Rayvn Knipple – University Service Award 2024

Sometimes, a day job ends and employees go home at the end of the workday. And then there's Rayvn Knipple who works many late nights to foster a sustainable and inclusive campus community for all at UW-Stevens Point.

During the day, Knipple works as the graduate programs assistant within the School of Education where he ensures graduate students have a seamless application and enrollment process and helps answer students' questions. But come nights and weekends, Knipple puts on his shared governance super hero cape to fight the good fight as an active member of UW-Stevens Point's Common Council, including the 2023-24 chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy Committee.

Common Council is the representative body of academic staff, faculty and university staff in UW-Stevens Point shared governance. Shared governance has traditionally played a strong role on the UW-Stevens Point campus. It gives faculty and academic staff administrative responsibility over academic activities, and all university personnel (academic staff, faculty, and university staff) play an important role in recommending policies to the administration in many other areas.

When recent legislation passed impacting DEI positions on campus, Knipple transformed like Clark Kent into Superman. He has worked tirelessly to minimize the impact of the legislation on campus and attended University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents meetings when they were voting to advocate for DEI.

"I worked with SGA and Common Council leadership to create a Statement of Dedication to EDI as well as draft a resolution that calls for actionable steps for the university to take to illustrate its continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across all three of our campuses," said Knipple.

That statement begins in part:

"We, the faculty, staff, and students of shared governance at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point collectively affirm our commitment to foster a campus environment that values and celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a community of scholars, learners, and creators, we recognize that there is unity in diversity. When our differences unify us rather than divide us, we grow stronger together."

"Rayvn has worked countless hours to ensure that UWSP can continue its commitment to DEI work," said colleague Ashley Vedvig. "His commitment and dedication to DEI work across campus will help UWSP provide educational opportunities for all-regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or background."

Knipple received one of this year's University Service Awards in appreciation of his commitment to support others.

But this is not Knipple's first honor for his advocacy work. As a student, he earned the Chancellor's Leadership Award in 2021 and the University Leadership Award in 2019 and 2020 thanks to his passion for shared governance. He was heavily involved in the Student Government Association, serving in many roles such as executive director, budget director, inclusivity director and vice president.

"At UWSP, all are welcome to earn the education they deserve, and Rayvn Knipple is helping make sure that happens," said Vedvig.