Friend of Graduate & Extended Learning Award
A page within Graduate & Extended Learning
Friend of Graduate & Extended Learning Award Ceremony and Reception
April 16, 2026
3–4 p.m. | 3105 Student Union
The Friend of Graduate & Extended Learning Award recognizes University of Wisconsin-La Crosse faculty and staff who, through their collaboration with Graduate & Extended Learning, have created and supported learning opportunities that extend UW-La Crosse into the community. These individuals share Graduate & Extended Learning’s commitment to public service, life-long learning, and growth through collaboration.
Peter Haried, Professor & Department Chair of Information Systems, and Graduate Program Director for Information Technology Management
Dr. Peter Haried has contributed to Graduate & Extended Learning through his service as academic director for two collaborative programs: the undergraduate degree program in Health Information, Technology and Management (2011 - 2024) and the graduate program in Information Technology Management (2024 - present). Dr. Haried has made important contributions to the management of both programs, especially as each faced unique challenges. Through the ups and downs, Dr. Haried has remained a calm and collaborative leader, responsive to questions and requests, and creative in his solutions to problems. We have also seen noteworthy growth in the ITM program enrollments under Peter’s leadership. We greatly value him as a person who is always willing to provide valuable insight to questions about new projects and new strategies.
Parking Services
Parking Services is a key partner for Graduate & Extended Learning in our work hosting events on campus. Their support plays an essential role in ensuring those events run smoothly. Over the past few years we have seen continual innovation from Parking Services, streamlining our work. Most notable for us is the transition to app-based parking, which both improves the guest experience but also reduces administrative burden on our team. We also appreciate the work Parking Services has done to create clear and transparent policies regarding event parking - clear rules to follow greatly simplifies our work in planning and budgeting for campus events. And when questions arise, we always know that a quick phone call will yield the information we need. Beyond event support, we value Parking Services’ broader commitment to sustainability and campus well-being. Their emphasis on alternative transportation options, ongoing support for bike infrastructure, and attention to stormwater management in parking facilities demonstrates a thoughtful and forward-looking approach that aligns with our institutional values. Together, these efforts not only enhance campus operations but also contribute to a more sustainable and user-friendly environment for everyone.
Betsy Morgan, Provost & Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
As UWL's provost for the past 11 years, Dr. Betsy Morgan has played a pivotal role in the development of Graduate & Extended Learning as it exists today. Dr. Morgan made a deliberate effort over the years to be accessible to GEL's leadership team and staff, ensuring that ideas and concerns were always thoughtfully considered. She provided crucial guidance as campus explored the idea of merging Graduate Studies and Extended Learning, engaging stakeholders to contribute their ideas. She supported the unit as we worked through the merger, and continues to do so as we select new opportunities for growth and service to campus. The tagline for GEL is "growth through collaboration" and Dr. Morgan supports that goal in countless ways. She provides creative suggestions for new partnerships both inside and outside of UWL, and new ways to solve old problems. She approaches both successes and obstacles with full attention and a sense of humor that fosters a positive and collaborative environment. Her consistent recognition of GEL and its talented workforce has helped highlight our impact and strengthen our reputation as a driving force on campus, in the community, and state wide. We are grateful for her leadership and wish her the best in her next adventures.
Innovations in Graduate Education Award: William Schwan, Professor of Microbiology
Dr. William Schwan demonstrates innovation in graduate education in two primary areas. First, he was an early adopter of community-engaged learning, supporting seven master's students in applied projects with regional healthcare institutions. Partners include Emplify Health, Marshfield and Mayo Clinics, and the La Crosse County Public Health office. Second, Dr. Schwan has advised multiple graduate student projects as part of a drug discovery project, investigating the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and mechanism of a novel antimicrobial compound identified at UWL. A collaborative group of UWL and UW-Milwaukee faculty, with support from WiSys, have pursued a U.S. patent and established a biotechnology company in support of this work, demonstrating the entrepreneurial potential of graduate research at UWL. Collectively, Dr. Schwan's innovative work in graduate education demonstrates multiple benefits to the state, ranging from drug discovery to public health insights.