University of Dubuque Inducts Two New Members into its Faculty Hall of Fame
May 3, 2019 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – University of Dubuque inducted two new members into its Faculty Hall of Fame for Excellence in Teaching and Advising on Thursday, May 2, at the Dubuque Golf and Country Club.
Debra Stork, PhD, director of teaching and learning, director of assessment and program review, and professor of education, received the 2019 John Knox Coit Prize. William “Bill” Karkow, MD, academic director of the physician assistant (PA) program, received the 2019 William Lomax Award.
“It’s an honor to induct Professors Debra Stork and Bill Karkow into the University of Dubuque’s Faculty Hall of Fame for Excellence in Teaching and Advising,” said Jeffrey F. Bullock, president of the University. “Debra has been an inspirational teacher and mentor in our Department of Teacher Education for years and is an enthusiastic supporter of our Mission. Bill has distinguished himself as a fine teacher and mentor as well as academic director of our new physician assistant program. I am grateful for their commitment to students. I am also grateful to Richard Svrluga and his family for their support of these awards.”
Debra Stork
For Debra Stork, who joined UD in 2006, working with students is a gift to be cherished.
“When I see the look of relief on a student’s face as he or she sees a solution to a problem, for me, that makes coming to school every day worthwhile,” she said.
Her advice to colleagues is to make the best choice for your students, even if it is difficult.
“Whether it is scheduling, curriculum, or classroom management, always make the choice that is best for your students. It’s not easy sometimes, but if you believe it is truly best for the students’ welfare, then it is the right thing to do. I learned this from Marta Abele, former professor of education and director of the Bridge Program, and it has served me well,” Stork said.
Stork earned a bachelor of arts in biology and a master of arts in science education from the University of Northern Iowa. She received a doctor of philosophy in education from the University of Wyoming. She served as the head of UD’s Department of Teacher Education for eight years and is currently the director of teaching and learning, director of assessment and program review, and professor of education. Prior to her time at UD, Stork taught middle school science and served as director of Camp Little Cloud.
Stork remains focused on improving the academic success of all students by studying developmental programming, innovative teaching, and learning strategies. She also is committed to expanding academic success services to UD students.
William “Bill” Karkow
Karkow, who joined UD in 2006, enjoys working with faculty and being around students.
“As in the proverb, ‘iron sharpens iron,’ my fellow PA faculty help and appreciate each other, and our students bring out the child in me, who delights in torturing them with Dad jokes,” he said.
His advice to colleagues is to trust in and work for the Lord.
“We PA faculty chose the verse, ‘Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.’ (Psalm 37:5),” Karkow said.
Karkow received a bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of Illinois, where he also attended medical school. He then completed a surgical residency at the University of Iowa and a vascular surgical fellowship in Cincinnati. Karkow practiced general and vascular surgery in a large surgical group in Cincinnati for two years prior to returning to Iowa, where he was a small-town surgeon in 2005, serving at one point as president of the Iowa Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. After Karkow retired from surgical practice, he taught as an adjunct instructor at Kirkwood Community College and North Iowa Area Community College prior to teaching at UD. When he started to UD, Karkow’s primary focus was teaching anatomy and physiology to pre-nursing students. He was appointed academic director of the physician assistant program in 2015.
Award History
In 1995-96, Richard and Donna Svrluga established the Faculty Hall of Fame for Excellence in Teaching and Advising to recognize the contributions and impact of faculty on the lives of students. Awards are named in honor of former distinguished faculty members John Knox Coit and William Lomax.
John Knox Coit Prize
An integral member of the philosophy department from 1955-96, Coit was more than a teacher. He became a mentor and friend to his students. Known as a “man of wit,” he made a lasting impression on his students. Coit died in 1995 at the age of 79.
William L. Lomax Award
Fondly remembered by his students who studied business, Lomax was smart, tough, fair, and fun. As a member of the business department from 1953-69, he influenced the lives of many students. Lomax died in 1986 at the age of 83.
