Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award winners announced

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Two Universities of Wisconsin students and four educators are being recognized by the Universities of Wisconsin and Alliant Energy Foundation for their outstanding achievements.

The Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Awards recognize the outstanding academic and community-service efforts of students from traditionally underrepresented minority groups who are pursuing a degree in business or engineering at UW-Madison. The Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize outstanding commitment to undergraduate student success and the ability to inspire in students an enthusiasm for learning. The awards are presented to students and educators from Universities of Wisconsin campuses located within Alliant Energy’s service area.

The recipients of the 35th annual Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards include: Professor Christopher Frayer, Department of Mathematics at UW-Platteville. Dr. Frayer fosters a learning environment that encourages active student participation and prioritizes understanding over memorization. Frayer uses teaching techniques such as preparing skeleton note handouts for his students and using a tablet to project a note-taking application onto a screen at the front of the classroom, allowing him to face students and facilitate real-time interactions. Many student research projects he has mentored have resulted in collaborative research papers published in professional journals. His students have presented at state and national conferences. Frayer also designs and facilitates activities for outreach programs and summer camps that take place at UW-Platteville.

And Professor Dale F. Murray, Department of Humanities–Philosophy at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County. Dr. Murray’s commitment to student success is admired by students, colleagues, and community members, including adult auditors who have taken his courses. Former students have become teachers, physicians, nurses, journalists, business people, and even a stand-up comedian. He has guided 17 honors projects. Murray was on working groups for what became the Helios program, launched in fall 2022 by UW-Platteville’s College of Liberal Arts and Education to enhance opportunities for students to explore humanities concepts and pressing global issues. Murray has lent his expertise as a guest lecturer covering more than 50 philosophical topics.

Both award programs are administered by the Universities of Wisconsin Division of Academic and Student Affairs.

This award was established to recognize and honor the late James R. Underkofler (1923–2015), who served Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL) for more than 48 years – retiring as Chairman of the Board in 1990. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, followed by his law degree in 1950.

His entire career was with Wisconsin Power and Light Co. (now Alliant Energy), beginning as a clerk in the mail room while attending college and ending with his retirement in 1990 as Chairman and CEO. Underkofler was a member of the Rotary Club and UW-Madison’s Ye Olde Warre Club. He served his community in many capacities, such as chairing and serving on several boards including the United Way, Meriter Hospital, Nelson Industries, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, and First Wisconsin Bank.

Underkofler was a staunch supporter of teaching excellence and believed in the importance of connecting public and private educational systems to enhance learning and motivate young minds.  Upon Underkofler’s retirement, WPL Holdings and a UW System regent created the Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards as a way to recognize outstanding teachers in the UW System and pay tribute to Underkofler’s enduring interest in encouraging and promoting undergraduate teaching excellence.

The Underkofler Award reflects Alliant Energy’s strong dedication to education and supports UW System’s longstanding commitment to excellence in teaching and providing high-quality education to people from throughout Wisconsin and the world.

See all of the award winners for 2025 HERE.

*Photos and details of article were provided by the Wisconsin.edu

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