Several faculty and staff members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have been recognized for excellence within their professional fields.
- Sarah Manasreh-Decker, assistant professor of clarinet and music theory, received a Universities of Wisconsin 2024 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award, a honor given annually to recognize achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the university and communities across the state. Manasreh-Decker teaches clarinet and music theory and is the principal clarinet for La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Assistant Professor Trescha Kay received a Universities of Wisconsin 2023 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People, an annual honor given to those who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Kay teaches multiple courses from Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders to Clinical Practicum. She is the curator for the Faculty and Staff Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Out on Screen and serves as the adviser to the National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association
- UW-Stevens Point has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. In 2020, she established The Student Coalition for Equity in Music, a student directed group that leads conversations about disparities in the Western Classical Tradition and experiments with accessibility in performance practice. She has also been the chairperson for the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Policy Committee since 2021.
- Missy Burgess, director of University Centers, received the Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award. This award, the highest honor presented by ACUI Region V, recognizes a professional who has actively participated in the college union and student activities movement for at least 10 years and is currently active in the field. The recipient will have attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement both within the Association and on their campus. Candidates should be individuals of integrity, stature, and demonstrated ability, inspiring pride among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Additionally, they must have a notable record of success on campus, within the Association, and in the community, showcasing impressive accomplishments in the college union and student activities movement.
- Associate Professor Jess Bowers, social work, was appointed to the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board. The board’s 13 members are appointed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Her appointment as an Advanced Practice Social Worker Representative will help the board address matters specific to its respective areas. Her course load includes Introduction to Social Work, Social Work Practicum and more.
- Dave Barbier, sustainability director, earned a 2024 Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability Re(cognition) Award, an honor given to those with a passion for enriching their campus sustainability efforts, inspiring others to consider the impact of their daily actions and leading on-going change. Barbier also serves as the director within the Office of Sustainability.
