UW-Eau Claire College of Health and Human Sciences

Shout out to Dr. Dunbar, for enhancing our teacher education programs!

Dr. Laura Dunbar, associate professor of music education, to attend the International Society for Music Education Conference in July. Participation in the conference will broaden perspectives on what is possible in music education by exploring new ideas and approaches that can enrich K-12 and preservice curriculum.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Cheers to our faculty for making our program TOP NOTCH!! 🎉💯

UW-Eau Claire's undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has recently earned an “A” grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its preparation of future teachers to teach elementary students to read.

The June 9 report from NCTQ spotlights UW-Eau Claire for excellence in meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Programs were rated for preparation of aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.

"The NCTQ rating validates UW-Eau Claire's continued approach to establishing strong connections between the university and our school district partners from around the Chippewa Valley," says Dr. Carmen Manning, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. "Our grade reflects the commitment of university faculty and K-12 staff working together to improve reading outcomes for all children."

Read more: https://www.uwec.edu/stories/high-marks-national-scale-uw-eau-claires-4k-9-teacher-preparation

The College of Health and Human Sciences wants to congratulate all our students who made the Dean’s List for spring 2026!

Check out the list here: https://www.uwec.edu/offices-services/academic-affairs/uwecs-deans-list

ℹ️ Please note: Students who requested not to have their names shared publicly or who were added after the initial posting may not appear on the website. For questions or concerns, please contact the College of Health and Human Sciences at [email protected].

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The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has earned an “A” grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its preparation of future teachers to teach elementary students to read.

Read the whole story on UWEC.edu! “High marks on national scale for UW-Eau Claire’s 4K-9 teacher preparation”

UW-Eau Claire has been named a 2026-27 Gold Campus by the American College of
Sports Medicine as a participating institution in promoting the Exercise is Medicine-On Campus program. The Department of Kinesiology has partnered with Student Health Service, Counseling Services and University Recreation and Sport Operations to offer health assessment and exercise prescriptions to the campus community. Dr. Saori Braun, professor of kinesiology, will be recognized on behalf of UW-Eau Claire at the EIMOC recognition ceremony during the ACSM national conference May 27 in Salt Lake City,
Utah

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Jason D. Spraitz, Ph.D., the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, recently announced that Nga-Wing Anjela Wong, professor of Education Studies, has agreed to become the next Director of the McNair Program at UWEC. Anjela will begin this role on July 1, 2026.

Anjela has extensive experience with the McNair Program, including past mentorship of four McNair Scholars from a variety of academic disciplines, during their time at UWEC.

Anjela also was the recipient of the 2020 Emerging Mentor in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award as well as the inaugural Shirley Paulson-Lee Education University Fellowship recipient in 2023. As McNair Program Director, among other duties, they will have primary responsibility for planning, directing, and supervising McNair staff and faculty mentors in activities for the 27 annual McNair Scholars that include research and other scholarly pursuits that prepare Scholars for graduate/doctoral studies.

Let’s share some enthusiasm for Anjela!

When Jacob Oberg, a U.S. Marine Corps and Army veteran, prepared to graduate with a bachelor’s in professional studies, attending the commencement ceremony on May 16 was not part of the plan. He lives in Maryland with his wife and their two young sons. Making the trip as a family simply didn’t seem possible.

But thanks to the support of a fellow military veteran alumni family, the costs and logistics of travel were taken care of, and the entire Oberg family was able to take part in the glorious day of commencement at The Sonnentag.

The bachelor of science in professional studies is a degree completion program ideal for a variety of students. The major is designed for students who have completed a two-year technical associate degree or students who have completed a significant number of college credits and wish to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Read more on UWEC.edu

Congratulations to Dr. Meg Lagunas, associate professor of nursing, and Dr. Tom Sather,professor of speech, language, and hearing sciences, on their appointment as Health Education Initiative Faculty Fellows. Both bring extensive health and healthcare education experience to the role. As fellows, Lagunas and Sather will collaborate closely with Dr. Carmen Manning, special assistant to the chancellor for healthcare education, and Jackie Nevarez,project coordinator, to advance the health and healthcare priorities outlined in the Vision 2030 strategic plan. Their two-year appointments will begin this summer.

This commencement season, eight UW–Eau Claire students are achieving something truly remarkable—earning their bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated at Stanley Correctional Institution!

This milestone reflects the transformative power of education—opening doors, restoring hope, and strengthening communities. 💙💛

Through dedication, resilience, and opportunity, these graduates are redefining what’s possible and inspiring others along the way.

➡️ Read their powerful story and the impact of UW’s prison education programs below!

Today, eight graduates of UW-Eau Claire will accept their bachelor’s degrees in professional studies — graduates who have earned their degrees through in-person classes while incarcerated at the Stanley Correctional Institution.

While various iterations of prison-based higher education programs have been offered through Wisconsin colleges and universities for over a century, the vast majority of those have been associate or certificate programs.

The eight UW-Eau Claire graduates, alongside students graduating from UW-Stout at SCI the same day, will be among the first incarcerated people to receive bachelor’s degrees from a UW institution in 51 years.

“I never thought I would have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree through a UW school while I was incarcerated." says an SCI student. "This has been a very empowering experience for me. Throughout this journey my confidence has grown, my belief in myself has grown and my sense of self-worth has grown."

Read more: https://www.uwec.edu/stories/graduates-uw-eau-claire-earn-life-changing-degrees-stanley-correctional-institution

A proud moment for the College of Health and Human Sciences! 💛

Recognizing the incredible work of our Social Work faculty and community partners who embody service, leadership, and Blugold spirit every day. Congratulations to all honorees! 👏

Last week at the College of Health and Human Sciences Meeting, awards were presented to many deserving faculty and community members.
Specifically in Social Work:

Professor Tester-Morfoot was selected for the Jeff Oliphant Blugold Spirit Award, presented by Dr. Quinn-Lee

Karla Jo Broten,
Youth & Family Program Manager,
Barron County Department of
Health and Human Services, was celebrated with the Honoring Our Professionals of Excellence (HOPE) Award. This was presented by Professor Meinen and two students, Amanda Toscano and Amanda Twitchell, whose academic journeys have been greatly supported by Karla.

Professor Bonlender highlighted achievements of the college Student Leadership Development Fellows.

Congratulations to everyone!