, including BIPOC and first-generation college students, is commendable. They have also voluntarily advised the Psychology Club and Psi Chi Honor Society for over six years, offering career mentoring, graduate school preparation, and leadership opportunities.
Please join us in applauding Dr. Jason Cowell for his exceptional contributions to teaching and mentorship. Congratulations!
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship
As the nominator witnesses his scholarly passion, commitment, and contributions, it becomes evident that this scholar has authored 34 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, with 26 co-authored by undergraduate students and six featuring undergraduates as lead authors. His impressive record includes over 50 conference presentations, 24 of which included student co-authors. Through mentoring 40 students in laboratory settings and supervising more than 150 hours of individualized research instruction, he has profoundly impacted student learning.
He has received several prestigious research grants. His research has collected over 1,200 citations and an H-index of 14, enhancing the reputation of UW-Green Bay as a hub for research excellence.
Beyond mentorship, he has organized three Upper Midwest Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience conferences on this campus, attracting approximately 200 attendees from over 20 universities each time, fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Moreover, his work has received multiple awards and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as NPR, highlighting the broader impact of his research.
Congratulations to Dr. Todd Hillhouse for this distinguished recognition of his dedication and hard work.
Congratulations to all recipients and nominees, and thank you for making UW-Green Bay the best place to learn, grow, and rise!
View photos from the event in the Convocation 2025 | Flickr gallery.