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Academic Affairs News

Monday, May 18, 2026
  1. UNO
  2. Academic Affairs
  3. news
indextrue177861252944707924231News CenterThe Academic Affairs New Center1462078800000Academic Affairs News Center/news/indexAcademic Affairssite://Academic Affairs/news/indexswheat16751169300930792423117791251024631769752800000
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1777525200000UNO leaders discussed financial strategies and new ways to reach potential students./news/2026/04/img/20260427_strategy-forum_01.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2026/04/img/20260427_strategy-forum_01.jpgwww20260427_strategy-forum_01.jpg2161341200800UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, center, answers questions during the Strategy Forum. The University of Nebraska at Omaha Strategy Forum was held at the UNO Thompson Alumni Center on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. (Ryan Soderlin/UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. Chancellor Li, seated between two people, holds notes while speaking into a microphone.///YouTube

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) faculty and staff gathered on April 27 in the Thompson Alumni Center for the 2026 Strategy Forum hosted by Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, for a transparent conversation about the university's financial strategy and how UNO is meeting the moment through workforce-aligned initiatives.

♟️ Financial Strategies: Successful financial strategies laid out by UNO leadership were celebrated at this year’s forum, including:

  • Increasing the university’s dining culture by partnering with GrubHub
  • Partnering with Barnes & Noble College to enhance the Maverick Store
  • Growing the university’s footprint outside the state through Omaha Urban Rate (OUR) Tuition

💬 Continuing the Catalyst Conversation: Topics, ideas, and innovations discussed at Chancellor Li’s inaugural Catalyst Conversation were continued at this year’s Strategy Forum, such as competency-based education (CBE).

  • UNO recently launched Maverick Flex Path, announcing the first CBE program, with more in the pipeline for fall 2027.
  • “CBE will help us reach students that we haven’t been able to reach before,” said Erin Bass, Ph.D., with the Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives.
  • The First Year Experience program was also discussed and celebrated. Dustin Crichton, Ph.D., director of the Thompson Learning Community (TLC), said the program is seeing a 2.5% increase in retention compared to students not in the program.
  • Panelists also offered insight into how the initiatives connect to VisionSync and the University of Nebraska System’s Strategic Plan.

📚 Reduced credit opportunities were discussed, as Chancellor Li acknowledged that a majority of learners are now non-traditional students.

“We know there is a system challenge for a lot of these learners, and I’m privileged to provide a system solution to these candidates,” she said.

Reduced-credit and competency-based education programs would offer another chance to meet and understand workforce demands and compete in areas where UNO has comparative advantages, Li said.

👩‍💻 Enrollment Strategy: UNO’s enrollment remains strong, said Jason Browning, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success. To continue recruiting and retaining students, the university aims to simplify the student experience and improve responsiveness.

🎙️ Closing Remarks: Chancellor Li closed the Strategy Forum by reinforcing that UNO is a workforce development engine and will continue advancing technology while meeting students where they are.

Li said the university will double down on its successes and continue to make smart business and financial decisions.

“We will see a lot of headwinds, but I will bet on UNO.”

////Yes/news/2026/04/uno-bets-on-innovation-and-growth-at-strategy-forumdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryStaffProspective StudentsFacultyCurrent Studentslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/04/uno-bets-on-innovation-and-growth-at-strategy-forumwwwuno-bets-on-innovation-and-growth-at-strategy-forumUNO Bets on Innovation and Growth at Strategy ForumUNO Bets on Innovation and Growth at Strategy ForumUNO leaders discussed financial strategies and new ways to reach potential students.Marlo LarsenUNO leaders discussed financial strategies and new ways to reach potential students.Apr 29, 2026 10:00 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1776834000000UNO introduces a competency-based model that enables graduate learners to progress through demonstrated mastery of workforce-aligned competencies. /news/2026/04/img/maverick-flexpath-press-banner_r2-web.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2026/04/img/maverick-flexpath-press-banner_r2-web.jpgwwwmaverick-flexpath-press-banner_r2-web.jpg636931200800Maverick Flex Path is a new competency-based education model. Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Executive Business are open. mage Text: “Your Learning. Your Pace. Your Way. Maverick Flex Path. ///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is expanding its approach to workforce-aligned education through Maverick Flex Path, a new competency-based education model that enables graduate learners to progress by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined, industry-aligned competencies. 

➡️ What’s new: UNO has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to launch Maverick Flex Path, its new competency-based education (CBE) model, beginning with the Graduate Certificate in Executive Business through the College of Business Administration (CBA).  

  • This 14-credit graduate certificate is designed for working professionals and can be completed in less than one year. 
  • Applications and information requests are open, with the first classes beginning in Fall 2026. 
  • Contact mavflexpath@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3900 to learn more. 

💡Why it matters: Maverick Flex Path represents a significant step forward in how UNO delivers flexible, workforce-aligned graduate education. The model is designed to: 

  • Provide flexible pathways for working professionals balancing career and personal commitments  
  • Emphasize applied skills aligned to workforce needs  
  • Expand UNO’s portfolio of innovative program offerings  

🔎 What is competency-based education? Instead of progressing through courses based on time or a semester calendar like a traditional degree program, Maverick Flex Path students advance by demonstrating mastery of real-world competencies aligned with workforce needs. Key features include: 

  • Flexible pacing within structured 8-week terms  
  • Five start dates per year  
  • Personalized faculty feedback and success coaching  
  • Real-world, skills-based assessments 

🎤 What they’re saying:  

  • Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “Maverick Flex Path positions UNO at the forefront of innovation in graduate education. This program reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible learning experiences aligned with the evolving needs of today’s workforce. Importantly, this is just the beginning as we build a broader portfolio of competency-based educational offerings at UNO.” 
  • Phil He, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “I want to congratulate our colleagues in ILCI and Academic Affairs for their leadership in innovating on behalf of all Nebraskans. Our workforce needs faster pathways to meaningful credentials, and employers need team members with job-ready, verifiable skills. Maverick Flex Path rises to meet both of those needs. I’m deeply grateful to the many members of our campus community whose collaboration and commitment made this milestone possible.” 
  • Jason Coleman, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovative and Learning Centric Initiatives (ILCI): “This program represents an initial step in building a broader, scalable portfolio of competency-based offerings at UNO. It reflects a deliberate effort to create academic structures that align more directly with workforce expectations while maintaining the quality and rigor of graduate education.” 
  • Erin Bass, Ph.D., Executive Director, Center for Competencies, Skills and Workforce Development: “The launch of our first Maverick Flex Path program marks a major milestone in a years-long, campus-wide effort to bring competency-based education to UNO. This achievement reflects the dedication of dozens of faculty and staff who helped design, build, and refine this model from the ground up.” 
  • Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Business Administration: “This is a win for Omaha’s workforce ecosystem. At a time when technology is rapidly reshaping industries, professionals need access to education that builds durable, future-ready leadership skills. The Graduate Certificate in Executive Business equips learners with knowledge and experiences they can immediately apply while giving employers confidence in the verified skills their teams bring to the table. It strengthens both individual career growth and organizational success.”  

⚡️ What’s next: This program represents the first implementation of Maverick Flex Path, with additional offerings under development as UNO continues to expand its competency-based education portfolio. 

////Yes/news/2026/04/uno-launches-maverick-flex-path-expanding-flexible-workforce-aligned-graduate-educationdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/04/uno-launches-maverick-flex-path-expanding-flexible-workforce-aligned-graduate-educationwwwuno-launches-maverick-flex-path-expanding-flexible-workforce-aligned-graduate-educationStandard Page - wwwUNO Launches Maverick Flex Path, Expanding Flexible, Workforce-Aligned Graduate Education UNO introduces a competency-based model that enables graduate learners to progress through demonstrated mastery of workforce-aligned competencies. UNO introduces a competency-based model that enables graduate learners to progress through demonstrated mastery of workforce-aligned competencies. Sam PeshekUNO introduces a competency-based model that enables graduate learners to progress through demonstrated mastery of workforce-aligned competencies. Apr 22, 2026 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1777352400000The annual ceremony celebrates academic excellence, leadership, research, and service across campus./news/2026/04/img/20260424_student-honors_70.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2026/04/img/20260424_student-honors_70.jpgwww20260424_student-honors_70.jpg1995351200800University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Phil He, Ph.D., congratulates an honoree at the 2026 Student Honors Convocation. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications A university official in academic regalia shakes hands with a smiling student holding a UNO-branded award folder on stage during a formal honors ceremony, with U.S. and Nebraska flags in the background. ///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) recognized its high-achieving students during the 2026 Student Honors Convocation, an annual tradition spotlighting Mavericks who lead in the classroom and beyond. 

➡️ What’s new: Held April 24 at the Strauss Performing Arts Center, the ceremony honored undergraduate and graduate students for academic excellence, leadership, research, and community impact.  

💡 Why it matters: Honorees pair strong academics with real-world impact, with work reflecting the university’s commitment to student success, community engagement, and research that improves lives locally and globally. 

🔎 Zoom in: Top honors include:  

  • Helen Hansen Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Grace Gunderson and John Ursino 
  • Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence: Isabelle Vargas 
  • Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Student Leadership: Daniela Martha-Palma 
  • Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Service Learning: Isabella Frederick 
  • Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research or Creative Activity: Sarah Nakamura 
  • Outstanding Student Athletes: Jackson Scott Burrus and Emily Karmazin 

📣 What’s next: View a complete list of honorees on the Academic Affairs website.  

////Yes/news/2026/04/uno-celebrates-student-excellence-at-2026-honors-convocationdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryAcademic Affairslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/04/uno-celebrates-student-excellence-at-2026-honors-convocationwwwuno-celebrates-student-excellence-at-2026-honors-convocationStandard Page - wwwUNO Celebrates Student Excellence at 2026 Honors ConvocationThe annual ceremony celebrates academic excellence, leadership, research, and service across campus.Sam PeshekThe annual ceremony celebrates academic excellence, leadership, research, and service across campus.Apr 28, 2026 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1777924800000A message was sent to University of Nebraska (NU) System faculty and staff to provide updates on strategic planning./news/2026/05/img/nu-leadership-strategic-planning.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2026/05/img/nu-leadership-strategic-planning.jpgwwwnu-leadership-strategic-planning.jpg1771061200800A composite graphic of text that reads "A Message from NU Leadership on Strategic Planning" and leaders of the NU system: Neal Schnoor, Katherine S. Ankerson, President Jeffrey P. Gold, Dele Davies, and Joanne Li.///YouTube

Dear NU Faculty and Staff,

More than a year ago, our University’s Board of Regents approved the Odyssey to the Extraordinary, a strategic vision built on five pillars and associated strategies that provide a unified framework for decision-making, priority-setting, and measuring progress across all of the academic and business units of the NU System. At the same time, the Odyssey’s unified framework allows each campus to advance its contributions to this work in ways that reflect its unique mission and strengths.

Since then, we have worked to design a roadmap for our shared Odyssey. We have identified 14 strategies aligned to these pillars, and across our campuses, we have begun developing Operational Strategic Initiatives (OSIs) that translate these strategies into action.

This first year has been a learning experience. We have seen some variation in how OSIs have been developed and applied at each campus level. A well-developed OSI is aligned with one or more strategies, is specific and measurable, and builds on an area of strength or addresses an area with potential for growth. Ultimately, it should help move the campus, institute, or business unit forward in ways aligned with the pillars and strategies.

With that in mind, our university community is about to begin developing OSIs for the second year of our Odyssey:

  • This spring, each college, large business unit, large center, and system-wide institute is expected to identify, at a minimum, one OSI connected to each of our Odyssey’s 14 strategies;

  • OSIs for the 2026-2027 academic year are to be developed by June 30, 2026;

  • Departments, smaller centers, and schools also have the option to enter OSIs this year, though it is not required; however, they will be expected to develop them for the 2027–2028 academic year;

  • Entities that enter OSIs will provide quarterly updates to track progress.

Additionally, we have recognized a need for greater clarity around the Strategic Progress Indicators (SPIs). Strategic Progress Indicators—such as enrollment, graduation rates, externally sponsored research awards, research expenditures, and other key measures—are designed to help us understand our progress and, ideally, demonstrate both momentum and growth.

To enhance transparency around these indicators, we plan to take the following steps:

  • Beginning in July 2026, we will release most SPIs, along with campus-level baseline values;

  • Later this academic year, we will offer educational sessions to build a shared understanding of the SPIs;

  • On each campus, leaders, faculty, and staff will review these indicators to determine how they align with the campus mission and the extent to which each college, institute, center, department, and business unit contributes to system-wide indicators;

  • Campuses may collaborate to develop two to three additional SPIs that better capture and highlight progress in areas such as the creative arts.

In the weeks ahead, campuses will receive additional communication from their Chancellors outlining local processes and expectations, as well as opportunities to participate in next steps. We remain committed to transparency, ongoing refinement, and to creating opportunities for questions and discussion.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our state, and to one another. Together, we will continue advancing this shared journey and shaping a stronger future for the University of Nebraska.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

President, University of Nebraska System

Neal Schnoor, Ph.D.

Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Katherine S. Ankerson

Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Dele Davies, M.D.

Interim Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Omaha

////Yes/news/2026/05/a-message-from-nu-leadership-on-strategic-planningdepartmentphoneemailpresident@nebraska.educategoryFacultyStafflocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/05/a-message-from-nu-leadership-on-strategic-planningwwwa-message-from-nu-leadership-on-strategic-planningA Message from NU Leadership on Strategic PlanningA Message from NU Leadership on Strategic PlanningA message was sent to University of Nebraska (NU) System faculty and staff to provide updates on strategic planning.Office of the President (NU System)A message was sent to University of Nebraska (NU) System faculty and staff to provide updates on strategic planning.May 4, 2026 3:00 PM
Academic Affairs News
News ReleaseNoNoYesNo1778119200000A new counseling clinic training model aims to expand student enrollment, strengthen workforce readiness, and serve high-need communities across the state./news/2025/05/img/20230215_community_counseling_center_40.jpgnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/news/2025/05/img/20230215_community_counseling_center_40.jpgAcademic Affairs20230215_community_counseling_center_40.jpg6848861200800Cozy seating area with two armchairs, a side table with a lamp, and a window letting in natural light///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is taking a major step to address Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce shortage with a newly funded initiative designed to expand student training and community impact.

🎯 Project Focus
The project will launch the Community Counseling Clinic Training Model (CCCTM), an innovative, community-based approach to expand counselor training and improve client outcomes across the state. Led by Ashley J. Blount, PhD, in UNO’s Counseling Department, the initiative is supported by a Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund award.

💡 Why it matters:
Nebraska faces a significant shortage of behavioral health providers.

  • 88 of 93 counties are designated shortage areas
  • Nearly one-third have no behavioral health provider
  • 33.8% of adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression

The need is clear: more trained professionals and faster pathways to get them into the workforce.

🚀 Key Initiatives
CCCTM reimagines how counseling students are trained by embedding real-world clinical experiences into community settings.

  • Partnership-driven: UNO Counseling will collaborate with Metropolitan Community College (MCC) to place clinics directly on MCC campuses.
  • Expanded capacity: The model addresses a key bottleneck; nearly 47% of qualified applicants were denied admission in recent cycles due to limited training space.
  • Hands-on learning: Students will receive structured, competency-based training focused on clinical skills, cultural responsiveness, and wellness.
  • Community impact: Clinics will serve high-need communities while building a stronger behavioral health pipeline.
🌎 The big picture:
CCCTM reflects UNO’s commitment to serving as a metropolitan university that drives workforce development, community engagement, and student success.
By combining academic training with real-world application, the program supports UNO’s strategic priorities to:
  • Educate all learners through experiential opportunities
  • Strengthen community partnerships
  • Address workforce and economic development needs

It also positions UNO as a leader in innovative, trauma-informed behavioral health education at both the state and national levels.

⚡ What’s next:
By year two, the program aims to:

  • Add new practicum sections across UNO and MCC sites
  • Enroll additional counseling students
  • Train more than 50 graduate-level counseling trainees
  • Demonstrate measurable gains in student competencies and client outcomes
The long-term goal is to create a scalable model that can be replicated across Nebraska and beyond.////No/news/2026/05/community-counseling-clinic-training-modeldepartmentphoneemailacademic.affairs@unomaha.educategoryAcademic Affairslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/05/community-counseling-clinic-training-modelAcademic Affairscommunity-counseling-clinic-training-modelCCCTMExpanding Nebraska’s Behavioral Health Workforce through a Community Counseling Clinic Training ModelA new counseling clinic training model aims to expand student enrollment, strengthen workforce readiness, and serve high-need communities across the state.A new counseling clinic training model aims to expand student enrollment, strengthen workforce readiness, and serve high-need communities across the state.behavioral health, counseling, workforce shortage, student training, clinicAcademic AffairsA new counseling clinic training model aims to expand student enrollment, strengthen workforce readiness, and serve high-need communities across the state.May 6, 2026 9:00 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1777867200000Matt Tracy will transition from his role at the end of August, with Elizabeth Wessling stepping into a newly refined leadership position focused on general education and academic partnerships./news/2026/05/img/tracywessling.jpgnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/05/img/tracywessling.jpgAcademic Affairstracywessling.jpg1150171200800Matt Tracy, Ph.D., Senior Director and Elizabeth Wessling, Ed.D. Headshots of Matt Tracy and Elizabeth Wessling with a small UNO Campus icon in between the photos///YouTube

After 10 years of service to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Matt Tracy, Ph.D., Senior Director, Academic Affairs, is transitioning into a new chapter that will allow for continued engagement in educational related projects alongside greater flexibility. In this next phase, he plans to pursue part-time opportunities focused on teaching, coaching, and mentoring.

Throughout his time at UNO, Tracy built strong partnerships across campus and contributed to key initiatives in general education reform, dual enrollment, and academic program review. Tracy shares that one of the most meaningful aspects of his time at UNO has been the opportunity to work alongside such a wonderful group of faculty and staff, all deeply committed to serving students and the state of Nebraska.

“Matt’s decade of leadership has been defined by a deep commitment to collaboration, student success, and the strengthening of academic partnerships across the institution,” said Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

As Tracy prepares for this transition, the role itself is evolving to align with the university’s current priorities. Beginning in May, Elizabeth Wessling, Ed.D., will assume the role of Director of General Education and Academic Partnerships. The updated position reflects a focused emphasis on general education and strategic academic partnerships on campus and across Nebraska.

Wessling and Tracy will work collaboratively over the summer to support a smooth transition, with Tracy’s final day at UNO scheduled for the end of August. This intentional overlap ensures continuity in leadership while positioning the work for continued progress.

Wessling brings 30 years of comprehensive educational experience across P-12 instruction and post-secondary leadership and teaching, along with a strong connection to UNO as a three-time alumna and longtime faculty leader. Over the past decade, she has served in key instructional and governance roles, including Faculty Senate President, where she contributed to campus-wide academic and curricular initiatives.

Her work has supported priorities such as general education innovation, dual enrollment, and transfer pathways, grounded in a commitment to academic quality and student success. Known for her collaborative and data-informed approach, Wessling brings a comprehensive perspective on the student experience and a demonstrated ability to advance institutional priorities.

“Liz’s extensive experience and campus leadership make her exceptionally well-positioned to guide the next phase of general education and partnership efforts at UNO,” He said. “Her focus on continuity, innovation, and student-centered outcomes will be critical as we move this work forward.”

Left////No/news/2026/05/general-education-leadership-transitiondepartmentphoneemailacademic.affairs@unomaha.educategoryAcademic Affairslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/05/general-education-leadership-transitionAcademic Affairsgeneral-education-leadership-transitionLeadership Transition Announced for General Education and Academic PartnershipsLeadership Transition Announced for General Education and Academic PartnershipsMatt Tracy will transition from UNO after 10 years of service, with Elizabeth Wessling assuming the role of Director of General Education and Academic Partnerships in May. The updated position reflects a continued focus on strengthening general education and expanding collaborative partnerships in support of student success.Academic AffairsMatt Tracy will transition from UNO after 10 years of service, with Elizabeth Wessling assuming the role of Director of General Education and Academic Partnerships in May. The updated position reflects a continued focus on strengthening general education and expanding collaborative partnerships in support of student success.May 3, 2026 11:00 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1775538000000 New agreements and alumni connections in Bangkok highlight UNO’s growing global impact.//news/2026/04/img/tnit-group.jpgnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/04/img/tnit-group.jpgAcademic Affairstnit-group.jpg1939771200800A group of nine people standing in front of a sign for the Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology. Two individuals in the center hold open documents during a formal signing photo.Andrea Stiefvater, Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement and Rungsun Lertnaisat, President of Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology (TNI), commemorate the new institutional partnership with TNI faculty and staff. /news/2026/04/img/didyasaran-photo.jpgnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/04/img/didyasaran-photo.jpgAcademic Affairsdidyasaran-photo.jpg2720641200900An older woman smiling while standing in front of a bookshelf filled with books. Framed family photographs hang on the wall behind her.Lakhana Didyasaran, Chairman and Founder of American School of Bangkok, Green Valley, standing next to a photo of herself and her husband during their time pursuing University of Nebraska graduate degrees./news/2026/04/img/tnit-demostration.jpgnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/04/img/tnit-demostration.jpgAcademic Affairstnit-demostration.jpg2672211200900A man demonstrating a small object to a woman inside a lab or workshop space, with machinery and equipment visible in the background.Andrea Stiefvater, UNO AVC for Global Engagement Andrea Stiefvater receives a demonstration of Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology technical facilities from Engineering faculty.YouTube

A trip to Bangkok is opening new doors for the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and reinforcing just how far Maverick connections reach.

➡️ What’s new:
UNO formalized a new international partnership with the Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology (TNI) and reconnected with Nebraska alumni leaders in Thailand. Two moments that highlight the university’s expanding global engagement.

💡 Why it matters:
Global partnerships create hands-on learning, research, and workforce opportunities for UNO students and faculty. They also strengthen UNO’s role as a metropolitan university with international reach, advancing collaboration across borders and industries.

🔎 Zoom in: Strategic partnership in Thailand
Andrea Stiefvater, Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement, signed a formal agreement with TNI during a ceremony in Bangkok, marking a key step in expanding academic and research collaboration in Southeast Asia.

  • The partnership was facilitated by Thailand’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Innovation.
  • The agreement focuses on innovation, workforce development, and shared research priorities.

The partnership is already gaining attention on Thai social media, further boosting UNO’s global reputation.

🔎 Zoom in: A Nebraska connection abroad
Another moment from the trip came unexpectedly but carried equal impact.

Khun Lakhana Didyasarin, founder and chairman of the American School of Bangkok, Green Valley (ASBGV), reconnected with Stiefvater during the visit. Didyasarin and her husband are both University of Nebraska graduate school alumni.

What started as a reunion quickly turned into a conversation about future collaboration.

  • Shared priorities in education and global engagement emerged.
  • New opportunities surfaced between UNO and ASBGV.
  • The meeting highlighted the long-term impact of Nebraska alumni worldwide.

🌎 The big picture:
From formal agreements to alumni-driven connections, UNO continues to build a global network that supports student success, research, and workforce development. These efforts reflect UNO’s mission to transform lives locally and globally, while strengthening partnerships that drive innovation and discovery.

⚡ What’s next:
UNO will continue expanding international partnerships and engagement opportunities, creating more pathways for students and faculty to learn, research, and collaborate across the globe.

//engagement/office-of-national-scholarships-and-fellowshipsnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/engagement/office-of-national-scholarships-and-fellowshipsAcademic Affairsoffice-of-national-scholarships-and-fellowshipsOffice of National Scholarships and FellowshipsOffice of National Scholarships and FellowshipsThe Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships serves any students at UNO who are interested in applying for these prestigious opportunities. //No/news/2026/04/global-partnerships-with-thailanddepartmentphoneemailacademic.affairs@unomaha.educategoryMediaInternational Programslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://Academic Affairs/news/2026/04/global-partnerships-with-thailandAcademic Affairsglobal-partnerships-with-thailandHomegrown Maverick: UNO Celebrates an Omaha Native Earning National RecognitionUNO Expands Global Partnerships with Thailand Institutions New agreements and alumni connections in Bangkok highlight UNO’s growing global impact.Global Partnerships, ThailandAcademic Affairs New agreements and alumni connections in Bangkok highlight UNO’s growing global impact.Apr 7, 2026 12:00 AM
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Making an Impact/news/2026/05/uno-researchers-leading-statewide-effort-to-support-fair-safe-traffic-stops-in-nebraskadepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Public Affairs and Community Servicelocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/05/uno-researchers-leading-statewide-effort-to-support-fair-safe-traffic-stops-in-nebraskawwwuno-researchers-leading-statewide-effort-to-support-fair-safe-traffic-stops-in-nebraskaStandard Page - wwwUNO Researchers Leading Statewide Effort to Support Fair, Safe Traffic Stops in NebraskaThe most common interaction between police and community members is traffic stops.Marlo LarsenThe most common interaction between police and community members is traffic stops.May 14, 2026 12:00 AM/news/2026/05/uno-receives-grant-aimed-at-preparing-the-next-generation-of-stem-educatorsdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Education, Health, and Human SciencesResearchCollege of Arts and Scienceslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/05/uno-receives-grant-aimed-at-preparing-the-next-generation-of-stem-educatorswwwuno-receives-grant-aimed-at-preparing-the-next-generation-of-stem-educatorsUNO Receives Grant Aimed at Preparing the Next Generation of STEM EducatorsUNO Receives Grant Aimed at Preparing the Next Generation of STEM EducatorsThe UNO NoyceSTEM Program marks the fourth Noyce grant program at the university in the last 10 years. Marlo LarsenThe UNO NoyceSTEM Program marks the fourth Noyce grant program at the university in the last 10 years. May 12, 2026 12:00 AMhttp:///news/2026/05/game-day-hidden-costsdepartmentCollege of Public Affairs and Community Servicephoneemailunocpacs@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Public Affairs and Community Servicelocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CPACS/news/2026/05/game-day-hidden-costsCPACSgame-day-hidden-costs[Article Heading]Game Day’s Hidden Cost: UNO Study Tracks Crime Shifts Around StadiumsA new study finds a connection between game days and crime.Amber EvensonA new multi-city study finds theft and assault spike near stadiums on game day—but not at the same time.May 11, 2026 12:00 AMhttp:///news/2026/05/uno-receives-federal-grant-to-maintain-local-nature-preserve-enhance-research-and-educationdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Arts and SciencesResearchlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/05/uno-receives-federal-grant-to-maintain-local-nature-preserve-enhance-research-and-educationwwwuno-receives-federal-grant-to-maintain-local-nature-preserve-enhance-research-and-educationUNO Receives Federal Grant to Maintain Local Nature Preserve, Enhance Research and EducationUNO Receives Federal Grant to Maintain Local Nature Preserve, Enhance Research and Education More than 3,000 users benefit annually from research, education, and outreach at the Glacier Creek Preserve.Marlo LarsenMore than 3,000 users benefit annually from research, education, and outreach at the Glacier Creek Preserve.May 4, 2026 12:00 PMhttp:///news/2026/03/uno-study-reveals-how-students-collaborate-with-ai-and-what-it-means-for-the-future-workforcedepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/03/uno-study-reveals-how-students-collaborate-with-ai-and-what-it-means-for-the-future-workforcewwwuno-study-reveals-how-students-collaborate-with-ai-and-what-it-means-for-the-future-workforceStandard Page - wwwUNO Study Reveals How Students Collaborate with AI and What It Means for the Future WorkforceWorkforce readiness increasingly depends on knowing how to collaborate with AI, not just extract answers from it.Sam PeshekWorkforce readiness increasingly depends on knowing how to collaborate with AI, not just extract answers from it.Apr 15, 2026 12:00 AMhttp:///http:////////http:///http:///http:///http://
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UNO Bets on Innovation and Growth at Strategy Forum

UNO leaders discussed financial strategies and new ways to reach potential students.

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UNO Launches Maverick Flex Path, Expanding Flexible, Workforce-Aligned Graduate Education

UNO introduces a competency-based model that enables graduate learners to progress through demonstrated mastery of workforce-aligned competencies.

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UNO Celebrates Student Excellence at 2026 Honors Convocation

The annual ceremony celebrates academic excellence, leadership, research, and service across campus.

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A Message from NU Leadership on Strategic Planning

A message was sent to University of Nebraska (NU) System faculty and staff to provide updates on strategic planning.

Academic Affairs News

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Expanding Nebraska’s Behavioral Health Workforce through a Community Counseling Clinic Training Model

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Leadership Transition Announced for General Education and Academic Partnerships

Matt Tracy will transition from UNO after 10 years of service, with Elizabeth Wessling assuming the role of Director of General Education and Academic Partnerships in May. The updated position reflects a continued focus on strengthening general education and expanding collaborative partnerships in support of student success.

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UNO Expands Global Partnerships with Thailand Institutions

New agreements and alumni connections in Bangkok highlight UNO’s growing global impact.

Making an Impact

  • UNO Researchers Leading Statewide Effort to Support Fair, Safe Traffic Stops in Nebraska
  • UNO Receives Grant Aimed at Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Educators
  • Game Day’s Hidden Cost: UNO Study Tracks Crime Shifts Around Stadiums
  • UNO Receives Federal Grant to Maintain Local Nature Preserve, Enhance Research and Education
  • UNO Study Reveals How Students Collaborate with AI and What It Means for the Future Workforce

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