Positions:

Professor Emeritus, Department of Gerontology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, July 1, 2006
Coordinator of Academic Affairs, Dept. of Gerontology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, through June 30, 2006
Professor, Department of Gerontology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, through June 30, 2006
J. Terrence Haney Endowed Professor, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Graduate Faculty Fellow, University of Nebraska
Acting Director of Gerontology Department while Director absent during summer, through June 30, 2006

Prior Professional Positions:

Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1969-1973
Assistant Professor (1967), Department of Religious Studies, Sacred Heart University, Bridgeport, CT, 1965-1969
Lecturer, Department of Theology, Wilton College, Wilton, Connecticut, 1966-1968
Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, School of Religion, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 1962-1965
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Theology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1961-1962

Affiliations and Awards:

• Distinguished Alumni Professor, Marquette University, 2003
• Editorial Board, The Journal of Near-Death Studies
• The International Association for Near-Death Studies, Research Member, 1988-present
  • President Emeritus, 1997-present
  • President, 1995-1996
  • Board of Directors, 1990-1996
  • Vice-president, 1991-1995
  • National Conference Coordinator, 1993-1995
• Omaha Friends of The International Association for Near-Death Studies
  • Founder and Co-Coordinator, 1995-present
• Association for Death Education and Counseling, 1988-present
  • National Committeeman, 1993-present
• The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine, 2003-present
• The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, 1978-present
• The Gerontological Society of America, 1974-present
  • National Committeeman, 1976-1980
• American Society on Aging, 1982-present
• Mid-America Congress on Aging, 1983-present
• The American Academy of Religion, 1968-1976
• The College Theology Society, 1965-1973
  • National Committeeman, 1968-1973
• The American Association of University Professors, 1966-1974, 1983-present

Education:

B.A., Marquette University, 1961
M.A., Marquette University, 1963
Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 1978

Selected Consultations:

• "Near-Death Experiences: Science Meets Spirituality," University of Nebraska Medical Center. 2004, May.
• "Near-Death Experiences," KMTV, Omaha, NE. 1998, November.
• "Near-Death Experiences," Nationally syndicated Peter Weisbach call-in radio show, San Diego, CA. 1996, September.
• "Near-Death Experiences," James Havens Morning Buzz call-in radio show, Nagoya, Japan. 1996, September.
• "Near-Death Experiences," Station KKAR Bryan Barks call-in radio show, Omaha, NE. 1996, February.
• "Near-Death Experiences," Station CJAD radio call-in show, Montreal, Canada. 1996, February.
• Editorial Consultant, West Publishing Company, Thousand Oaks, CA. 1995-1996.
• "Near-Death Experiences," Today's UNO, KYNE-TV. 1996, January.
• "The Near-death Experience and Its After Effects." Keynote address, Fortean Society National Conference, Lincoln, NE. 1992, May.
• Editorial Consultant, West Publishing Company, Thousand Oaks, CA. 1990-1991.
• "Unexplained Phenomena: Near-Death Experiences," KZUM-FM radio call-in show, Lincoln, NE. 1991, July.
• Grant Reviewer, Niedfelt Nursing Research Center, University of Nebraska College of Nursing. 1990.
• Training Consultant, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Reminiscence Program (REM). 1988-1989.
• Consultant, American Lung Association of Nebraska, 1987-1988.
• Training Consultant, Assisting Junior College Faculty from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska in developing curricula and courses in Gerontology. 1986-1987.
• Editorial Consultant, Wm. C. Brown Company Publishers, Dubuque, IA. 1982.
• Editorial Consultant, Wadworth Publishing Co., Belmont, CA. 1980.
• Planning Consultant, Religion and Aging, Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). 1980.

• Graduate Program Committee, Gerontology Department, 1978-present
  • Chair, 1980-present
• Gerontology Department Outcomes Assessment Committee, 1994-present
  • Chair, 1994-present
• Graduate Council, 1994
  • Committee B - Committee on Courses, Programs, and Evaluations
• Advisory Committee, Department of Counseling, College of Education, 1991-present
• Faculty Senate, 1989-1991
  • Committee on Academic and Curricular Affairs
  • Rules Committee
• Personnel Committee, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1993-1994, 1988-1990, 1979-1984, 2000-2001
  • Chairman, 1980-1981, 1983-1984
• Curriculum Committee, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, 1984-1986, 1997-1998
• Excellence in Teaching Awards Committee, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, 1997-present
• Faculty Academic Policy Committee, College of Continuing Studies, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1981-1995
• Advisory Committee, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, 1986-1988
• Planning Committee to develop M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Gerontology at UNO, 1985-86
• University Academic Review Team, Department of Communications, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1983
• University of Nebraska at Omaha Campus Steering Committee, University-wide Committee on Gerontology and Geriatrics, 1982-present
• University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Social Work Academic Review and Accreditation Committee, 1982-1983
• College of Public Affairs and Community Service Honors Committee, 1982-present
• Chair, Martha T. Smith Memorial Gerontology Scholarship Committee, 1982-present
• University Committee on the Improvement of Instruction, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1979-1982
• Personnel Committee, Gerontology Department, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1975-present
  • Chairman, 1979-1984
• Curriculum Committee, Gerontology Department, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1980-present
  • Chairman, 1980-present
• Planning Committee, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1979-1980
• Executive Committee, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1974-1976, 1978
• Selection Committee Chair to pick outstanding students in Gerontology, 1976-present
  • Chairman, 1977, 1978, and 1980-present
• Personnel; Curriculum; and Library Committees, Department of Theology, Creighton University, 1969-1978
• Academic Council; Library; Curriculum; and Athletic Committee, Sacred Heart University, 1965-1969

Horacek, B. J. (in press). Near-death experiences: Science meets spirituality. In A. Eisen & G. Laderman (Eds.), Science, Religion, and Society. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe, Inc.

Horacek, B. J., & IANDS Board of Directors. (2003). The Impact of the Near-Death Experience on Grief and Loss. East Windsor Hill, CT: IANDS.

Horacek, B. J. (2001). Are near-death experiences out of their bodies or out of their minds. Vital Signs, XIX(3), 4-5.

Horacek, B. J. (2001). Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing, ADCs, NDEs, and the resolution of grief. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(3), 186-191.

Horacek, B. J. (2000). A paradigm shift on the horizon: The role of near-death experiences in the "new medicine." Vital Signs, XIX(3), 1-3.

Horacek, B. J. (2000). The life review: A pastoral counseling technique. In J. A. Thorson (Ed.), Perspectives on Aging and Spiritual Well-Being (pp.186-193). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

Horacek, B. J. (1999). Parting visions: Response to Angerpointner. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1), 65-66.

Horacek, B. J. (1999). Shades of the rainbow: NDEs and nearing-death awareness experiences. Vital Signs, XVIII(4), 1, 9, 14.

Horacek, B. J. (1999). Reflections on IANDS: Past and future. Vital Signs, XVIII(4), 1-8.

Horacek, B. J. (1999). The case for heaven: Near-death experiences as evidence for heaven. Vital Signs, XVIII(1), 6-7.

Horacek, B. J. (1998). Parting visions: Uses and meanings of pre-death, psychic, and spiritual experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies (review), 16(3), 223-227.

Horacek, B. J. (1997). Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2), 149-161.

Horacek, B. J. (1996). Out of body, out of the mind, and then... Vital Signs, XV(4), 7 (review).

Horacek, B. J. (1996). Newspaper obituary anniversary tributes and continuing grieving. The Forum, XXII(1), 1, 25, January/February.

Horacek, B. J. (1995). A heuristic model of grieving after "high-grief" deaths. Death Studies, 19:21-31, January-February.

Horacek, B. J. (1992, September/October). The darker side of near-death experiences. The Forum, XVII, 3, 19-20.

Horacek, B. J. (1991, September/October). Toward a more viable model of grieving and consequences for older persons. Death Studies, 15:459-472.

Horacek, B. J. (1989, September). Problems with current models of grieving and consequences for older persons. Resources in Education. ERIC CAPS.

Horacek, B. J. (1989). Dying, death, and grieving. In M. Suhart (Ed.), Certificate in Basic Gerontology--A Distance Learning Program. Athens, GA: Georgia Center for Continuing Education. The University of Georgia.

Thorson, J. A., Kara, G., & Horacek, B. J. (1987). A replication of Kalish's study of cemetery visits. Death Studies, 11:177-182.

Thorson, J. A., & Horacek, B. J. (1987). Self-esteem, value, and identity: Who are the elderly, really? Journal of Religion and Aging, 3, No. 1/2, 5-15.

Thorson, J. A., & Horacek, B. J. (1986). Aging and long-term care in Nebraska. In J. S. Luke & V. J. Webb (Eds.), Nebraska Policy Choices. Omaha, NE: The Center for Applied Urban Research, The University of Nebraska at Omaha, 109-136.

Horacek, B. J. (Spring, 1986). Loss and bereavement among the elderly. NPA Forum (Nebraska Psychological Association), 39-43.

Horacek, B. J. (1983, Winter). Making gerontology practica "learning" experiences, not just "doing" experiences. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, 4(2), 31-36.

Horacek, B. J. (1983). Religion and aging. Generations: Quarterly Journal of the Western Gerontological Society, Vol. VIII, No. 2, 57-58 (review).

Horacek, B. J. (1981). The craft of dying: The modern face of death. The Gerontologist, 21, 27-29 (review).

Horacek, B. J. (1981). Social and health aspects of long term care. Nebraska White House Conference on Aging Issues, 28-34.

Horacek, B. J. (1981). Creating an age integrated society within the church, synagogue and other religious organizations. Nebraska White House Conference on Aging Issues, 77-83.

Horacek, B. J. (1980). Life review: A pastoral counseling technique. In J. Thorson & T. Cook (Eds.), Spiritual Well-Being of the Elderly. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishing Co., 100-107.

Thorson, J. A., & Horacek, B. J. (1980, Winter). Curriculum planning for program development in gerontology. Theological Education, 16, 328-331.

Horacek, B. J., & Thorson, J. A. (1979). Social and educational needs of the aged developmentally disabled. In Gerontological Aspects of Developmental Disabilities: The State of the Art (proceedings of a symposium). The University of Nebraska at Omaha Gerontology Program, 31-38.

Bell, B. D., Batterson, C. T., & Horacek, B. J. (1979). The death attitudes of older adults: A path-analytical exploration. Omega, 10, 1, 59-76.

Horacek, B. J., & Francke, S. (1978, January/March). Senior citizens celebration days: A university-based education program. Educational Gerontology: An International Quarterly, 3, 61-69.

Horacek, B. J. (1978). Profiles of Aging: Death and Dying - Gerontology Readings for Health Professionals. Omaha: University of Nebraska Medical Center, 85 pages.

Horacek, B. J., & Francke, S. (1977, September/October). Festival of education for older people. Aging, 24-25.

Horacek, B. J. (1976). Caretaker of the dead. Social Science Quarterly, 57, 490-491 (review).

Horacek, B. J. (1975). Death, dying and bereavement. In Planning and the Third Age (a pre-and post-retirement educational program). The Nebraska Commission on Aging.

Horacek, B. J. (1968, May/June). Current Protestant and Jewish thought. Catholic Bookseller and Librarian, 8-12.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Horacek, B. J. (2000). Hell hath no fury. U. S. News & World Report, 128(4), 45.

Horacek, B. J. (1997). Does heaven exist. Time, 149(5), 14.

PROFESSIONAL PAPERS:

Horacek, B. J. (2002, April). Near-death experiences as healing agents for those dying and grieving. The 24th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Portland, OR.

Horacek, B. J. (2001, July). Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Seattle, WA.

Horacek, B. J. (2000, July). The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Philadelphia, PA.

Horacek, B. J. (2000, April). Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The 22nd Annual Conference of the Association for Near-Death Education and Counseling, Charlotte, NC.

Horacek, B. J., & Horacek, S. A. (1999, June). Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with near-death experiencers (NDErs). The Annual Conference of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), Las Vegas, NV.

Horacek, B. J. (1998, October). The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Salt Lake City, UT.

Horacek, B. J. (1998, March). Grief coping mechanisms as reflected in newspaper obituary anniversary tributes. The 20th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Chicago, IL.

Horacek, B. J. (1997, October-November). The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, San Antonio, TX.

Horacek, B. J. (1997, June). Grief coping mechanisms as reflected in newspaper obituary anniversary tributes. The 5th International Conference on Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society, and The 19th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Washington, DC.

Horacek, B. J. (1996, August). Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Oakland, CA.

Horacek, B. J. (1996, April). Continuing grieving relationships and newspaper obituary anniversary tributes. 18th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Pittsburgh, PA.

Horacek, B. J. (1995, August). The effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. The Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Hartford, CT.

Horacek, B. J. (1995, April). Newspaper obituary tributes and continuing grieving. 17th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Miami, FL.

Horacek, B. J., & Horacek, S. A. (1994, June). The healing effects of near-death experiences on the dying and grieving. Annual Conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, San Antonio, TX.

Horacek, B. J. (1994, April). Amazing grace: The effects of near-death experiences on grievers. 16th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Portland, OR.

Horacek, B. J. (1993, April). A heuristic model of grieving after "high-grief" deaths. 15th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Memphis, TN.

Horacek, B. J. (1992, March). An alternative model of grieving after "high grief" deaths. 14th Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Boston, MA.

Horacek, B. J. (1990, August). Near-death experiences and grieving parents. 1st International Conference of the International Association for Near Death Studies, Washington, D.C.

Horacek, B. J. (1990, April). Toward a more viable model of bereavement for older grievers. 36th Annual Meeting of the American Society on Aging, San Francisco, CA.

Horacek, B. J. (1988, November). Problems with current models of grieving and consequences for older persons. 41st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, San Francisco, CA.

Horacek, B. J. (1986, March). Teaching workshops or courses on dying and bereavement: Methods and models. Mid-America Congress on Aging, Chicago, IL.

Horacek, B. J., & Thorson, J. A. (1985, April). Good grief: The process and its implications for older persons. Mid-America Congress on Aging, Kansas City, MO.

Horacek, B. J., & Thorson, J. A. (1985, March). Reminiscence: Techniques for the promotion of emotional wellness. 31st Annual Meeting of the Western Gerontological Society, Denver, CO.

Horacek, B. J. (1985, March). Bereavement and wellness among the elderly. Second National Forum on Research in Aging, Lincoln, NE.

Horacek, B. J. (1984, March). The creative use of reminiscence among the elderly. The Mid-America Congress on Aging, Des Moines, IA.

Horacek, B. J. (1984, February). Life review and wellness among the elderly: A research perspective. First National Forum on Research in Aging: Wellness and Independence, Lincoln, NE.

Horacek, B. J. (1983, April). Hospice and third-party payment: Survey results. Western Gerontological Society Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM.

Horacek, B. J. (1983, February). Making gerontology student practica "learning" experiences, not just "doing" experiences. Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.

Horacek, B. J. (1982, May). Life reviewing: A therapeutic technique for congregations. Creative Ministry for Older Adults Conference, Omaha, NE.

Horacek, B. J. (1979, November). Aging related humanities courses: Data and models. The Gerontological Society Scientific Meeting, Washington, D.C.

Thorson, J. A., & Horacek, B. J. (1979, August). Curriculum planning for program development in gerontology. National Conference on Aging, Spiritual Well-Being and Education. National Interfaith Coalition on Aging, Indianapolis, IN.

Horacek, B. J., & Thorson, J. A. (1979, June). Social and educational needs of the aged developmentally disabled. Aged/Developmental Disabilities State of the Art Symposium, Kansas City, MO.

Horacek, B. J. (1979, March). Older learners and the concept of transcendence. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, Washington, D.C.

Horacek, B. J. (1977, April). Life review: A pastoral counseling technique. National Intra-Decade Conference on Spiritual Well-Being, National Interfaith Coalition on Aging, Atlanta, GA.

Horacek, B. J. (1976, October). Gerontology and social change. The Gerontological Society Scientific Meeting, New York, NY.

Horacek, B. J., & Francke, S. (1976, October). Senior Citizen Celebration Days: A university-based education program. The Gerontological Society Scientific Meeting, New York, NY.

Horacek, B. J. (1976, November). Religion and older adults. The Gerontology Association for Training and Education Annual Conference, Huron, SD.

Bell, B. D., Batterson, C.T., & Horacek, B. J. (1976, September). The death attitudes of older adults. The American Sociological Association, New York, NY.