Posted 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
Meet this year’s Hansen Award recipients
Five outstanding faculty and staff are being recognized for their contributions in research, teaching, service and impact within the College of Business Administration at UW-La Crosse.
Established by Jennifer, ’93, and Mike Hansen, the Hansen CBA Excellence Awards celebrate achievement across the college, honoring individuals whose work supports the mission of the college and strengthens the student experience. Each recipient receives a financial award.
This year’s recipients are:
Andreas Eklund, Hansen CBA Excellence in Research Award
Andreas Eklund, assistant professor of marketing, teaches consumer behavior, branding and sustainability in marketing.
Originally from Sweden, he earned his Ph.D. in marketing from Linnaeus University, where he specialized in consumer psychology. His research spans topics such as how automotive design influences consumer perception, and how brands respond to shifting societal expectations around mental health.
Before entering academia, Andreas worked as a chef, which sparked his fascination with sensory experience and how it shapes decision-making. Outside of work, Eklund enjoys disc golf, ice skating, soccer, rock music, salty licorice, and spending time with his rescued cats, Maya and Ludde.
Diana Tempski, Hansen CBA Excellence in Teaching Award
Diana Tempski, teaching professor of finance, brings decades of industry experience to the classroom. A two-time alumna of UWL, ’97 & ’23, Tempski built a successful career that spanned banking, corporate finance and entrepreneurship before returning to her alma mater.
Her teaching philosophy centers on three pillars: encouraging students to do their best, engaging students in active learning, and equipping students with practical tools and critical thinking skills to carry into their careers.
Tempski's professional interests include high-impact teaching practices, community-engaged learning, the integration of AI in the classroom and cultivating lasting relationships with former students.
Laurie Miller, Hansen CBA Excellence in Service Award
Laurie Miller, ’92, is a teaching professor of economics and proud UWL alumna whose record of service has strengthened her department, college and university.
A dedicated advocate for her students and colleagues, Miller works to ensure that all voices in the university community are heard and valued. Whether serving on committees, mentoring students or contributing to strategic initiatives, she is guided by a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive academic environment.
In the classroom, Miller primarily teaches introductory courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics. She seeks to help students build confidence and a strong foundation for future success.
John Nunley, Hansen CBA Dean’s Impact Award
John Nunley, professor of economics, brings cutting-edge insights to both his classroom teaching and the articles he publishes in leading economic journals.
In the classroom, Nunley teaches principals of microeconomics, intermediate microeconomic theory, labor economics and econometrics, using a problem-based approach to engage students in critical thinking. His research interests include labor economics, the economics of education and family, personnel economics, and experimental economics. His work has been featured in journals such as Labour Economics and news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal.
Nunley holds a Ph.D. in economics from Middle Tennessee State University and has taught at UWL since 2009.
Karen Brandt, Hansen CBA Staff Excellence Award
Karen Brandt spent years in the social service field before deciding it was time for a new challenge. She found it at her alma mater.
Brandt, ’81, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UWL and has worked as an academic department associate in the university’s Management Department for the past eight years. Her work includes mentoring student workers, facilitating events for the Kwik Trip Integrated Core Program, serving on university staff committees, and building friendships with her colleagues.
Brandt has been married for nearly 39 years and has three adult children. She enjoys walking, hiking, doing yoga and listening to music.
