Karen Goebel, PhD, professor emerita and UW-Extension specialist in Human Ecology’s Consumer Science Department, focused her research, teaching, and outreach projects on estate planning, marital property law, privacy issues, public policy reform, and aspects of elder exploitation. Her interest in family resource management was motivated by one simple goal: to protect and strengthen the family unit. “That’s what makes our whole profession unique. It’s always been centered on families and not just on the individual.”
Karen’s dedicated leadership and mentoring of students and young professionals in their participation in state and national organizations, primarily as advisor of the Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, earned her numerous awards of distinction. She received recognition from Phi U, the Wisconsin Home Economics Association, the American Council on Consumer Interests, and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She also received both the Outreach Award and the Outstanding Faculty Award from the School of Human Ecology plus outstanding alumni awards from three other universities – Purdue, Ball State and Michigan State. In addition, she received the Excellence in Teaching Award from UW-Extension. Karen’s exemplary leadership extends to her participation in endowing the historic 100 Women Chair in Human Ecology.