The Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence Teaching Awards were created to recognize outstanding undergraduate instructional academic staff members within in the Alliant Energy service area including UW-Madison.

The Academic Staff Excellence awards honor nine academic staff members annually in the following categories:
• Chancellor’s Hilldale Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Research (two awards)
• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service to the University
• Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Leadership (two awards)
• Robert and Carroll Heideman Award for Excellence in Public Service and Outreach
• Martha Casey Award for Dedicated Service to the University
• Ann Wallace Career Achievement Award