Two get Underkofler Awards

Two UW–Madison professors are among the four outstanding UW System teachers who have received Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards.

Charles W. Byers, professor, geology and geophysics, and Jonathan E. Martin, associate professor, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, received the awards today, Oct. 13, in a presentation by UW System President Katharine Lyall.

The $5,000 awards are presented each year to faculty at campuses located within the Alliant service area. Other recipients this year, both from UW-Platteville, are Rea H. Kirk, assistant professor, education, and Madonna J. Perkins, assistant professor, business and accounting.

The awards program represents a partnership that began in 1991 between the UW System and the Wisconsin Power and Light Foundation (now part of Alliant Energy).

The awards are given in honor of James R. Underkofler, a long-time senior executive with the company, who retired in 1990. The awards pay tribute to Underkofler’s enduring interest in encouraging and promoting undergraduate teaching excellence.

The awards program is administered by the UW System Office of Professional and Instructional Development. A UW System committee composed of faculty and teaching academic staff selects the finalists from candidates nominated by eligible institutions.