Gaylene Armstrong Awarded the 2023 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Outstanding Mentor Award
- contact: Debbie Vihstadt - College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- phone: 402.554.3033
- email: dvihstadt@unomaha.edu
Gaylene Armstrong, Ph.D. won the 2023 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) Outstanding Mentor Award for her exceptional work willingness and commitment to foster the professional growth and achievement of students and faculty. Dr. Armstrong is currently Distinguished Professor and the Director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCCJ) at University of Nebraska at Omaha and Lincoln campus. She is also co-director of the Nebraska Collaborative for Violence Intervention and Prevention.
The ACJS Outstanding Mentor Award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Dr. Armstrong, who has been an outstanding role model in teaching, research, and service. She continually encourages graduate student involvement in professional opportunities, supports graduate students and junior faculty membership in professional organizations, and provides exemplary academic and professional service to graduate students and junior faculty members.
Despite being an extremely busy woman, juggling her own research, teaching and administrative duties, Dr. Armstrong finds a way to connect with people in deep and meaningful ways. She regularly links individuals to networks and opportunities and empowers them to grow their own careers. "I have seen her connect in the same ways with students (undergraduate and graduate), educational and administrative staff members, practitioners, and full and part-time faculty," said Samantha Clinkinbeard, Assistant Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. Clinkinbeard continued by quoting Sadaf Hashimi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “Professor Armstrong has a way of elevating students, collaborators, and colleagues (regardless of their rank) in ways that they feel heard, appreciated, and, most importantly, proud of their positionality. It is a rare skill, with very few individuals having this ability (and passion) to motivate and root for others in this way.”
Clinkinbeard continued by quoting Sadaf Hashimi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “Professor Armstrong has a way of elevating students, collaborators, and colleagues (regardless of their rank) in ways that they feel heard, appreciated, and, most importantly, proud of their positionality. It is a rare skill, with very few individuals having this ability (and passion) to motivate and root for others in this way.”
Justin Nix, Ph.D., Associate Professor in SCCJ praises Dr. Armstrong's commenting on how she has been a positive mentor in his career at UNO. "Gaylene has been an incredible mentor to me since I started at UNO in 2017. Her door has always been open, and she has always picked up the phone when I’ve needed advice about publishing, writing grant proposals, teaching, fielding media inquiries, mentoring students, parenting, shoulder injuries…the list goes on and on.
When people ask me what I like about Omaha, I always start by saying what a special person we have as our director. Having someone in that role who goes above and beyond to support faculty (and particularly junior faculty) is a key ingredient to the success of a program.”
“Supporting the success of others through mentorship is critical not only to their individual advancement but also advancement of our organization,” said Dr. Armstrong. “I have seen first-hand the value and success that can result when we prioritize healthy collaboration and collective efforts as a group or to advance our community. Teamwork is in the fabric of UNO’s engagement mission, and I am so proud to lead one of the best CJ programs in the country.”
This award is not only a huge honor for Dr. Armstrong but also for UNO's Criminal Justice program, as it recognizes the commitment to providing students with quality education and mentorship. It also highlights their focus on creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can learn and grow.
About the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) is an international association established in 1963 to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice. ACJS promotes criminal justice education, research, and policy analysis within the discipline of criminal justice for scholars who are international in scope and multidisciplinary in orientation, professionals from all sectors of the criminal justice system, and students seeking to explore the criminal justice field as future scholars or practitioners.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.