Campus Connection

CATL honored for advancing academic excellence, innovation

From navigating COVID-19 to helping instructors understand new regulations and artificial intelligence tools, UW-La Crosse’s Center for Advancing Teaching & Learning (CATL) has been a trusted partner in an era marked by change.

Now, those efforts are receiving campuswide recognition.

CATL has received UWL's 2026 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award, honoring the center's outstanding contributions to teaching and learning, and its crucial role in helping faculty and instructional staff adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education.

For CATL Director Kristin Koepke, the award highlights the often unheralded work of non-instructional academic staff in shaping the high-quality educational experience that has come to define UWL.

“CATL’s mission — to support improvement of teaching and student learning — is fully aligned with UWL’s mission to provide a challenging, dynamic and inclusive learning environment that supports student success,” Koepke says. “This award is meaningful because it recognizes the ongoing work CATL does to support instructors and strengthen teaching and learning at UWL.”

A small team on paper — the center is composed of three full-time staff members — CATL also enlists a number of faculty to serve as instructional specialists or fellows. This model ensures CATL can consistently provide effective, evidence-based support across campus.

The center offers an array of resources for faculty, supporting their professional development and helping them elevate their instruction through the use of technology, inclusive teaching practices and thoughtful, innovative course design.

That work has taken different forms with each new challenge.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CATL helped faculty transition to online instruction and navigate shifting teaching modalities.

Since the proliferation of artificial intelligence, CATL has provided timely guidance on effective and responsible use of AI in the classroom.

And with new Title II digital accessibility regulations on the horizon, CATL continues to equip instructors with the tools, training and personalized support they need to create accessible learning materials.

Interim Provost Sandy Grunwald says CATL is deeply deserving of the Academic Staff Program Excellence Award, citing both its longstanding commitment to supporting teaching and learning, and its recent leadership in navigating change.

“For decades, CATL has been an invaluable partner to UWL faculty and instructional staff, fostering innovation, supporting student success and strengthening the quality of teaching across our campus,” Grunwald says. “This past year, the unit's leadership and dedication were especially evident through its extensive work helping instructors prepare for and meet Title II digital accessibility requirements, ensuring a more inclusive learning environment for all students. On behalf of the university, I congratulate the CATL team and thank them for their outstanding service, expertise and commitment to excellence.”

According to CATL staff, that commitment stems from a passion for teaching and learning, and from a belief that even small improvements can make a real difference.

Steph Speer, learning management system administrator for CATL, says the team's work begins with a common goal: creating the best possible learning experiences across campus.

“I think there are two main things I enjoy (about my role),” Speer says. “The first is when an instructor comes to me with a puzzle, and I get to do some troubleshooting or research to figure out what’s going on, and then the appreciation I get from them when we have a great solution that works for them and their students.

“The second thing I enjoy is how supported I am by my colleagues and supervisors. I’ve been able to grow and learn in my role by working with them.”

Marjorie Bazluki, CATL’s senior instructional designer, says her work is fulfilling for the same reasons: the collaboration with faculty and the ultimate benefit to students.

That ripple effect is what makes the award special, she says: When CATL works successfully, it means faculty have the tools they need to teach, students have the experiences they need to learn, and the university has the academic support it needs to thrive.

“This award is meaningful to me because it represents more than recognition — it reflects the impact we can have when we work together to support faculty and improve the student experience,” Bazluki says. “Being recognized for that work is especially rewarding because it reinforces how much I value what I do and the people I have the opportunity to work with.”