Five extraordinary members of the UW–Madison School of Education faculty have been honored during the last year with awards supported by the estate of professor, U.S. Senator, and UW Regent William F. Vilas (1840-1908).

Julie Chen, a professor in the Art Department, and Carl Grant, a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, were named to Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorships, an award recognizing distinguished scholarship as well as standout efforts in teaching and service. The professorship provides five years of flexible funding — two-thirds of which is provided by the Office of the Provost through the generosity of the Vilas trustees and one-third provided by the school or college whose dean nominated the winner.

Tomiko Jones, an associate professor in the Art Department, and Peter McDonald, an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, received Vilas Faculty Early Career Investigator Awards, recognizing research and teaching excellence in faculty who are relatively early in their careers. The award provides flexible research funding for three years.

Finally, Stephanie Budge, a professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology, received a Vilas Faculty Mid-Career Investigator Award, recognizing research and teaching excellence. The award provides flexible research funding for three years.