Dr. Sharon M. Kolb receives Honorary Doctorate from Umea University, Sweden

1. Sharon M. Kolb, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Umea University, Sweden. Dr. Kolb will present a customary
lecture at the Annual Celebration Ceremony on October 21, 2023, for the conferment of Doctor
Honoris Causa.
Professor Ruth Mannelqvist, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Umea University wrote,
“Your collaboration with students and researchers at the Department of Applied Educational
Science and Department of Education has been greatly appreciated. Your knowledge and
expertise in the internationalization of higher education, as well as the development of
sustainable student exchange programs, has been of great value to the faculty and Umea School
of Education. Through your visits as a guest researcher and guest lecturer you have helped to
establish not only productive research and education bridges within academia, but also to the
surrounding community. “
Sharon retired January 2022 after 22 years of service to UW-Whitewater, receiving emeritus
status based on her distinguished career and exceptional contributions to the university. She
authored several publications that have advanced the field of special education and qualitative
research, presenting nationally and internationally.
Dr. Kolb served on the College of Education and Professional Studies International Committee
from 2007-2020 while coordinating the Sweden Student Teaching Program. She facilitated five
international visits with Swedish faculty at UW-Whitewater, updated the Umea-Whitewater
exchange agreement with Helena Gradin, Umea University International Strategist, created the
first Umea Counseling Fieldwork exchange in Wisconsin and conducted several in person and
virtual lectures at Umea University. Sharon continues to collaborate with her colleague Svea-
Maria Kuoppa, presenting virtually on Person-Centered Planning, Transition and Career
Development for students with and without disabilities.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award. Since my first visit to Umea University in 2007, I
have met so many wonderful people that are now lifelong friends.