Good afternoon, colleagues. Here is this week’s update from Academic Affairs.
I am excited to note that we have officially launched ROAR Ready (Roadmap for Opportunity, Achievement, and College Readiness), an ambitious new learning pathway designed to significantly expand college access, academic enrichment, and career exploration for K–12 students and their families. Drawing together more than 200 youth programs, from College for Kids & Teens and campus tours to hands-on learning experiences, ROAR Ready creates a coordinated and navigable framework that helps participants track milestones and maintain long-term engagement with the university. By organizing programming around three core pillars, academic enrichment, career exploration, and belonging, we aim to strengthen foundational skills, ignite curiosity about future professions, and foster a sense of identity and community on campus well before students reach college age.
I believe that this initiative reflects our bold institutional commitment to meeting critical needs in Milwaukee and advancing equitable pathways to higher education. We all know that the academic journey begins long before move-in day, and ROAR Ready is designed to make that journey intentional, accessible, and inspiring for learners at every stage. I appreciate the faculty and staff across many units who have worked to organize this youth program. I am confident that ROAR Ready will empower young people to envision and pursue their brightest futures with confidence and connection. Learn more about Roar Ready.
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Prof. Melinda S. Kavanaugh (Social Work) was interviewed for the article, “How grandchildren are stepping up to fill the caregiver gap,” in The Washington Post. Kavanaugh works internationally on research focusing on youth caregivers/young carers. She conducted the first study of youth in families living with, and caring for, a family member with ALS/MND. Learn more.
Prof. Ching-Hong Yang (Biological Sciences) has been elected as a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), one of the highest honors in the field of plant pathology. This prestigious recognition is awarded to APS members who have made distinguished and sustained contributions to research, education, extension, and professional service. Election to APS Fellow is highly selective, with no more than 0.5% of the Society’s membership elected each year. Candidates are nominated and evaluated by their peers, with selection based on long-term impact and leadership in the field.
Alum Evelyn Patricia Terry (BFA 1970, Art; MS 1973, Art) and lecturer and alum Yinan Wang (BFA 2017, Film) were named among five recipients of the 2026 Mary L. Nohl Fellowship for Individual Artists. Terry was selected in the Established Artist category, and Wang was selected in the Emerging Artist category. FVANG Associate Professor Mike Gibisser was also named a finalist in the Emerging Artist category. Established in honor of artist Mary L. Nohl following her death in 2001, the Mary L. Nohl Fellowship for Individual Artists provides unrestricted funds for Milwaukee-area artists to create new work or complete work in progress. Learn more.
Assoc. Prof. Wilkistar Otieno (Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering) was recognized as one of Wisconsin’s 32 most influential Black leaders of 2025 by Madison365.com. Learn more about the accomplishments behind her honor.
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Advancing 2030 Plan Commitments |
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2030 Commitment to Students’ Engagement and Their Academic and Personal Journey |
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Professional writing student winners for the 2025 academic year will be honored at the Gerald J. Alred Professional Writing Recognition. Students enrolled in business, professional, and technical writing courses at UWM participate in a business writing challenge at the end of each semester. Winners will be honored on Friday, Feb. 27, in Curtin Hall, Room 175, at 10:30 a.m.
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2030 Commitment to Positive Employee Experience |
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UWM alumni employees take center stage at a special Thankful Thursday: Panthers@Work Trivia Takeover on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Gasthaus in the UWM Student Union. Enjoy lunch, networking, and friendly trivia as we celebrate alumni employees and the connections that power the Panther community. Lunch provided. Learn more.
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The employee-focused Classroom Disruptions and Campus Safety presentation is continuing this semester, with the goal of reaching 100% of UWM's faculty and instructional staff. This important training covers how to respond to students in crisis, manage disruptive behavior, and act in the event of a violent incident. This presentation, co-developed by the Dean of Students Office and the UWM Police Department, has been well received by previous participants for its practical and informative approach. The presentation is designed to ensure that all faculty and staff are equipped to respond effectively to situations that could impact the safety and well-being of the UWM community. There are multiple sessions available, both in person and virtually, throughout the spring semester. The presentation lasts approximately 90 minutes. To view the dates/times and register for the training, please visit here. If you haven’t yet attended a session, or if you previously signed up but were unable to attend, please make it a priority to participate this semester. If you have questions about the sign-up process or the presentation content, please email safety-training@uwm.edu.
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All UWM employees are invited to register for Conflict Transformation workshops offered by the Division of Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity (CEII). This series of three professional development workshops will address: conflict styles, responsive strategies, and ways to prepare for conflict. Scenarios prompt reflection on conflict situations that may occur in classrooms, offices, or on work teams. Participants will learn conflict transformation skills they can use in these and other settings. Each workshop is offered both in person and virtually. See full information, including dates and times.
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Employee Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate employees’ incredible dedication, hard work, and the amazing contributions that drive UWM’s success. Employee appreciation events kick off Monday, February 9 and continue through Sunday, February 15. There are numerous events scheduled throughout the week to express gratitude for the exceptional contributions and difference employees make each day. Celebrate your hard work and bring a colleague to join in a variety of activities that honor and acknowledge your outstanding commitment to UWM. Visit the Employee Appreciation website for more information and event registration details.
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You are invited to Cocina Libre on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6:00 p.m. for an evening of food, film, and connection. Our guests are Professor and licensed therapist Julia Roncoroni (University of Denver; Cocina Libre founder) and James Beard finalist Chef Gregory León (Amilinda restaurant, Milwaukee). Both speakers grew up in Latin America and prioritize the sharing of food cultures as a way to build belonging and connection in their local communities. Attendees will watch a short documentary (40 min.) about Cocina Libre’s impact on chef participants; hear directly from Dr. Julia and Chef Greg about their work; and sample light appetizers from Chef Greg’s Amilinda offerings! Full details and RSVP can be found here.
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2030 Commitment to Research, Innovation, and Community Impact |
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Michelle King Rimer (Zilber College of Public Health) was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio to help make sense of the newly released federal dietary guidelines. With the updated guidance shifting the focus to protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, Michelle shared her expertise as a Wisconsin nutritionist and educator, answering listener questions and breaking down what these changes mean for everyday eating. Listen to the interview to hear Michelle bring evidence-based public health expertise to important conversations that impact families and communities across Wisconsin. Listen to the interview.
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With appreciation,
Andrew P. Daire, PhD
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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