May 23, 2016
Extraordinary members of the University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty — including several faculty and affiliates of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, listed below — were honored May 11 with awards supported by the estate of professor, Senator and Regent William F. Vilas (1840-1908).
David Shaffer, a professor of educational psychology, was among 20 professors named to Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorships, an award recognizing distinguished scholarship as well as standout efforts in teaching and service. The professorship provides flexible funding over five years — two-thirds of which is provided by the Office of the Provost through the generosity of the Vilas trustees, and one-third provided by the school or college whose dean nominated the winner.
Lisa Naughton, of the Department of Geography, was among four professors chosen for Vilas Research Investigator Awards, given to faculty members who serve as outstanding mentors for graduate students working as research assistants or project assistants. The award provides funding for a research or project assistant for one year.
Tracey Holloway, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; Anna Pidgeon, Forest and Wildlife Ecology; Stephanie Tai, Law; and Jack Williams, Geography, were among 27 professors who received Vilas Faculty Mid-Career Investigator Awards, recognizing research and teaching excellence. The award provides flexible research funding for one year.
And Corbett Grainger, Agricultural and Applied Economics, was among 12 professors to receive Vilas Faculty Early Career Investigator Awards, recognizing research and teaching excellence in faculty who are relatively early in their careers. The award provides flexible research funding for one year.