Dr. David Krugler, professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was selected as one of the recipients of the 2024 Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards. The award is funded by an endowment from the Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc. to recognize and reward extraordinary undergraduate teachers at Universities of Wisconsin schools within Alliant Energy’s service area.
Krugler said that being named a recipient of this award is the honor of a career. Flattered and honored to receive the award, he said he is lucky to work alongside many talented and accomplished colleagues who have inspired him to be the best teacher he can be. Among those colleagues are even former students, like Winifred Redfearn.
“Dr. Krugler has supported and encouraged my academic career since my time as an undergraduate student and provided me with crucial guidance throughout my graduate education,” said Redfearn, who is now a lecturer in the history department at UW-Platteville and one of Krugler’s nominators. “This is my fourth semester as a lecturer in the history department at UW-Platteville. As one of Dr. Krugler’s colleagues, I can confidently say that he is an excellent teacher who inspires students both inside and outside of the classroom. He is available to his students, responds quickly to their inquiries and never judges when they ask for help or advice. Dr. Krugler also continues to inspire young scholars, including myself, to become better instructors.”
As an instructor, Krugler hopes students in his classes take away the ability to think historically, meaning students can analyze and understand people, events and ideas within the context of their own time, rather than evaluating the past just from the perspective of the present. He also wants his students to finish class knowing how much history continues to impact their lives today.
“One of Dr. Krugler's greatest strengths is his ability to foster intellectual rapport with his students,” said Tyler Uhls, a former student of Krugler’s and one of his nominators. “He sets high expectations and provides unwavering support to help students meet and exceed them. His classroom environment is one of active exploration and critical inquiry, where students are encouraged to think deeply, challenge assumptions and develop their own analytical skills.”
Krugler said that since 1997, he has had the great fortune to have a dream job: teaching history.
“There’s so much I love about teaching,” said Krugler. “I love the first day of class, because that’s my first and best chance to convince students that whatever career plans they have, the history they are about to learn will benefit them. I also really enjoy seeing topics that are familiar, even well-worn to me, through the eyes of my students whose questions never fail to delight and impress me.”
Krugler, who is looking forward to many more years of teaching, will be recognized at the award ceremony in Madison, Wisconsin, on Thursday, Oct. 24.