MADISON – Academic staff members from UW-Madison and UW-Extension have each been named recipients of the 2000 Academic Staff Regents Award for Excellence. The awards will be presented May 5 during the regular meeting of the Board of Regents, to be held at UW-Platteville.

The two recipients are J. Trey Duffy, director of the McBurney Disability Resource Center at UW-Madison, and Dave Iverson, executive editor and national projects director of Wisconsin Public Television at UW-Extension. Each will receive an award in the amount of $5,000, to be used for professional development or to enhance a university program or function.

Selection of the two recipients was made April 12 by a committee composed of Regents Virginia MacNeil, Greg Gracz, Fred Mohs and Jose Olivieri. MacNeil served as chair of the committee.

“The entire committee was truly impressed by the high caliber of the nominations from each institution,” MacNeil said. “The committee had a difficult choice, since every nominee has done exceptional work. However, we felt J. Trey Duffy and Dave Iverson were especially worthy of recognition.”

She added, “Academic staff contribute significantly to the UW System, and the Board of Regents appreciates their outstanding commitment, leadership and inspiration.”

Duffy joined UW-Madison in his present position in 1989. Under his leadership, UW-Madison was recognized this past year by WE magazine as the number one campus in the country for students with disabilities. The campus was also ranked in the top ten for accessibility and services by New Mobility in 1999.

Cathy Trueba, McBurney disability resource coordinator, nominated Duffy for the award. “He has worked tirelessly,” she said, “to ensure that attitudinal barriers regarding disability are dismantled and replaced with an appreciation for the unique abilities each member of this great educational institution has to offer.”

Dave Iverson joined Wisconsin Public Television in 1979 and become executive producer for news and public affairs in 1984. He has served as executive editor and national projects director since 1995. He was host of The Wisconsin Magazine, a weekly public affairs series, as well as, Weekend. He has also produced several national programs for PBS, and has won numerous broadcast awards, including a primetime Emmy.

In a letter supporting Iverson’s nomination, Larry Dickerson, director, UW-Extension Communications, said, “His work has made Wisconsin Public Television one of the most prestigious public affairs institutions in the public broadcasting system.” Another letter said Iverson “inspired the staff at Wisconsin Public Television to always strive for excellence.”

Each institution in the UW System was invited to nominate one individual for the annual recognition program. Eligibility was limited to non-instructional academic staff with administrative or scientific/research appointments. Selection criteria included excellence of performance, personal interaction, initiative and creativity, and outstanding achievement.

Contact:

Brian Hutchinson, UW System
(608) 265-5953