Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

Students Faculty Staff Community
University of Nebraska Omaha logo
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Educational Leadership
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
Students Faculty Staff Community
  • About Us Backback to Main menu
    • About Us
    • Faculty & Staff Directory
    • Meet Your Mavericks
    • EDL Video Series
  • Programs Backback to Main menu
    • Programs
    • Ed.D. in Educational Administration
    • M.S. in Educational Leadership
    • Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree
    • Administrative Certificate Renewal
  • Community Engagement
  • Research

Meet Your Mavericks

  1. UNO
  2. College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  3. Educational Leadership
  4. About Us
  5. Meet Your Mavericks

Explore the inspiring journeys of our Educational Leadership alumni. These leaders have excelled in their careers, and they share the transformative experiences gained through our program.


Headshot of Dr. Kanyon Chism

Inspiring the Omaha Educational Landscape

Dr. Kanyon Chism
Ed.D. in Educational Administration '20
Chief of Staff for OPS

Kanyon Chism, Ed.D., has dedicated her career to Omaha Public Schools (OPS), beginning as a student and progressing through roles such as instructional paraprofessional, elementary teacher, assistant principal, and executive director of ESU 19 and Professional Learning and Development. In June, Dr. Chism stepped into the Chief of Staff role, supporting strategic projects and ensuring coherence across district priorities.

After earning a master's degree in Elementary Education and a PK-12 Educational Leadership endorsement from UNO, returning to the Department of Educational Leadership for doctoral studies felt like coming home. "I was familiar with and felt comfortable with the department's demonstrated culture of learning as well as care for each student," Dr. Chism explains. "I knew I would engage in courses that maintained a rigorous and scholarly focus while also balancing that with practical, real-life leadership experiences."

"I was familiar with and felt comfortable with the department's demonstrated culture of learning as well as care for each student." - Dr. Kaynon Chism

Throughout her time at UNO, Dr. Chism engaged with influential leaders, learning the skills and qualities necessary for advanced leadership. "I was able to glean a better understanding of the individuals behind the leadership roles. These leaders helped me understand that there are no secrets or magic tricks involved in leadership—only hard work, commitment to a purpose, and a care for the customer and those you are working with."

Beyond professional roles, Dr. Chism is actively involved in the community, serving on boards including The Rose Theater and Phi Delta Kappa (UNO). She and her spouse, Dwayne Chism, Ed.D., are parents to three children: Tia, Braylon, and Zevin. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to education and community, making her an inspiring figure in the Omaha educational landscape.


Contact Us

  • Roskens Hall, Suite 312
  • Phone: 402.554.2721
  • Email: edleadership@unomaha.edu

  • Schedule an Advising Appointment

College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Contact Us
  • College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  • Roskens Hall
  • 6001 Dodge Street
  • Omaha, NE 68182   map
  • 402.554.2719
Social media
Academic Units
  • Department of Biomechanics
  • Department of Counseling
  • Department of Educational Leadership
  • School of Health and Kinesiology
  • Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
  • Teacher Education Department
roskens hall

Next Steps

  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)

Just For You

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List

Popular Services and Resources

  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • The Maverick Store
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence

Affiliates

  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • ©  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • MavsReport

Social Media


Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.