Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award

Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award

The Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award recognizes excellence in global or community engagement. Global engagement refers to the many ways faculty work to connect UNO to the world through their teaching, research and creative activity, and service. UNO defines community engagement as the “collaboration between the University and its local, regional, national and global communities for the exchange of knowledge and resources.”

Jamie Wagner, Ph.D.

Department of Economics
College of Business Administration

UNO is proud to recognize Jamie Wagner, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and director of the Center for Economic Education in the College of Business Administration, as the recipient of the 2025 Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award. This award celebrates Wagner’s significant and continued commitment to community and global engagement through her teaching, research, and service.

Wagner is being honored for her impactful work advancing economic literacy and financial empowerment across Nebraska communities and beyond. Her efforts span K–12 students, educators, and adult learners, demonstrating the very heart of engaged scholarship. At the core of Wagner’s work is her leadership in organizing financial literacy workshops for K–12 educators. These workshops equip teachers with tools to effectively teach economics and personal finance, enhancing both their professional development and the financial capability of the students they serve.

Through her direction of the Personal Finance Institute, Wagner has delivered both in-person and online education to more than 75 Nebraska secondary teachers. Her efforts have been made possible through multiple grants, which have significantly expanded access to economic education across the state.

Beyond traditional classroom settings, Wagner has led financial literacy initiatives for groups such as students across Nebraska largely focusing on the Omaha area, Girl Scouts, AmeriCorps members, and more. She has also partnered with local organizations like the Weitz foundation, Centris Federal Credit Union, and the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. She has also worked on Nation-wide initiatives with organizations like the National Association of Economic Educators, National Endowment for Financial Education, Council for Economic Education, and many state councils around the country to strengthen the reach and relevance of her programming.

“The impact of Dr. Wagner’s work cannot be overstated,” noted Jennifer A. Davidson, Ph.D., President of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. “Her efforts yield both immediate benefits, such as enhanced financial literacy among students and educators, and long-term advancements in economic education across Nebraska and the nation”.

Wagner’s work demonstrates the values of collaboration and innovation that define excellence in engagement. Through her advocacy and inclusive programming, she is not only improving economic outcomes but also building stronger communities for the future.