Wausau Psychologist Dr. Dakota Kaiser Honored with University of Wisconsin Forward Award

Local Health Psychologist Recognized for Transforming Rural Behavioral Healthcare, Pioneering Integrated Care Models, and Expanding Community Partnerships Across Central Wisconsin

WAUSAU, Wis. — October 2026 — The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) has named Wausau clinical health psychologist Dr. Dakota Kaiser, PhD, as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 Forward Award. The award recognizes rising stars among University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni who exemplify the "Wisconsin Idea"—the university's commitment that its positive impact should reach every corner of the state and beyond.

Dr. Kaiser, Managing Partner and Clinical Director at Tall Pines Behavioral Health, was celebrated during an award ceremony on October 1, 2026. He was honored for his dedication to expanding mental health access, building innovative community partnerships, and deploying unique models of care tailored to rural and underserved populations across Marathon County and North Central Wisconsin.

A first-generation college student from Marathon WI, Dr. Kaiser earned his bachelor's degree in biology and psychology with certificates in leadership, educational policy studies, and environmental studies from UW–Madison in 2011.

"As Wisconsinites, we have a legacy of understanding that our collective investment can create a world-class university that is accessible not only to the elite, but also to average young people in our communities like me," Dr. Kaiser stated during his acceptance address. "The Wisconsin Idea and my time at UW helped me understand the gift of these investments and also understand the obligation to pay the dividends of these investments forward. This aptly named award will serve as a reminder of that responsibility."

Pioneering Care Models and Local Partnerships

Throughout his early career, Dr. Kaiser has served as a driving force in bridging gaps between physical and mental healthcare across Central Wisconsin.

• Integrated Behavioral Healthcare: During his five-year tenure at Bridge Community Health Clinic—culminating as Integrated Services Director—Dr. Kaiser redesigned clinical operations to embed behavioral health within primary care, pediatric, and dental visits. He expanded the clinic's behavioral health team from 3 to nearly 20 professionals, improving access for low-income and refugee families. Today, through Tall Pines Behavioral Health as a provider and consultant and his service on the Aspirus Network Inc. Physician Leadership Committee and several other boards, he continues to expand integrated care models and clinical quality standards across regional clinics and hospitals.
• Community-Based Service Networks: As former Co-Chair of the Marathon County School-Based Counseling Consortium, Dr. Kaiser helped establish a collaborative program delivering therapy directly inside local schools, removing transportation and financial barriers for rural families. His effort earned the district's Friend of Education Special Service Award.
• Strengthening the Rural Workforce: To address severe healthcare shortages in Northern Wisconsin, Dr. Kaiser was appointed to Governor Tony Evers’ Task Force on Healthcare Workforce. Locally, as a founding board member of the Mental Health Collaborative, he helped create the North Central Wisconsin Behavioral Health Academy to train post-graduate clinicians and leverage technology to connect nationwide specialists with rural patients.
• Public Health & Community Advocacy: Dr. Kaiser actively volunteers on the Marathon County Suicide Death Review and Fatal Overdose Review Teams to implement preventative harm-reduction measures, co-chaired a refugee resettlement sponsorship initiative, and serves on local boards advocating for individuals with disabilities.

About the Forward Award

The Forward Award is bestowed by the Wisconsin Alumni Association to young alumni who demonstrate exceptional early-career achievement, leadership, and service that advances the state of Wisconsin and its communities.

For more information about the Wisconsin Alumni Association awards, visit uwalumni.com/awards. To learn more about local behavioral health initiatives in Wausau, visit tallpinesbh.com.