Congratulations to Professor Anna Tumarkin, Russian Language Program Director and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Slavic Languages at UW–Madison, on receiving one of this year’s 2026 Academic Staff Excellence Awards.
Anna Tumarkin
For two decades, Anna Tumarkin has shaped UW–Madison’s Russian language education through pedagogical innovation, academic rigor and mentorship.
As director of the Russian language program, she has developed award-winning instructional materials and guided curriculum reform that integrates language, culture, literature and contemporary global issues. Her courses challenge students intellectually while supporting their growth in linguistic proficiency and cultural analysis. Tumarkin also devotes considerable energy to mentoring graduate teaching assistants, modeling research-informed pedagogy and thoughtful supervision. Undergraduates describe her teaching as both demanding and transformative, crediting her guidance with shaping their academic and professional paths. Her sustained commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship has elevated Russian language education within her department and beyond.
“Dr. Tumarkin embodies an uncommon commitment to teaching and modeling professionalism, recognized on campus and nationally, through innovative and research-based teaching practices. She is an extraordinarily gifted, much loved and deeply respected teacher.” Professor Karen Evans-Romaine, Department of German, Nordic & Slavic+
Read about all 10 of the honorees for the 2026 Academic Staff Excellence Awards here.