Koz leaves his mark
ENVISION Magazine, 2005

"In Koz's classroom, we learned how to think; we learned how to argue; we learned how to listen."

These words from former student Mark Olm '76 refer to the lasting legacy made by political science professor John Kozlowicz. After 37 years at UW-Whitewater, the deep-rooted educator is retiring at the end of spring semester.

An integral part of the university, Kozlowicz has impacted countless students with his enthusiasm and commitment to teaching and learning. Olm, a lawyer in Whitewater, remembers his teacher as being "inspirational in an understated way."

"Koz initiated classroom discussions, but then he quietly sat back and permitted the class to engage in an open exchange of views and arguments. He always maintained order and decorum, and normally asked follow-up questions to provoke other avenues of thought," Olm said. "It was in his classroom that I knew I wanted to be a lawyer."

Over the years, Kozlowicz's contributions have been many. He helped develop the public policy and administration program and the legal studies minor. He created an internship program that places prelaw majors with governmental agencies, judges and law offi ces for credit. He serves as advisor for pre-law students, helps arrange the Fairhaven Lecture Series and has pioneered the use of technology in the classroom.

That's not all. From 1988-1998, Kozlowicz coordinated the Whitewater Elderhostel Program. He is active in the Faculty Senate, and for years he has been a regular political commentator on local radio stations, drawing upon his expertise in public and criminal law.

Kozlowicz's dedication to his profession earned him many awards, including the UW-Whitewater Saunders Award of Excellence in Teaching in the Humanities in 1989, the W.P. Roseman Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1991 and the UW System Regents Teaching Excellence Award in 1996. Ironically, he never intended to be a teacher.

"Growing up I never even thought of going into teaching, but when I entered graduate school [at Northern Illinois University] I became a teaching assistant because I needed money, and I found out I liked it."

After receiving his doctorate from the University of Arizona, Kozlowicz was persuaded by Chancellor Emeritus Gaylon Greenhill, chair of the political science department at the time, to come teach at UW-Whitewater in 1968. He came, stayed, and has no regrets.

"UW-Whitewater is a great place for students ? it's friendly, open and teaching is its fi rst priority," Kozlowicz explained. "The school is big enough for diversity in its courses and small enough for students not to get lost."

In 1997 he received the Faculty Service Award, which came as no surprise to his colleague in the political science department, Susan Johnson.

"John has devoted his life to service, both at the university and community levels. He is my biggest mentor," said Johnson with admiration. "One thing that sets him apart as a teacher is that he is very accessible to his students. How many professors give out their cell phone number?"

Faith Larsen, a 2002 graduate who is pursuing a career in family law, still keeps in contact with her former instructor. "Koz was more than an insightful professor who shared his wisdom. He was always willing to go beyond the classroom," said Larsen.

After retiring, Kozlowicz plans to head up north to his summer place with his wife, Joan, whom he met when she was a student at UW-Whitewater. They have three children. He plans to do more reading, enjoy the outdoors and stay active doing volunteer work in the Elkhorn community where he lives. Oh, and maybe come back and "teach a course or two." – Jane Provorse