Joshua Mersky and Stan Stojkovic were recognized on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for their devotion to the UWM community at the 2025 Employee Excellence Awards ceremony.
Joshua Mersky
The Committee of Distinguished Professors honored Professor Joshua Mersky with the Office of Research Senior Faculty Award.
Nationally recognized for his study of adversity and resilience, Mersky’s research shapes social services and influences social policy. He has received nearly $10 million in grant support. Since 2020, his work has been cited more than 3,300 times. Mersky funds and leads staff at the Institute for Child and Family Well-Being, which he co-founded in 2016. Additionally, Mersky works extensively with pre- and post-doctoral researchers.
Stan Stojkovic
The UWM Honorary Degrees Committee honored Professor Emeritus Stan Stojkovic with the Ernest Spaights Plaza Award. Stojkovic served UWM for 40 years, during which time he held a variety of influential roles, most notably as Dean of the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare from 2004 to 2020. Under his leadership, HBSSW became a leader in research, community engagement, and innovative programming.
His encouragement of funded research, training, and public service contributed immensely to HBSSW’s growth and influence. His vision led to numerous degree programs that addressed regional and national needs, including the school’s first PhD program in social welfare and various joint graduate programs across disciplines.
Stojkovic’s transparent leadership style, ability to foster collaboration, scholarship, and unrelenting belief in the mission of public education have left an indelible impression on students, colleagues and the wider community.