Michel A. Wattiaux, Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been named the recipient of the 2025 USDA Excellence in College and University Teaching in Food and Agricultural Sciences Award in the National category. This highly competitive award, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1992, recognizes exceptional educators who have made sustained and significant contributions to student learning in food and agricultural sciences. Dr. Wattiaux was selected from a national pool of nominees put forward by peers and academic leaders. A formal awards ceremony, hosted by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and USDA officials, will take place at the APLU Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, November 15–17, 2026.
In her nomination letter, Department Chair Sara Gragg described Dr. Wattiaux as “a transformative educator at a research-focused Land Grant institution,” highlighting a career defined by innovation, impact, and deep commitment to student success . In the last 26 years, Dr. Wattiaux has taught 116 semester-long courses and led 15 short-term study abroad programs, directly influencing the personal development and academic growth of more than 1,900 students. His promotion and tenure based primarily on teaching excellence—a rare distinction at UW–Madison—reflects the extraordinary quality and reach of his educational contributions. Dr. Wattiaux’s long-standing study abroad program in Mexico exemplifies his ability to connect classroom learning with global, real-world agricultural systems, a strength that featured prominently in his national award nomination.
