Introducing Dr. Angela M. Eikenberry, Ph.D., as the New Director of UNO's School of Public Administration
- contact: Debbie Vihstadt - College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- phone: 402.554.3033
- email: dvihstadt@unomaha.edu

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Angela M. Eikenberry, Ph.D., as the new Director of the School of Public Administration (SPA). This appointment, effective July 1, marks a significant milestone in the school's history as Dr. Eikenberry brings with her a wealth of expertise and a distinguished career in the field of public administration.
John Bartle, Ph.D., dean of UNO's College of Public Affairs and Community Service, expressed confidence in Dr. Eikenberry's ability to lead the School of Public Administration into the future. "We are thrilled to have Dr. Eikenberry step into this role as Director," he stated. "Her extensive background in research, teaching, and leadership will undoubtedly propel the School of Public Administration to new heights."
Dr. Eikenberry assumes the role of Director, succeeding the esteemed Dr. Craig Maher, who led the School admirably for six years. Under Dr. Maher's guidance, the School navigated through challenging times, such as the pandemic and budget constraints, and secured impressive achievements, including top national rankings. Dr. Eikenberry is poised to build upon the distinguished legacy of the School and collaboratively lead the School's future endeavors. Dr. Eikenberry comes to this role with significant leadership experience, including serving as chair of the UNO SPA PhD program, president, and grievance officer for the UNO American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and president of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA).
As the D. B. and Paula Varner Professor at UNO's School of Public Administration, Dr. Eikenberry has made significant contributions to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy, public administration, and democracy. Her research has garnered national attention, with features on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and "The Takeaway," as well as in the prestigious Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Her dedication to excellence in teaching and research has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Eikenberry has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the 2023 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award, the 2023 best paper award for the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly (NVSQ), the UNO 2016 Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity, and she received a US-UK Fulbright Scholar Award in 2015. She is also a member of the National Academy of Public Administration. Dr. Eikenberry's educational journey is a testament to her commitment to the field. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she also earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Nonprofit Management. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies, also from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
As Dr. Eikenberry assumes the role of Director of the School of Public Administration at UNO, the university community looks forward to her innovative leadership. Her passion for research, commitment to teaching, and dedication to the field of public administration make her a remarkable addition to UNO's leadership team. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Angela M. Eikenberry and look forward to the continued success of the School of Public Administration under her guidance.
John Bartle, Ph.D., dean of UNO's College of Public Affairs and Community Service, expressed confidence in Dr. Eikenberry's ability to lead the School of Public Administration into the future. "We are thrilled to have Dr. Eikenberry step into this role as Director," he stated. "Her extensive background in research, teaching, and leadership will undoubtedly propel the School of Public Administration to new heights."
Dr. Eikenberry assumes the role of Director, succeeding the esteemed Dr. Craig Maher, who led the School admirably for six years. Under Dr. Maher's guidance, the School navigated through challenging times, such as the pandemic and budget constraints, and secured impressive achievements, including top national rankings. Dr. Eikenberry is poised to build upon the distinguished legacy of the School and collaboratively lead the School's future endeavors. Dr. Eikenberry comes to this role with significant leadership experience, including serving as chair of the UNO SPA PhD program, president, and grievance officer for the UNO American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and president of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA).
As the D. B. and Paula Varner Professor at UNO's School of Public Administration, Dr. Eikenberry has made significant contributions to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy, public administration, and democracy. Her research has garnered national attention, with features on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and "The Takeaway," as well as in the prestigious Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Her dedication to excellence in teaching and research has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Eikenberry has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the 2023 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award, the 2023 best paper award for the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly (NVSQ), the UNO 2016 Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity, and she received a US-UK Fulbright Scholar Award in 2015. She is also a member of the National Academy of Public Administration. Dr. Eikenberry's educational journey is a testament to her commitment to the field. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she also earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Nonprofit Management. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies, also from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
As Dr. Eikenberry assumes the role of Director of the School of Public Administration at UNO, the university community looks forward to her innovative leadership. Her passion for research, commitment to teaching, and dedication to the field of public administration make her a remarkable addition to UNO's leadership team. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Angela M. Eikenberry and look forward to the continued success of the School of Public Administration under her guidance.