Kincaid named Adviser of the Year at UWRF

Posted 9/6/22

RIVER FALLS – Social Work Associate Professor Tamara (Tammy) Kincaid has been named Adviser of the Year at the University Wisconsin-River Falls. Established in 2000, the annual award recognizes …

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Kincaid named Adviser of the Year at UWRF

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RIVER FALLS – Social Work Associate Professor Tamara (Tammy) Kincaid has been named Adviser of the Year at the University Wisconsin-River Falls.

Established in 2000, the annual award recognizes excellence in advising undergraduates. Nominations are made by current students and alumni and reviewed by the Faculty Senate Advising Committee, which makes the final selection.

Kincaid, who also serves as chair of the Social Work Department, was formally presented with the award by UWRF Provost David Travis on Aug. 29 during the university’s fall Opening Day.

“I am very proud of this award,” said Kincaid. “It’s a good indication that I am helping students find their way, both academically and professionally.”

Prior to joining the UWRF faculty in 2012, Kincaid worked in social services – primarily in child protection – for over 25 years. From 2007-12, she was director of Pierce County Human Services.

It’s that lived experience that makes Kincaid a good teacher and adviser, according to Stacy Furness, associate dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies.

“Students like to hear about real experiences in the classroom, and they know that she knows what she’s talking about,” Furniss said.

As an adviser, Furness said that Kincaid’s experiences “allow her to go above and beyond the academic side of things. She asks students: ‘What other tools do you need to succeed?’” Social Work Assistant Professor Courtney Wells, a colleague and former classmate of Kincaid’-s, agrees.

“Tammy spends countless hours meeting with students and setting them up for success in our program and in the field,” Wells said.

“Tammy really took the time to get to know me,” wrote a recent graduate. “She took a genuine interest in drawing out my skills and strengths and guiding me in putting them to use. … I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if not for her.”

Kincaid advises 70-75 students each year, some of whom “do not fit the mold of a traditional student,” she said, including former foster youth who have aged out of the system.

“While college life can be complicated, it can be even more complicated for students who have not received the same support and resources as students from intact families,” she said.

“Tammy was always there for me,” said a recent program graduate and former foster youth. “Without judgment, she provided messages of encouragement and validation for my experiences. She continues to make space for me to this day.”

Kincaid’s passion for student service led her to apply for, and recently receive, a $70,000 grant from the UW System for the Falcon Links/ Fostering Success program which supports students who have been in foster care, homeless, or otherwise involved in the child welfare system.

“A core principle of social work practice is that everyone has dignity, worth, and self-determination,” said Kincaid. “I hope students feel like I’m treating them as who they are and not who the rest of the world thinks they should be.”

As part of the Fostering Success program, Kincaid is working to create an advisory committee representing departments from across campus who support student success.

“I want students to know that there is no wrong door to get the individualized help and support they need as college students,” she said.

Currently residing in Stillwater, Minn., Kincaid was born in California and raised in New Ulm, Minn. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and master’s degrees in public affairs and social work, as well as her Ph.D. in social work from University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.

Kincaid is active in the community and on campus, where she currently serves as a member of the Faculty Senate, Academic Programs and Policies Committee, and Institutional Review Board, among others.

Submitted by UW-River Falls