UW System announced the winners of the Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to student success on November 6th. Kristi Wilkum, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies at the UWO Fond du Lac Campus is one of four recipients for 2020.

Dr. Wilkum’s teaching philosophy is to build on the strengths of each individual to enrich the community. She uses high-impact practices, including writing-intensive assignments, collaborative learning and new technologies, undergraduate research and community-based learning, and supervising internships. For the past five years, she has led an interdisciplinary research team developing a taxonomy of high-impact practices, work she has shared at national and regional peer-reviewed conferences. A first-generation college student herself, Wilkum mentored a student through the yearlong McNair Scholars program, which prepares low-income and underrepresented students for PhD work. In response to the global pandemic, Wilkum adjusted her public speaking course to encourage students to give virtual presentations on a variety of platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Collaborate Ultra, and Flipgrid. She mentors Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter members. In the community, she coaches TEDx Fond du Lac speakers and conducts leadership workshops.