Since 2011, University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium students have nominated instructors for the program’s Outstanding Faculty Award. With more than 50 instructors teaching between Fall 2024 and Summer 2025, students selected Andreas Eklund, Fred Kolb, and Jen Severin as this year’s finalists. During the program’s Annual Faculty Meeting in January, Severin was named the winner of the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award.
Severin, an adjunct instructor for the UW MBA Consortium, teaches MBA 791: Exploring Management Topics in the Nonprofit Sector. While many students enrolled in the program work in traditional business environments, a fair number are employed in the nonprofit sector or interact with nonprofits as partners, board members, and community leaders. Program leaders recognized the importance of representing this environment in the curriculum, which led to the addition of this course to the program.
Severin has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership. Her most recent experience has been as the President of the Board of Directors for the Eau Claire Community Humane Association, where she recently led efforts to complete a multi-year, multimillion-dollar fundraising and development project, including a new $6.5 million facility funded through community donations.
Students who nominated Severin highlighted her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for nonprofit management. They praised her valuable supplemental insights, thought-provoking content, and consistent communication. One student shared that “Jen seems very passionate and experienced in the content area. Her announcements that add to the course content provide additional insight.”
This feedback reflects Jen’s intentional approach to teaching, by creating a sense of community and bringing to life the joys, nuances, and realities of working in the nonprofit sector. “I am honored to be chosen for this award from among the incredibly talented group of instructors and professors who lead this very successful MBA program,” says Severin. “I am humbled by my students’ comments, and I hope that this course may open their hearts and minds to future service in the nonprofit sector in some capacity.”
Andreas Eklund was also a finalist for the 2025 Outstanding Faculty award. He is an assistant professor of marketing at UW-La Crosse and teaches MBA 755: Consumer Behavior. Students noted that Andreas provides clear, personalized, and actionable feedback that supports their learning. One student noted that “Andreas was very responsive to inquiries, whether via email, public forum, or comments on assignment submissions. His feedback on assignments was very thorough and highly personalized. I don’t know how he could do that for everyone in a class of 26 students. I’m impressed.”
Fred Kolb, professor emeritus of economics from UW-Eau Claire, was another finalist. He teaches MBA 709: Essentials of Economic and Statistical Analysis and MBA 754: Fundamental Methods of Forecasting. Students shared that Fred encourages them and builds confidence through clear explanations and steady support. They also praised his passion for teaching and dedication to student success. One student commented that “He made complex subjects approachable, intriguing, and even fun—while building confidence and making us feel welcomed as learners.”
Please join in congratulating all our nominees for the 2025 UW MBA Consortium Outstanding Faculty Award.