Jane Kuhl, assistant in the departments of psychology and foreign languages at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is being recognized with the 2023 University Staff Award of Excellence. The award recognizes staff members who provide essential services to the university while demonstrating excellence of performance, personal interaction, and initiative and creativity.
“To be nominated by my department chairs because they recognize and appreciate the work I do is a real honor.” said Kuhl, who said she was honored and surprised when she found out she was being recognized with this award. “UW-Platteville is filled with knowledgeable, hardworking people that go out of their way to be helpful. There are so many people I work with on campus that are deserving of this award.”
Since starting at UW-Platteville as a department assistant in 2002, Kuhl has worked in the departments of economics, speech, theatre and women’s studies; performing and visual arts; and mechanical and industrial engineering. She has been with psychology and foreign languages since 2017.
Kuhl strives to be the person in her department that people know they can come to for help. She enjoys figuring out ways to make things easier for her department chairs, faculty, staff and students. She believes that it’s important not to underestimate how much a kind act or word can mean to someone.
“Jane looks around and sees what needs to be done, anticipates future problems and takes action,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gates, Psychology Department chair, who nominated Kuhl for the award. “She is kind, caring and nurturing and makes our department a wonderful place to work, going the extra mile to create a warm and welcoming environment in the departmental office.”
Kuhl said she’s worked with some amazing people in her years on campus, but her favorite part of working at UW-Platteville has always been the interactions she’s had with students. She enjoys getting to know them and likes that they know they can come to her if they need help.
“I am thankful for the incredible group of people I work with and am very fortunate to be where I’m at,” said Kuhl.
Kuhl will be recognized at the university’s annual faculty and staff convocation on Thursday, Aug. 31.