Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award

The Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award, presented by the Office of Graduate Studies, was created to recognize individual faculty who place high values on and excel in mentoring graduate students. Recipients must have an established record of teaching excellence at the graduate level and mentoring students who have received their degrees. They also should excel at attracting graduate students to study at UNO through recruitment efforts and a visible and respected academic reputation in their area of expertise.

Angela Eikenberry, Ph.D. School of Public Administration College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Dr. Angela Eikenberry, a prominent faculty member in the School of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), is deeply committed to mentoring graduate students and fostering their personal and professional growth. With a strong belief in creating an open and supportive environment, Dr. Eikenberry strives to meet students where they are and listen to their individual needs. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of her students, she acknowledges the importance of providing different types of support tailored to their unique circumstances.

Informed by extensive research on mentoring practices, particularly concerning traditionally marginalized groups, Dr. Eikenberry emphasizes the significance of building authentic relationships and addressing implicit and explicit inequalities. She believes in making expectations and academic norms transparent, offering constructive feedback, and facilitating networking opportunities within the field. Dr. Eikenberry integrates culturally relevant pedagogy, encourages critical thinking and reflexivity, and challenges conventional professional norms and values. Her commitment to equity and inclusivity drives her efforts to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

Furthermore, Dr. Eikenberry recognizes the value of peer networks and collaborative learning. She actively fosters spaces where students can share their experiences and support one another, promoting personal, emotional, and social connections. In collaboration with her students and colleagues, she has implemented various initiatives such as mentoring programs, brown bag sessions, and dissertation writing groups to encourage collaborative learning and growth.

Dr. Eikenberry's dedication to graduate mentoring is evident in her track record of success. She has published numerous articles and book chapters with her students, mentored them in publishing their work, and provided support for their achievements and recognition. Her former advisees have secured positions in academic or research-focused institutions, highlighting the impact of her mentoring in their professional journeys.

Outside of UNO, Dr. Eikenberry extends her mentorship to graduate students through her active participation in diverse programs and seminars, fostering a broader community of scholars and practitioners. Her commitment to mentoring and supporting students in further education and employment reflects her passion for empowering the next generation of scholars and professionals in public administration and nonprofit studies.

Nomination Information

Review the detailed nomination criteria and download the nomination form

Nomination deadline: March 1

Previous Award Winners

View the full list of award recipients