School of Health and Kinesiology Receives 2026 AKA Inclusive Excellence Award
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Health & Kinesiology (H&K) has received the 2026 Inclusive Excellence Award from the American Kinesiology Association (AKA).
- contact: College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
- email: unocehhs@unomaha.edu
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Health & Kinesiology (H&K) has received the 2026 Inclusive Excellence Award from the American Kinesiology Association (AKA). This national honor recognizes the school’s sustained commitment to creating a learning environment that serves a wide range of perspectives and fosters an open exchange of ideas.
The award is presented annually to a program that demonstrates inclusive excellence not only as a stated value, but as an integral part of teaching, research, service, and engagement. Members of the H&K team, including Director Adam B. Rosen, Ph.D., ATC, Assistant Director Mike Messerole, Ph.D., and Associate Professor Michaela A. Schenkelberg, Ph.D., represented the school in January at the AKA Leadership Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, where the award was presented.
“This recognition reflects a long-standing commitment within our school to a culture where every student can thrive,” said Dr. Rosen. “It is a testament to our team members who ensure our programs remain accessible and impactful for our students, the university, and the broader Omaha community.”
Excellence in Action
We are preparing the next generation of health and fitness professionals to reduce barriers, provide opportunities, and create inclusive spaces wherever they go.”
These efforts are embedded in both the curriculum and the school’s community-engaged learning model, where H&K undergraduate and graduate students gain hands-on experience adapting programs for a wide range of participants. Longstanding initiatives include adaptive swimming lessons now in their 25th year, Unified Fitness programming, and wellness partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and organizations throughout the community.
The school’s growth is further strengthened by the newly opened Health Science Collaborative. The 30,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art labs and community spaces designed to support student learning and faculty research. The collaborative model enhances opportunities for experiential learning while strengthening the school’s ability to serve a broad student population, including first-generation college students and learners from more than 60 countries.
Partnerships that Strengthen Impact
Community partnerships remain central to the school’s mission. Collaborations with organizations such as Special Olympics Nebraska and Outlook Enrichment expand access to physical activity while providing UNO students with professional experience in coaching, adaptation, and program design.
“These partnerships allow students to see how classroom theories translate into real-world practice,” said Dr. Messerole. “Our Kinesiology students engage directly with diverse populations, building the knowledge, empathy, and insight needed to understand and support a wide range of individuals.”
That approach spans the lifespan and emphasizes ability-focused health and movement. As Dr. Schenkelberg explains, “Our students are learning transferable skills to adapt environments and instruction to support children of all ages and abilities – from a toddler preparing to take their first steps to a five-year-old developing coordination skills and dreaming of joining a tee ball team. We are preparing the next generation of health and fitness professionals to reduce barriers, provide opportunities, and create inclusive spaces wherever they go.”
For Dr. Rosen, the award underscores the collective effort behind the school’s work.
“As Director, I am deeply honored to lead this unit and grateful for the opportunity to continue elevating the work of our dedicated team,” Dr. Rosen said. “Their commitment to serving the public good makes this recognition possible.”