UW-River Falls staff member receives Board of Regents award

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has awarded a University of Wisconsin-River Falls employee with their highest honor for academic staff.

Michael Martin, senior adviser and administrative specialist for the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS), will be honored at the Regent’s board meeting April 8 in Green Bay.

“My reaction to finding out about this was -- to be blunt -- shocked,” Martin said. “I was flattered to have been nominated knowing the level of expertise and the number of high-impact professionals who work with students throughout the entire system. I never thought my contributions would even compare with my colleagues on other campuses.”

Martin, of New Richmond, is also the recipient of the 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for Academic Staff. In nominating Martin, CEPS Dean Larry Solberg noted Martin’s ability to do the work of two people and his eagerness to take on additional responsibilities for the college.

“I want to emphasize Mike’s commitment to the College of Education and Professional Studies, the university, and most importantly to current, past and prospective students,” Solberg said. “He truly is an outstanding academic staff member.”

Martin began working at UW-River Falls in 1997 as an adviser in CEPS. Since then, Martin has assumed a host of different positions. Some of his many responsibilities include advising nearly 300 elementary education majors and the university’s teacher certification officer. Each year, he completes documentation for 500 educator licenses, and he is responsible for reviewing add-on educator licenses. Martin also acts as a recruiter. Four years ago, Martin developed a living-learning community called TEACH, which now draws more students than it can accommodate.

For more information, email larry.c.solberg@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3774.