Having taught at UNO for nearly forty years, Dr. Owen Mordaunt will retire at the end of May. His contributions to the English department and the campus as a whole have been unforgettable for both students and faculty. Throughout his years of service, he has inspired many with his intellectual insight, dedication, and generous personality, leaving a lasting legacy at UNO. Reflecting on his time, he noted, “I have been at UNO since the fall of 1986. As a result, a communications professor has an Owen who is now a teenager, and some former students and young friends in their age group have Owens as well.” As he prepares for this next chapter, please join us in celebrating his remarkable career and the profound impact he has made.
Dr. Mordaunt’s distinguished career at UNO spans almost four decades, during which he has made lasting contributions to the university and the broader educational community through his scholarship, leadership, and dedication to students. Rising from Assistant Professor in 1987 to full Professor in 2001, he has been instrumental in shaping TESOL, linguistics, and language teaching programs, including leading the TESOL Certificate Program and developing College ESL Certificates.
One of Dr. Mordaunt’s key achievements was securing a federal grant in the early 1990s, in collaboration with a colleague in the Department of Teacher Education (TED). This grant funded the creation of the ESL Endorsement Certificate Program, a direct response to the increase in the numbers of ESL students in local schools and the need for teachers to gain specialized qualifications to work with these populations. Dr. Mordaunt was the driving force behind the establishment of the program, which involved faculty from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK), and representatives from Omaha and Lincoln schools. The State of Nebraska quickly approved the program, and Dr. Mordaunt directed the UNO portion of the program, offering courses during evenings and summers. Dr. Mordaunt’s commitment extended beyond the local area; he even drove to South Sioux City to offer courses for teachers on Saturdays. The program helped many teachers earn their ESL Endorsement certificates and remains a key part of the university’s legacy.
He also created essential linguistics courses for the English Department and MALT program, guided students through research and field experiences, and mentored many who went on to teach abroad or pursue doctoral studies. Dr. Mordaunt’s scholarly contributions extend to his publications, which have added to the field of applied linguistics and language teaching. His books, as well as numerous articles and papers, reflect his deep expertise and intellectual curiosity. His research has not only advanced the academic community but has also provided valuable resources for teachers and students alike.
His legacy is not just in his publications, research, and academic leadership but also in the students he has mentored, the courses he has designed, and the programs he has established. Dr. Mordaunt’s influence on the Department of English, the MALT program, and the broader university community has been profound and lasting.
