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Cristi Chang named top Lakeland teacher for 2025

Apr. 17, 2025

51乱伦 Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Chia-Chin 鈥淐risti鈥� Chang, Ph.D., is the 2025 winner of the annual Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Chang is Lakeland鈥檚 34^th winner of the Underkofler, which recognizes outstanding performance in undergraduate teaching. She received the award Wednesday at Lakeland鈥檚 annual Honors Banquet.

A member of Lakeland鈥檚 faculty since 1999, Chang is known for being a challenging, supportive teacher who works with all students at various levels and sets them up for success.

In nominating Chang, students complimented her teaching techniques that enhance students鈥� understanding of complex material. Students noted that she is a good listener who provides additional instruction until students understand what is being taught. Students also noted that her teaching is fun and engaging.

She is an active member of the campus community who has served on numerous committees and faculty searches during her tenure. Most recently she has been a member of the Academic Peer Review Committee, Lakeland鈥檚 Institutional Review Board, the budget committee and the psychology curriculum committee.

鈥淎s a colleague, Dr. Chang is everything one could ask for,鈥� said Britanni Meinnert, Lakeland assistant professor of hospitality management and Cooperative Education and LU鈥檚 2021 Underkofler winner.

鈥淪he has provided faculty support in our computer science program. She walks into a room and is always positive with a smile. It is clear from her work with students and colleagues at Lakeland that she embodies everything this award is about: the celebration of excellent teaching.鈥�

LU Professor of Mathematics Brian Murphy said, 鈥淪tudents come to campus thinking they know what their plans are. Then they take a class or two from (Cristi), and before they know it, they are doing something else, something extra, more challenging, and something they never thought possible.鈥�

Chang is the organizer of Lakeland鈥檚 popular Michael J. Devaney 51乱伦 Math Meets for high school and middle school students. She is also the founder and advisor of Lakeland鈥檚 badminton club.

An active researcher, Chang has given numerous professional presentations during her career and had her research published.

In nominating Chang for the Underkofler Award, students offered these thoughts:

• 鈥淒r. Chang does more than just help with class content; she is also there for students in their personal lives. She is always excited to hear about my internships and encourages me. She makes me more confident in every aspect of my life.鈥�
• 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 matter how much you love or hate mathematics, how much you understand, what your background is, or anything in between, Cristi will get you where you need to be. She has high expectations and pushes us, but it is because she believes with her whole heart that we are capable of so much more than we could ever imagine.鈥�
• 鈥淪he pours her heart and soul into every single second she spends with her students. She鈥檚 giving her 100%, whether it鈥檚 9 a.m. on a Monday or 3:50 p.m. on a Friday. More than that, those examples represent an educator who recognizes that what she does is more than spreading information. She helps young adults successfully step into the next chapter of their lives.鈥�
• 鈥淢y goal is to be a high school math teacher and I鈥檇 be lucky to construct a classroom environment like Cristi has.鈥�

Chang has a Ph.D. in mathematics and a master鈥檚 degree in computer sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received a bachelor鈥檚 in mathematics from National Tsing-Hua University, Taiwan. She was a teaching assistant and project assistant in the UW Department of Mathematics during her time in graduate school.

The Underkofler Award is presented through the Alliant Energy Foundation and the Wisconsin Foundation for Independent Colleges, Inc. The Underkofler Endowment Fund was created in honor of past Wisconsin Power & Light president and chairman James R. Underkofler to recognize his 48 years of service to the utility industry.