Remarkable alumna Sauerhammer Dean exemplifies University’s mission and values at highest level
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay alumna and Council of Trustee member, Dr. Tina Sauerhammer Dean ’99, was bestowed with the University’s highest honor on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the morning ceremony of UW-Green Bay’s 111th commencement ceremony. The Chancellor’s Award recognizes the individuals whose professional accomplishments, community contributions, and ongoing connection to UW-Green Bay reflect the University’s mission and values at the highest level.
Read Chancellor Michael Alexander’s remarks:
“It is now my great privilege to present the Chancellor’s Award, the highest honor the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay can bestow. This award recognizes the individuals whose professional accomplishments, community contributions, and ongoing connection to UW-Green Bay reflect the University’s mission and values at the highest level.
This year, we are proud to recognize Dr. Tina Sauerhammer Dean, a trailblazing plastic surgeon, dedicated community leader, and proud UW-Green Bay alumna.
Dr. Sauerhammer is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery and Dermatology—the first and only boutique plastic surgery and dermatology practice in Northeast Wisconsin, with locations in Green Bay, Appleton, and Door County.
Her list of accomplishments is extraordinary. She entered college at just 14 years old, became the youngest graduate of UW-Green Bay at age 18, and completed medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health by 22.
After medical school, she was crowned Miss Wisconsin 2003 and used her platform to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation in honor of her father.
Dr. Sauerhammer completed a general surgery residency at UW Hospital and Clinics, followed by a plastic surgery fellowship at Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts, where she was part of the team that performed the country’s first full face transplant. She went on to complete a fellowship in pediatric and craniofacial plastic surgery and served at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she was also Clinical Director of Global Outreach.
She has performed life-changing reconstructive surgeries on children and adults in West Africa, Haiti, and Jordan. Her research in craniofacial surgery has been presented both nationally and internationally. She is the only female plastic surgeon in the Fox Valley and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Sauerhammer has also served for 10 years on the UW-Green Bay Council of Trustees, including three years as Chair.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Tina Sauerhammer Dean.”
Congratulations!
