Dr. Holly Attenborough, associate professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was selected as one of four recipients across the UW System of the 2021 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award. The award, funded by an endowment from the Alliant Energy Foundation Inc., recognizes extraordinary undergraduate teachers at UW System universities within Alliant Energy’s service area.
Attenborough joined UW-Platteville in 2013. She teaches a variety of courses, ranging from general education math classes and the calculus sequence to upper-level math-major courses. Attenborough also has a strong focus on scholarship of teaching and learning research and has developed materials and activities in her classroom to improve student engagement and active learning.
“Dr. Attenborough’s talent at teaching was revealed immediately in her teaching career at UW-Platteville,” said Dr. Barb Barnet, professor and chair of the UW-Platteville Department of Mathematics. “The students love her enthusiasm, passion and the positive attitude that she displays while teaching. She also clearly shows that she cares about her students’ success in the classroom.”
Attenborough is also involved outside of the classroom, serving as advisor for the Mathematics Club since 2014, taking students to national mathematics conferences, and participating in youth outreach programs.
“I am honored to have been selected for this award and grateful to the UW-Platteville community for providing an environment full of learning and high-quality teaching,” said Attenborough.
Attenborough’s previous recognitions include the 2020-21 Mathematical Association of America Wisconsin Section Distinguished Teaching Award, the UW-Platteville 2018 Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, and selection as a 2017-18 UW System Wisconsin Teaching Fellow. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Miami University in Ohio and her Ph.D. in mathematics from Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana.
Attenborough will be recognized at the UW-Platteville faculty and staff convocation on Thursday, Aug. 26 and at a UW System ceremony in October.