Employees whose work stood out in Extension transition win awards

Three UW–Madison staff members have been recognized for outstanding contributions to the successful transition of former UW–Extension programs to UW–Madison.

Recipients of the Outstanding Contributor Awards for the UW Colleges and UW–Extension restructuring project are Kathy Mather, director of the Administrative Services Unit in the Office of Human Resources; Dan Langer, controller and assistant vice chancellor for business services; and Brent Plisch, assistant chief of the UW Police Department.

They are among 15 recipients of the Outstanding Contributor Awards across the UW System. UW System President Ray Cross and Vice President for Administration Rob Cramer presented the awards at a ceremony Aug. 21.

Mather was recognized for her efforts to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for employees of Conference Centers and Mail Services, UW–Extension and Public Media into the UW–Madison community.

“Without fail, Kathy has ensured that stakeholders were aware of impending changes, that disruption was minimized and the organization’s needs were considered at each step,” according to her nomination for the award by Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Walters.

Langer and UW–Madison’s Division of Business Services took on a wide range of business and financial services challenges with the Extension transition and met them in an exemplary and timely manner, according to nominator David Murphy, associate vice chancellor for finance.

“The work completed under Dan’s able guidance has contributed to UW–Madison’s teaching, research and outreach mission and has enhanced the affordability of a UW–Madison educational experience through highly responsible stewardship of public resources,” Murphy wrote in Langer’s nomination.

Plisch has had a vital role as the UW Police Department has taken on responsibility for law enforcement and oversight at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Juneau County. UWPD supplements law enforcement services of the Juneau County Sheriff’s Department in the Upham Woods area.

In nominating Plisch for the Outstanding Contributor Award, UW Police Chief Kristen Roman wrote that a crucial aspect of the successful transition at Upham Woods has been the collaborative approach emphasized by UWPD and exemplified by Plisch.

“Our prospects for success have been enhanced due to the positive relationships Assistant Chief Plisch and other members of the UWPD have built and will continue to strengthen in the area,” Chief Roman wrote.