Samantha Clinkinbeard, Ph.D. Named Outstanding Teacher

Samantha Clinkinbeard, Ph.D., associate professor in UNOs School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ), was recently named a 2020 Outstanding Teacher by the UNO Alumni Association. This awards program, established by the Alumni Association in 1997, recognizes those faculty members who are exemplary in the teaching profession. Dr. Clinkinbeard was chosen by a peer committee within UNOs College of Public Affairs and Community Service after being nominated by her SCCJ colleagues.

“Within SCCJ, all of our faculty members excel in the classroom and are deserving of this award,” Dr. Gaylene Armstrong explained. “Dr. Clinkinbeard is unique, however, because she truly goes above and beyond both in the classroom and in mentoring students outside the classroom,” Gaylene Armstrong said.

In addition to her teaching duties, Dr. Clinkinbeard serves as the undergraduate program coordinator for the SCCJ in both the Omaha and Lincoln program. In that role, she develops numerous extracurricular opportunities intended to enlighten students about career options within the field of criminology and criminal justice. One of the educational programs which Clinkinbeard coordinates is the annual “Women in Criminal Justice Unite” event, which brings existing students and women working in all aspects of the criminal justice field together. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to network with professionals and hear candidly from women in criminal justice leadership positions,” Gaylene Armstrong noted.

Clinkinbeard exemplifies hard work and consistently puts in the extra effort for students. All of the special events that Clinkinbeard organizes occur outside of the classroom in the early evening. Not only does she spend countless hours coordinating the events and lining up panelists, she attends every event as well and makes sure students get their questions answered and have opportunities to meet people who are in a position to hire them after graduation.

Two students with ties to the SCCJ and Dr. Clinkinbeard wrote letters in support of her nomination for the Outstanding Teacher award. Starr Solomon, Ph.D, earned her doctoral degree in criminology and criminal justice and is now an assistant professor at Kent State University. Dr. Clinkinbeard served as her dissertation chair. In support of Clinkinbeard’s nomination. Dr. Solomon noted that Clinkinbeard’s “teaching and mentorship skills were unparalleled” during her time as a student.

“Doctoral students have multifaceted mentorship needs that extend beyond classroom instruction. In her time as my advisor, Dr. Clinkinbeard guided two data collection projects. She spent countless hours assisting with the design of a survey experiment for my dissertation research. As a result of her teaching and mentorship, I was able to publish a manuscript from my dissertation in my first semester as an assistant professor,” Solomon said.

Solomon went on with additional praise about Clinkinbeard. “I should also note that Dr. Clinkinbeard read a draft of that manuscript when I was no longer a UNO student. This commitment to students who have graduated exemplifies why Dr. Clinkinbeard is an excellent mentor—she always makes time for current as well as former students,” Solomon added.

Rachael Rief, who is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in criminology and criminal justice and serves as a graduate assistant for Clinkinbeard, had high praise for her as well. “I have learned so much from Dr. Clinkinbeard while working as her graduate assistant. Her patient, thoughtful, and encouraging approach to teaching has made my experiences as both her student and mentee incredibly valuable,” Rief said. “In addition, to being patient and thoughtful she is also extremely encouraging and pushes her students to do the best they can,” Rief added.

“Being a student in Dr. Clinkinbeard’s class is no different than being her graduate assistant in that she takes time for every one of her students. She takes time to present material in an understandable manner and answer questions about anything that is unclear. What stands out the most, though, is that she takes time to get to know each and every student in her classes. She makes an effort throughout her courses to talk with each student, allowing them to feel more comfortable. Dr. Clinkinbeard also makes a constant effort to engage each student and encourage participation. In her class she always has new activities and in-class assignments that capture the attention of each student and serve as valuable hands on learning opportunities. As a result, students are more willing to participate and seem to develop more interest in the course,” Rief noted.

Clinkinbeard was to receive her Outstanding Teaching Award at UNOs Faculty Honors Convocation. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the awards ceremony has been rescheduled as a virtual event which will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 5:30 PM.

Congratulations Dr. Clinkinbeard on winning this award and thank you for all you do for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and its students.

Published 10/2/20