In April 2026, more than 150 people attended the CALS Awards Ceremony to help Dean Glenda Gillaspy celebrate recipients of awards and fellowships and recognize department chairs whose service ended in 2025.
Professor and Renk Agribusiness Chair Guanming Shi received the Excellence in International Activities Award.
Since 2018, Shi has been instrumental in establishing partnerships with 18 top international universities and an AAE thematic track in the Visiting International Student Program (VISP). She also started a global AAE alumni hub to strengthen alumni connections around the world, helping CALS to promote international learning, research and outreach. Shi, who completed her three-year service as the first female department chair in 2025, excels at welcoming international students and making them feel at home in Madison. A perfect example is an annual event she initiated to teach AAE students, staff and faculty how to make Chinese dumplings.
Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Steve Deller received the Pound Extension Award, which recognizes an outstanding extension-funded faculty member for research, leadership and community engagement.
As one of the top rural development economists in the nation, Deller has an extensive research record in rural economic growth and development. He has served as the intellectual leader for UW’s Community Economic Development program for almost 20 years, led the U.S. Economic Development Administration University Center since its inception and collaborated extensively with the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative. In addition to academic publications, he has also authored many in-depth educational materials and policy briefs.
Assistant Professor Priya Mukherjee received the CALS Community Builder Award.
Supported by the Pound Educational Development Fund, it recognizes individuals who have worked to create community, both in CALS and in their department. Mukherjee aims to improve human connections through her teaching and research, which focuses on the political economy, education and health in less-developed countries. She is always willing to go the extra mile to support AAE faculty, staff and students and to maintain a positive work environment.