Skip to main content

Named Professorships

Through the generosity of friends, UW-Green Bay is able to award named professorships to support the scholarly work of outstanding faculty.

The University’s first named professorship was created in 1980 in memory of S.W. Frankenthal. The following three—in memory of Barbara Hauxhurst Cofrin, Herbert Fisk Johnson, and Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg—were established during the University’s $2.5 million capital campaign. In 1987, Philip and Elizabeth Hendrickson established a professorship to benefit faculty members in professional and graduate studies. During the most recent capital campaign, the University established two new professorships through the generosity of Frederick Baer and Patricia Wood Baer as well as a professorship in management honoring Austin E. Cofrin. In 2009, it was announced that a generous contribution from the Cofrin family would transition the Cofrin Professorship in Management to the Austin E. Cofrin Endowed Chair in Business beginning in 2014.

Baer Professorship in Business

Frederick and Patricia Baer established the Frederick E. Baer Professorship in Business in 2005. Mr. Baer married Patricia Wood on July 1, 1947, in Green Bay after serving in World War II. He joined Paper Converting Machine Corporation in December 1948 and over a 44-year career held a number of positions, culminating in serving as the company’s president and CEO from 1969 until his retirement in 1993. Under his leadership, the international company grew to three wholly-owned subsidiaries in Green Bay, manufacturing plant in England and Germany and a sales and service office in Japan. He was regarded as philanthropic icon in Green Bay as he was extensively involved as a volunteer for dozens of area not-for-profit causes. Frederick E. Baer died on August 29, 2006, at the age of 82.

The award recognizes and gives support for a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Frederick E. Baer Professorship is specified to faculty who work directly with business leaders, business development or students who later enter the business world. Eligibility is not restricted to faculty in the professional program of Business Administration.

Honoree

2017 – Gaurav Bansal
Degrees: B.E. Gorakhpur University (India)
M.B.A. Kent State
Ph.D. UW-Milwaukee
Associate Professor of Business Administration and Chair of Data Science
Press Release

2014 - John Katers
Degrees: B.S., M.S. UW-Green Bay;
Ph.D. Marquette University.
Professor and Chair of Natural and Applied Sciences
Press Release

2009 - Meir Russ
Degrees: B.ScEE., TelAviv University
M.B.A., Ohio State
Ph.D., Ohio State
Professor of Business Administration

Wood Bear Professorship in Education

Patricia and Frederick Baer established the Patricia Wood Baer Professorship in Education in 2005.

Patricia Wood Baer was the daughter of L.G. Wood, the founder of Paper Converting Machine Corporation of Green Bay. UW-Green Bay has an academic building on its campus that is named for Mr. Wood. She married Frederick E. Baer on July 1, 1947, in Green Bay. Her late husband joined Paper Converting Machine Corporation in December 1948 and over a 44-year career held a number of positions, culminating in serving as the company’s president and CEO from 1969 until his retirement in 1993.

Patricia was a graduate of Denison University (OH) and was deeply committed as a volunteer and in philanthropy in Green Bay. She always had a strong commitment to education and some of her other interests included the YWCA, Antiquarian Society, Brown County Historical Society, P.E.O. and the Green Bay Service League Auxiliary. Patricia passed away in December of 2010.

Patricia and Fred were presented the UW-Green Bay Chancellor’s Award in 1991 and she was also awarded the Bellin College of Nursing Trustee Emeritus Award in 1989.

The award recognizes and gives support for a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Patricia Wood Baer Professorship is specified to faculty who work directly with K-12 schools, K-12 teachers or UW-Green Bay students who later enter the teaching professor. Eligibility is not restricted to faculty in the professional program of Education.

Honoree

2019 - Pao Lor
Degrees: B.S., UW-Oshkosh; Ph.D., UW-Madison
Professor of Education
Press Release

2014 - Cristina Ortiz
Degrees: B.A., Universidad del Pais Vasco (San Sebastian),
M.A. and Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
Professor of Humanistic Studies (Spanish)
Press Release

2009 - Cliff Abbott
Degrees: B.A. Tufts
M.A., Yale
Ph.D., Yale
Professor of Information and Computing Science

Hauxhurst Cofrin Professorship of Natural Sciences

The Barbara Hauxhurst Cofrin Professorship of Natural Sciences was established in 1985 by Dr. David and Mary Ann Cofrin of Gainesville, Florida, in memory of his sister-in-law. Barbara Hauxhurst Cofrin was a devoted mother of six, an active participant in her community and an accomplished sportswoman. Her service included the local school board and PEO sisterhood. Along with the professorship, Dr. David and Mrs. Mary Ann Cofrin were the lead donors for the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on campus. They also joined the children of Barbara and John Cofrin in establishing the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum in memory of John Cofrin and David and John's father, Austin Cofrin.

The award recognizes and gives support for a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Cofrin Professorship is specified for a professor in the natural sciences.

Honorees

2019 - Michael Draney
Degrees: B.S., New Mexico State; M.S., Ph.D., Georgia
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences
Press Release

2014 - Kevin Fermanich
Degrees: B.S. UW-Stevens Point;
M.S., Ph.D. UW-Madison
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Geoscience)
Press Release

2012 - Gregory J. Davis
Degrees: M.A., Ph.D., Northwestern University
B.S., UW-Green Bay
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Mathematics)

2001, 2007 - Robert W. Howe
Degrees: B.S., Notre Dame
M.A. and Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Biology); Director of Cofrin Arboretum for Biodiversity

1997 - Robert B. Wenger
Degrees: B.S. (mathematics), Eastern Mennonite College
M.A. (mathematics), Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D. (mathematics), University of Pittsburgh
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Mathematics)

1991 - Joseph M. Moran
Degrees: B.S. (geology) and M.S. (geophysics), Boston College
Ph.D. (meteorology), UW-Madison
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Earth Science)

1986 - Paul E. Sager
Degrees: B.S., University of Michigan School of Natural Resources
M.S. (zoology-botany) and Ph.D. (zoology-limnology), UW-Madison
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Biology)

Frankenthal Family Professorship

The Frankenthal Professorship was established in October of 1980 in honor of the late Siegfried W. Frankenthal by members of the Frankenthal family of Green Bay.

The Frankenthals owned and operated Packerland Packing Company, a local meat packing plant, until the business was sold in the 1970s. Mr. Frankenthal and his wife, Karola, were active in their synagogue and community charitable work. They were the parents of one daughter and three sons.

The award recognizes and gives support for a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Frankenthal Professorship is open to scholars from all academic fields.

Honorees

2022- David Voelker
Degrees: B.A., Hanover College
M.A. and Ph.D., Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Professor of Humanistic Studies and History

2017 - David Coury
Degrees: B.A., Wittenberg University
M.A. and Ph.D., Univ. of Cincinnati
Professor of Humanistic Studies
Press Release

2012 - Gregory S. Aldrete
Degrees: B.A., Princeton
M.A., Ph.D., Michigan
Professor of History and Humanistic Studies

2010 - Andrew Kersten
Degrees: B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ph.D., Cincinnati
Professor of Democracy and Justice Studies

2005 - Cheryl Grosso
Degrees: B.S. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
M.F.A., California Institute of the Arts
D.M.A., Iowa
Professor of Communication and the Arts (Music)

1999 - Carol Emmons
Degrees: B.S. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
B.F.A., M.F.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Professor of Communication and the Arts (Art History)

1993 - Joyce E. Salisbury
Degrees: B.A. (history), M. A. and Ph.D. (medieval history), Rutgers - The State University
Professor of Humanistic Studies (History)

1988 - Estella L. Lauter
Degrees: A.B. and Ph.D. (English), University of Rochester
Professor of Humanistic Studies (Women's Studies), resigned 1994

1984 - Frederick I. Kersten
Degrees: B.A. (philosophy), Lawrence University
M.A. and Ph.D. (philosophy), New School for Social Research
Professor Emeritus of Humanistic Studies (Philosophy), retired 1995

1981 - James A. Clifton
Degrees: B.A. (liberal arts), University of Chicago
M.A. (anthropology and sociology), San Francisco State College
Ph.D. (anthropology), University of Oregon
Professor of Humanistic Studies (Anthropology), retired 1990

Hendrickson Professorship for Business

The Hendrickson Professorship was established in 1987 by Philip J. and Elizabeth Hendrickson of Green Bay. Mr. Hendrickson is a former President and CEO of Krueger International (now KI) and a former member of the Wisconsin Board of Regents. Mrs. Hendrickson, active in community philanthropy and civic causes, earned her master's degree at UW-Green Bay. Both are long-time members of the University's Founders Association and supporters of other University efforts.

The award recognizes and gives support for a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Hendrickson Professorship is intended for faculty whose work helps students in the classroom understand the positive role of business in the community, and the importance of business ethics. Recipients are expected to provide leadership in creating opportunities for student involvement in the Green Bay area business community.

Honorees

2020 - Allen Huffcutt
Degrees: B.S., UW-Madison; M.S., University of North Texas; Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Professor of Business
Press Release

2014 - Meir Russ
Degrees: B.ScEE., TelAviv University
M.B.A., Ohio State
Ph.D., Ohio State
Professor Emeritus, Retired 2019

2004, 2009 - Phillip Clampitt
Degrees: B.A., Oklahoma
M.S., Southwest Texas State
Ph.D., Kansas
Professor of Information and Computing Science (communication)

1998 - Ismail Shariff
Degrees: B.A., M.A., Mysore (India)
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor of Regional Analysis (Economics)

1994 - David A. Outcalt
Degrees: B.A. (mathematics), Pomona College
M.A. (mathematics), Claremont Graduate School
Ph.D. (mathematics) The Ohio State University
Chancellor Emeritus, retired 1998

Fisk Johnson Professorship in Environmental Studies

The Herbert Fisk Johnson Professorship in Environmental Studies was established in 1985 by Samuel C. Johnson and his wife, Imogene Johnson of Racine. It is named in honor of his father. Herbert Fisk Johnson was the grandson of Samuel Curtis Johnson, founder of Johnson Wax Company. He led the company to its present position as a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of wax, wax products and other products produced by the company. Samuel and Imogene Johnson were among the early supporters of UW-Green Bay and remained friends of the University over the years. Samuel passed away in 2004.

The award recognizes and gives support for a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and/or outreach and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Johnson Professorship is designated for the areas of biological or physical environmental studies and/or policy studies to environmental issues.

Honorees

2017 – Amy Wolf
Degrees: B.S., UW-Green Bay
Ph.D. Univ. of California-Davis
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences and Chair of Biology
Press Release

2012 - Robert W. Howe
Degrees: Ph.D., Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.S., Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S., Biology , University of Notre Dame
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Biology); Director of Cofrin Arboretum for Biodiversity

2009 - Denise L. Scheberle
Degrees: B.S., University of Wyoming
M.S., University of Wyoming
Ph.D., Colorado State University
Professor of Human Development and Psychology and Chair of Human Development

2004 - V.M. Ganga Nair
Degrees: B.S. Madras Christian (India)
M.S., Aligarh (India)
Ph.D., UW-Madison
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Biology)

1998 - Michael D. Morgan
Degrees: B.A. Butler University
M.S., Ph.D., University of Illinois
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Biology)

1994 - Nancy J. Sell
Degrees: B.A. (chemistry and physics), Lawrence University
M.S. and Ph.D. (chemical physics), Northwestern University
M.S. (engineering) Institute of Paper Chemistry
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Physics and Engineering), deceased

1989 - Hallett J. Harris
Degrees: B.A. (biology), Coe College
M.S. (wildlife ecology) and Ph.D. (zoology and animal ecology), Iowa State University
Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences (Biology)

1986 - Michael E. Kraft
Degrees: B.A. (political science) University of California, Riverside
M.A. and Ph.D. (political science), Yale University
Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs (Political Science)

Rosenberg Professorship

The Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg Professorship was established in memory of the couple in 1985. The Rosenbergs were long-time residents of Green Bay and supported UW-Green Bay from its inception in 1967, the year that ground was broken for the first building on campus. Funding for the memorial was provided by their children, Gary Rosenberg and Barbara Rosenberg Shure.

The award recognizes and gives support for a full professor who has demonstrated a productive commitment to scholarship and whose work exemplifies the spirit and mission of UW-Green Bay. The Rosenberg Professorship is open to scholars from all academic fields.

Honorees

2019 – Aaron Weinschenk
Degrees: B.S., B.A., UW-Green Bay; M.A., Ph.D., UW-Milwaukee
Professor of Political Science
Press Release

2015 – Illene Cupit
Degrees: Ph.D., Temple University
Professor of Human Development
Founder and Director of Camp Lloyd

2010 - Regan A. Gurung
Degrees: B.S. Carleton College
M.S., University of Washington
Ph.D., University of Washington (Social/Personality),
Professor of Human Development and Psychology and Chair of Human Development

2006 - Lynn Ellen Walter
Degrees: B.A., University of Illinois
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor of Social Change and Development (anthropology and women's studies)

2001 - David L. Damkoehler
Degrees: B.S., University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
M.F.A., Kent State
Professor of Communication and the Arts (Art)

1996 - Craig A. Lockard
Degrees: B.A. (history), University of Redlands
M.A. (Asian studies), University of Hawaii-Manoa
Ph.D. (history), Comparative World History Program, UW-Madison
Professor of Social Change and Development (History)

1990 - Harvey J. Kaye
Degrees: B.A. (history), Rutgers - The State University
M.A. (area studies and international relations), University of London.
Ph.D. (area studies and sociology), Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Professor of Social Change and Development (Sociology)

1986 - Timothy P. Meyer
Degrees: B.A. (communication), UW-Madison
M.A. (telecommunication) and Ph.D. (mass communication), The Ohio University
Professor of Information Sciences

Bauer Professorship in Strings

The Robert and Joanne Bauer Endowed Professorship in Strings was established in 2019. Robert (Bob) and Joanne spent their careers as educators and understand the importance that a professorship brings to support and build programs.

During Bob’s 25-year career at UW-Green Bay, he was the University’s first Director of Bands. In this role, Bauer founded the Marching Band, directed the Symphonic Band and initiated the Wind Ensemble for advanced students that provided early visibility for the new University within the community. In the early days, Bauer led the Marching Band in performances at Green Bay Packers games at Milwaukee County Stadium and Lambeau Field. An eight-week international tour in 1973 throughout several European countries also featured an instructional residence for UW-Green Bay student musicians in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Bob retired from UW-Green Bay as the Dean of Professional Programs, Outreach and Adult Education. Joanne, a UW-Green Bay alumna (’78, Master’s Degree in Environmental Arts and Sciences), retired as an English and language arts teacher in the Green Bay Area Public School District.

This award recognizes and gives support for a faculty member who works to advance the academic and research activities of the Strings faculty members and students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Honoree

2019 - Luis Fernandez
Assistant Professor of Music
Degrees: B.M., M.M., University of Florida; D.M.A., University of Miami
Press Release

WPS Foundation Professorship in Engineering

The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation Professorship in Engineering was established in 2021. The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and created this professorship fund as part of a larger contribution to Phoenix Innovation Park on the campus of UW-Green Bay – the largest gift by the charitable organization in its 55-year history. Wisconsin Public Service depends on dozens of engineers to reliably and safely power communities throughout northeast and north central Wisconsin and the fund will allow UW-Green Bay to develop the skills needed for student success in the field of engineering.

This award recognizes and gives support to the highest quality faculty in the Richard J. Resch School of Engineering within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. The award helps ensure excellence in teaching while creating additional opportunities for faculty and student research along with collaborations with regional partners and community leaders.

Honoree

2021 – Patricia Terry
Professor, Resch School of Engineering
Degrees: B.S., M.S., Texas; Ph.D., Colorado
Press Release