The Laboratory of Genetics is proud to celebrate our very own Claire Minor on receiving the 2026 WALSAA Outstanding Advisor Award. The honor was presented on Tuesday, April 28th, recognizing her exceptional dedication to undergraduate students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS).
Presented annually by the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA), this award honors faculty or academic staff who demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting undergraduate success. Since 1979, WALSAA has recognized advisors who go above and beyond in guiding students academically, professionally, and personally.
Claire exemplifies this mission through her unwavering investment in student success. Her commitment to advising is evident in the time and care she dedicates to individual students, as well as her active involvement with student organizations and academic communities. She is known for being highly accessible, knowledgeable about degree requirements and campus resources, and deeply engaged in helping students navigate internships and career pathways.
Students consistently highlight the impact of her advising, noting both her expertise and her genuine care. As one student shared, “Claire has a way of making even the most overwhelming decisions feel manageable, you leave every conversation feeling more confident and supported.”
Beyond traditional advising, Claire has made meaningful contributions to the broader undergraduate experience and supporting student interests, such as serving as a Faculty Leader on the Spring Break 2025 UW Banking Animal Biodiversity program in Costa Rica. On that trip, she supported students with the same patience and care that she brings to her advising on campus. Her willingness to show up for students in every setting, whether it be from classrooms to international programs, demonstrates how deeply she invests in the undergraduate experience at UW-Madison.
Please join us in congratulating Claire on this well-deserved recognition! Her impact on our students and the CALS community is truly outstanding.