Kathleen Anderson
Kathleen Anderson is an assistant professor and associate program director in the Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her career has been a remarkable demonstration of selfless dedication to her discipline, her students, and the University. Anderson’s teaching has been admiringly described as a mixture of empathy and tough love. She holds regular open laboratory sessions, in addition to her teaching schedule, to bolster student confidence before exams, and has led her students to consistently perform above the national average on their licensure examinations. She has been selected by students to be the honored speaker at ten graduation ceremonies. For the past five years, Anderson has taken small groups of students to Niger, Africa to provide physical therapy education and services to local communities. Remarkably, as a part of her University faculty service, Anderson has independently managed and mentored all of the Division of Physical Therapy’s associated and affiliated faculty. In 2001, Anderson was named a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, an accomplishment that less than 2% of practicing physical therapists obtain. She has served on the Education Committee of the American Physical Therapy Association Minnesota for 36 years, chairing for two of those. In describing Anderson’s commitment to service, one nominee wrote that she has integrated service into every facet of her career, and is “an ever present fixture at professional and advocacy events.” Anderson annually participates in the Physical Therapy Legislative Day at the Minnesota State Legislature, meeting with state senators and representatives on behalf of physical therapy initiatives. At the University, she has served on the Division of Physical Therapy’s Admissions Committee, chaired numerous student progress committees, and facilitated the development of the Division of Physical Therapy’s Faculty Practice Committee. In addition, in 2018, Anderson took on the role of her division’s associate program director and successfully led students, faculty, and staff through a period of leadership transition. One nominee said, “Her honesty, wisdom, and integrity have proven a grounding force in my professional life.”
Mary Buschette
Mary Buschette, director, Alumni and Constituent Relations, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), University of Minnesota Twin Cities, has been called CFAN’s greatest ambassador, as is seen through her tireless commitment to the University and its land grant mission. She continually makes outstanding contributions to building and fostering meaningful connections between students and alumni by pioneering programming that goes well beyond what is normally considered alumni relations. Through her involvement with programs such as the Minnesota Youth Institute, the MANNRS Conference (promoting minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences), and the Policy Engagement Program, Mary connects students with alumni and business and government professionals to advance their collegiate experience and expose students to careers in agriculture, natural resources, and public policy-making. Buschette’s connections and outreach have built not only a loyal network of alumni supporting the University, but a well-connected student body and well-informed body of legislators in terms of agriculture and natural resources advocacy. In addition, Buschette fosters and mentors students providing professional and personal support for student leaders. Especially noteworthy are her development of the CFANS Mentorship Program in which she has participated for 20 years, and her involvement with the CFANS Graduate Student Board. In her decades long tenure at the University, Buschette co-chaired and co-organized the 9 Billion and Counting Symposium which centered on population growth and the need for sustainable food production; has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the Department of Plant Pathology Living Legacy Project, an online, interactive history of the department; and created ”Classes Without Quizzes” to engage adult learners in the groundbreaking research that is taking place in CFANS. One letter writer wrote, “If someone were to ask who they should connect with to get a better understanding of the value of the CFANS experience, without fail, the answer would be Mary Buschette.”
Jonathan Campbell
Jonathan Campbell, director of jazz studies and assistant professor of saxophone, University of Minnesota Morris, exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond. Not only does Campbell thoroughly and enthusiastically fulfill his job requirements, he has become an indispensable element of the music discipline, the institution, and the local community as he tirelessly develops support and engagement from these constituencies and beyond. Campbell has developed and oversees numerous jazz programs, including the Visiting Jazz Artists Program, the Summer Jazz Mentorship Program, an annual jazz recruiting tour, the “Doc” Carlson Jazz Scholarship, and a new Jazz Studies Minor at the Morris campus. He is currently developing a new course called Introduction to Music Technology, and, in conjunction with the Humanities Division, is securing funding for a music state-of-the-art technology lab and recording studio. Along with being a dedicated and gifted teacher and performer, Campbell creatively builds relationships in the community and the region. Monthly jazz nights at the Stone’s Throw Cafe and the Old No. 1 Restaurant, led by Campbell, develop not only his students’ performance experience, but the community’s creative and musical culture as well. He participates in regular collaborations with the Morris Area High School Jazz Band, has served as guest clinician at the Central Lakes Region Jazz Contest, has been invited to perform on numerous occasions throughout the Midwest, and is frequently sought as a guest conductor. One nominee wrote, “Campbell goes beyond the traditional means and thinks much more creatively about how he can make music in general - and jazz in particular - a part of the very fabric of the community that is Morris, Minnesota.”
Robert Carlson
Robert Carlson, professor emeritus and interim director, Advanced Materials Center, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), has made extraordinary contributions to the University during a career characterized by intense work and discovery, compassionate mentoring, and truly visionary research. Carlson has focused his incredible intellect on teaching and preparing the next generation of chemists to create positive momentum in his field. His excellence in teaching was first awarded in 1963 at Princeton University, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, and has continued to be recognized with two UMD Outstanding Faculty awards, the Blehart Teaching Award, and the Anderson Scholar-Teacher Award. Carlson is unquestionably dedicated to the research and educational goals of the University, as evidenced by his tireless efforts in promoting UMD to the regional industrial community, governmental agencies, and alumni. His innumerable accomplishments include 17 patents and 80 publications in scientific journals, covering an astounding array of categories, including organic synthesis, environmental organic chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and environmental analytical chemistry. Carlson’s long history of service to the University is exemplary. He stepped in as interim vice chancellor for academic administration at UMD in 1986 and served in that position until 1990. He was a leading force and advocate for the development of the Natural Resources Research Institute, the Large Lakes Observatory, the expansion of the UMN College of Pharmacy to the Duluth campus, and the creation of the Advanced Materials Center, which he has continued to champion even in retirement.
Betsy Friesen
Betsy Friesen, director, Management and Access, University of Minnesota Libraries, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, is described as “a huge-hearted, one-of-a-kind treasure that makes an extraordinary difference for us all.” She has an international reputation as a knowledge leader in the ever-changing jurisdiction of providing access to library and information resources. While her technical prowess in the access environment is remarkable, it is her ability to build relationships and foster collaborative communities of practice that has moved innovation forward for the global library community. Friesen has been deeply involved with the American Library Association, the ExLibris Users of North America, and the International Group of Ex Libris Users as an engaged, proactive, volunteer member catalyzing change not only at the local level, but with peer institutions throughout the world. The University of Minnesota’s brand and reputation is continually advanced by Friesen’s work in the international library systems community, where she is regularly invited to present at national and international conferences, and has led many groups toward the global betterment of research libraries and their supporting information systems. In collaboration with the Weisman Art Museum curator for collaborations, she produced an exhibit titled The Section of Disapproved Books, enlightening the campus community to books that are banned in U.S. incarceration facilities. Friesen’s diversity of interests and generosity in sharing her talents is behind the extensive volunteer time and effort she contributes to her local community. She has worked with emergency response officials on disaster preparedness, teen drug and alcohol prevention, and, as “Star Wizard,” has taught planetarium astronomy in her local elementary school. One nominee wrote, “At every turn, Betsy’s values, professional ethos, and passion drive her to get information into the hands of those who need it, as friction-free and equitably as possible.”
Nirmal Jain
Nirmal Jain, principal mechanical engineer, Energy Management, Facilities Management, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, is instrumental in the safe and efficient operation of University buildings and facilities systemwide. His outstanding leadership, perpetually positive attitude, and team player mentality are hallmarks of his true spirit of service. He enthusiastically represents the University on numerous state and national boards, teaches in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS), and organizes regular tours of the University’s mechanical infrastructure for students, alumni, and visiting project managers. As a dedicated steward of University assets, he strives to implement the most simple, efficient, and reliable solutions whenever possible. Because of this attention to fiscal responsibility and sound judgment, Jain has been instrumental in nearly every large scale or high profile project on campus, including the TCF Bank Stadium, the Northrop Memorial Auditorium renovation, the restoration of the 108-year-old Glensheen Mansion boilers, the new Bell Museum, multiple Minnesota Landscape Arboretum projects, and the renovations of Pioneer and Pillsbury Halls. He has also been called upon to share his broad depth of experience with the Hormel Institute in Austin, the Department of Energy’s Fermilab National Accelerator in International Falls, and the National Weather Service Training Facility in Kansas City, among many others. Jain has dedicated his time and talents not only to the University, but to the state of Minnesota as well. In 2014, he was appointed by then-Governor Mark Dayton to the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design, and as chair and past chair, led numerous outreach activities. Jain was also selected to serve in leadership positions on the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveying. In recognition of his humble, soft-spoken approach, one letter writer said, “He is noticeably inclusive of all members of the University community, and does not seek personal accolades, but is always the first to highlight the achievements of others making sure they are recognized.”
Peter Ness
Peter Ness, principal research shop foreman, College of Science and Engineering Research Shop, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, has been recognized by many as being dedicated to solving innumerable small and large engineering and machining problems at the University. His outstanding craftsmanship and extraordinary depth of understanding of sophisticated, computer aided design, coupled with his ability to turn nearly every exchange with students into learning experiences, is evidence of his commitment to the University’s mission. Ness is a top-notch machinist who simultaneously solves research problems and teaches students how to design practical scientific apparatus. In addition to the requirements of his position, he has taken on becoming the in-shop IT technician, improving and maintaining all the shop’s computer hardware and software, thereby keeping the shop productive and saving hours of time. Ness also serves as an instructor for ad hoc classes and demonstrations in the machine shop for students and staff from the College of Design and the Anderson Innovation Labs. He continually looks for ways to improve the shop's processes as evidenced by one project for students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in which he was able to reduce the machining time from 20 to 7 minutes per item. He has designed or advised on apparatus needed by students for studying thermal conductance, for measuring the speed of fourth sound in low temperature liquid helium, and for working with a coupled thermoacoustic oscillator. Because of his commendable work ethic and attention to detail, he not only meets the demands of research projects, but routinely assures that they are completed ahead of schedule. One writer said, “He is absolutely critical to the continued success of the machine shop and, by extension, research efforts in the University’s colleges."
Amy Pittenger
Amy Pittenger, associate professor and head, Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, is described as a professor, researcher, author, advisor, confidant, and constant supporter of student and University success. Along with being a highly accomplished scholar in the areas of educational innovation, experiential learning, and learning technologies, Pittenger has devoted untold hours of service to her college, to the University, and to her discipline on a national and international scope. Pittenger’s leadership roles within the College of Pharmacy include co-chair of the Curriculum and Assessment Task Force, director of the Pharmacy Learning Collaborative, and principal investigator, co-investigator, or consultant on grant funded projects totaling more than $8 million. She is the author of 43 peer-reviewed publications and one book. On the national level, Pittenger has served in elected or appointed positions in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Education Research Association, and the National Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice. Her awards include Induction into the Academy for Excellence in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the University of Minnesota Health Sciences (formerly known as the Academic Health Center) (2015), the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Award for Excellence in Experiential Education (2017), and the Teaching Excellence Award for Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems at the University (2008, 2009, 2010). Pittenger is repeatedly invited to serve on or lead committees and in situations that require masterful conflict resolution and consensus- finding expertise. She co-chaired the Provost’s Child Care Advisory Committee in 2018 to such effectiveness that she was subsequently asked to serve on the Child Care Advisory Team. She also served on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (2018) and the Presidential Transition Committee. As chair of the Faculty Consultative Committee (2019-20), she deployed inclusive and action-oriented approaches to guide discussions and planning around the turbulent proposed renaming of four campus buildings, the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the abrupt pivot to online learning, and the University of Minnesota provost search. One nominee wrote, “Amy is able to balance the need for decisions with the need for respectful interactions with poise and thoughtful determination to advance the quality of our university.”
Lynette M. Renner
Lynette M. Renner, associate professor, School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), University of Minnesota Twin Cities, is described as a superb researcher, inspiring educator, exemplary academic, and dedicated citizen of the University. She is passionate about her work, and willing to take on projects and complete them with an unparalleled level of integrity. In recognition of her strong research portfolio, national prominence, and unwavering standard of excellence, Renner was appointed as the School of Social Work’s director of research in Fall 2019. As a leading national scholar in the area of family violence, Renner has published extensively in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, and her expert knowledge has real-world impacts on the lives of people who are affected by various forms of violence. Her service to the field of social work at her college, the University, and the state of Minnesota is unparalleled. In the CEHD, Renner has served on the CEHD Consultative Committee, the CEHD Global Initiatives Grants Review Committee, multiple faculty search committees, numerous PhD committees, preliminary examination committees, and the Clinical Mental Health and Families and Children Concentration Committees. At the university level, she has served as chair for the University’s two central judicial bodies in all cases involving violations of the Student Conduct Code: the Campus Committee on Student Behavior (CCSB) and the Student Sexual Misconduct Subcommittee (SSMS). She firmly believes it is crucial that students at the University adhere to the Student Conduct Code and that all students receive fair and balanced treatment throughout the hearing process. Renner has helped to develop creative and insightful training for members serving on both CCSB and SSMS, in order that they are well-trained and that hearings remain respectful, even- handed, and professional. At the state level, Renner has been a member of the Crime Victims Reparations Board since 2016, and its chair as of 2019. In light of her commitment to training the next generation of social work practitioners, researchers, and educators, Renner volunteers to share her expertise with staff at the Domestic Abuse Project, a program that focuses on advocacy and therapy services for families affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). One nominator wrote, “She is the hardest working faculty colleague I have ever known. Her service contributions far exceed those of a typical faculty member.”
Fred Rose
Fred Rose, impact goal manager and Acara teaching staff, Institute on the Environment, and lecturer, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, exemplifies the educator whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. He is extraordinarily committed to student development, real-world application, and service to the public good. With his unconventional, thought-provoking approach to learning, Rose prioritizes what students need to thrive in the world after college. He shows them how to build empathy, understand cultural nuance, and successfully pitch their ideas as they turn challenges into opportunities. He offers students an enormous range of experiences inside and outside the classroom, showing them how to evaluate a problem (at home or around the world) and design strategies to address it. As the co-founder and co-director of the Acara program, an interdisciplinary leadership incubator housed in the Institute on the Environment, Rose has developed opportunities for students systemwide to engage meaningfully with society’s most pressing challenges. It is especially difficult to garner funding to do work at the intersection of collegiate units. However, through his strong vision and commitment, Rose has created opportunities for students to turn aspirational ideas into practical solutions. Rose’s engagement with partners in India, Uganda, and Nicaragua has allowed him to offer international learning opportunities for students striving to make an impact in the areas of global health and sustainable energies. Programs developed by Rose’s students in the Acara program, and with Rose’s guidance, support, and leadership, include MyRain, a company that provides small-scale farmers in India with irrigation solutions, and Mighty Axe Hops, started in 2014 and now Minnesota’s largest, sustainable hops farm. Rose has ambitiously brought his do-different strategy to many areas of the University and the results exemplify how a public university can serve its broader public in ways outside the traditional paths of academia. Rose’s work in creating an interdisciplinary curriculum for Acara positioned him to assist in the development of the University’s Grand Challenges Curriculum (GCC), and indeed, he was one of the first instructors in the GCC. One person wrote, “Fred works tirelessly, collaboratively, and with a persistent sense of care and humility. He is exceptionally generous with his time and expertise, and lifts up the work of others, especially students.”
Mark Rosenberg
Mark Rosenberg, professor and vice dean for education and academic affairs, Medical School, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus, has provided exceptional, steadfast service to the University for nearly four decades. He has dedicated his career to fostering faculty and staff success in service of the academic mission of the Medical School by promoting an inclusive and equitable environment, persistently seeking opportunities for collaboration, and leading with humility, grace, and humor. Rosenberg has served in numerous impactful leadership roles and his willingness to take on extra work has helped to ensure that the Medical School operates efficiently and effectively. He has served as director of the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, chief of medicine at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and vice dean for education and academic affairs. He has also frequently stepped in when there is a vacancy in leadership to provide stability during transitions. His interim leadership roles include associate dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, associate dean for faculty affairs, and associate dean for Graduate Medical Education. Rosenberg is a brilliant educator and leader, and has transformed education in the Medical School by ensuring that, while essential core infrastructure is in place, there is also room for innovation. He has spearheaded innovative programming including the Academic Adviser Program and the Confidential-Bridging Counseling Services. Rosenberg founded the Medical Education Outcomes Center (MEOC) which provides data integration and scholarly support for medical education research. Additionally, he has over 100 peer-reviewed publications related to his research on the pathophysiology of kidney diseases and on various aspects of medical education. Rosenberg’s service to the national medical community, and in particular the field of nephrology, is unstinting. His involvement with the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) includes three years as chair of the ASN Training Program Directors Executive Committee, the highest level leadership position for nephrology training in the United States; six years as education director for Kidney Week; and service as chair in 2019. As chair of ASN, Rosenberg interacted with the White House leadership of Health and Human Services (HHS), and through his efforts, spurred the Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health (AAKH); initiated KidneyX, a partnership between HHS and ASN to advance collaboration among patients, health professionals, innovators, industry, and government; and advanced new HHS rulings to increase the supply of donated kidneys as well as financial support to cover expenses associated with kidney donation. In 2013, Rosenberg was awarded the Eric G. Neilson, MD Distinguished Professor Award from the Association of Specialty Professors, and in 2014 received the Robert G. Narins Award from ASN which honors individuals who have made substantial and meritorious contributions in education and teaching in the field of nephrology. One writer said of Rosenberg, “He is remarkably supportive and all it takes is a good idea to know that Dr. Rosenberg will go to bat for you, whether that’s garnering additional resources, helping write a grant, or just providing moral support.”
Sue Van Voorhis
Sue Van Voorhis is the associate vice provost and University registrar, Academic Support Resources, Office of Undergraduate Education, University of Minnesota Systemwide. She is described as a visionary leader who continuously drives innovation and efficiency, and has unparalleled commitment to student success. Van Voorhis has empowered the University to support students in exceptional and collaborative ways, including playing an instrumental role in establishing not only the University’s, but the nation’s, first “One Stop” program, which is now the gold-standard for streamlined and integrated student services throughout the United States. Another hallmark of Van Voorhis’s leadership is her work to achieve the University’s greatly improved four-year graduation rate, which was 50.2% in 2006 and is currently 71.1%. She understood that accomplishing the four-year graduation rate goals would require not only a shift in how curriculum is delivered to students, but also a focusing of attention on advising students holistically, as individuals. She has worked tirelessly to dismantle and eliminate institutional barriers for students to reach their four-year graduation goals. Van Voorhis was early to recognize the importance of centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in her unit’s work and has consistently championed the University’s work to include gender identity and personal pronouns in PeopleSoft, the system-wide student information system. Beyond the University, Van Voorhis is well known and sought out for her understanding of students in the higher education system. She is a trusted advisor and collaborator of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) and a supporter and recent Board member of Hope 4 Youth, a local nonprofit organization serving youth experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities. In recognition of her leadership, Van Voorhis’ colleagues across the nation awarded her The Distinguished Service Award of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. One writer said “Sue has empowered the University community with resources, information, and knowledge that allows everyone to do their jobs better, and to innovate for the betterment of students, and the University.”