Frayer Selected for Underkofler Award
By Christine Bellport
Dr. Chris Frayer, professor, mathematics, received the 2025 Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award—an honor recognizing extraordinary undergraduate educators across the Universities of Wisconsin.
Now in his 17th year at UW-Platteville, Frayer is known for cultivating active, engaging classrooms. He designs discussions with intentional pauses that invite students to participate, emphasizing interaction as a key to learning. Whether in class, during office hours, or through research collaborations, he values one-on-one connections and takes pride in watching students grow over time.
Frayer’s passion for teaching emerged early. Initially planning to become a high school math teacher, he discovered in college that his love for mathematics matched his enthusiasm for teaching—ultimately guiding him to a career that blends both at an institution committed to teaching excellence.
Outside the classroom, Frayer enjoys time with his family, outdoor activities and simple pleasures like coffee, audiobooks, and local bakeries. His advice to aspiring educators is straightforward: let teaching reflect who you are, remain open to new ideas, and never stop learning—and most importantly, have fun.