Dr. Kristen Prock earns 2026 Graduate Teaching Award

Written by Kari Borne

Dr. Kristen Prock, a distinguished teacher and leader, has been selected for the 2026 Graduate Teaching Award by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies. 

Prock, an associate professor and the Master of Social Work (MSW) program coordinator in the Department of Social Work, is the eighth recipient of the Graduate Teaching Award. The School of Graduate Studies presents the award annually an exceptional member of the graduate faculty who demonstrates innovative teaching approaches and real-life problem-solving.

Prock’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that graduate social work education is a transformative process that extends beyond the classroom. Her teaching experience and methods align in four key areas: providing students with the tools with success, fostering an active and inclusive learning environment, connecting research, practice, and policy, and incorporating evaluation, assessment, and improvement.  

“As a social work educator, I am committed to advancing a pedagogy that not only transmits knowledge but also transforms students into practitioners ready to lead, advocate, and uphold the values of the profession in pursuit of social justice,” said Prock. 

Students and colleagues from the College of Letters and Sciences strongly supported Prock as a nominee. Students hailed Prock for support and mentorship and her commitment to helping them grow personally and professionally, calling out her innovative teaching approaches, impactful scholarship and inclusive leadership. 

“In both her teaching and advising, she reflects social work principles by supporting students as whole individuals before addressing coursework or academic planning,” said Chloe Branen, an MSW student from Burlington. 

Alumnus Messina Duggan of Evansville, who earned an MSW in 2024, praised Prock for teaching active learning and connecting lessons to real life.  

“Her classes are known for their high student engagement through frequent and open discussions, regular feedback solicitation, and supportive checks on comprehension,” said Duggan. “By sharing her own field experiences, she demonstrates effective practice and sets a model of respect and inclusion for her students.”

Within the social work department, Prock is described as having an exceptional dedication to teaching, curriculum development and student mentorship. 

In an enthusiastic collaborative letter of support, colleagues Jeannine Rowe, Deanna Guthrie, and Yeongmin Kim shared ways Prock has transformed the lives of many students, enabling them to become leaders in the field in Wisconsin and beyond. 

“Dr. Prock skillfully creates a learning environment that challenges MSW students to think critically, reflect deeply, and apply social work values to complex practice realities,” they wrote. “She also utilizes various instructional methods in recognition of the various needs and learning styles of a diverse group of MSW students. Her courses emphasize not only the development of professional competence but also the cultivation of ethical, reflective, and justice-driven practitioners.” 

They also lauded her for her significant contributions to curriculum innovation and commitment to ongoing professional development in teaching. 

Prock earned her Ph.D. at the School of Social Work at Michigan State University in 2019. In addition to her roles in UWW’s Department of Social Work, she is affiliated faculty in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.  

A Wisconsin licensed clinical social worker, Prock also has over a decade of practice experience in Indiana. She is the recipient of several awards, including the 2023 University of Wisconsin System Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ People and the 2022 UW-Whitewater Eileen George Outstanding Faculty Research Award. 

Past recipients of the Graduate Teaching Award include Balaji Sankaranarayanan (Information Technology Supply Chain Management), Carrie Merino (Counselor Education), Cody Marie Busch (Communication Sciences and Disorders), Amal Ibrahim (Communication), Soroush Aslani (Management), Gina Marten (Counselor Education) and Courtney Powers (Communication). 

The School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education empowers those outside the traditional undergraduate classroom through accessible and flexible educational opportunities. Since 1964, the School of Graduate Studies has added dozens of master’s degree programs and master’s certificates in a wide range of subjects as well as a Doctor of Business Administration in 2014. Camps and Conferences hosts summer camps, day clinics, and competitions, allowing 10,000+ annual participants to work with award-winning coaches and directors, use state-of-the-art facilities, and experience campus life. Through hands-on, relevant and engaging programs, Continuing Education meets the evolving personal and professional needs of adult learners by connecting our talented faculty and staff with communities in the region.