News Archive

The project seeks to understand how young people ages 18-25 in the Midwest observe, participate in, and learn about civic engagement over time.

Two notable honorees from the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) stood out this year: Jared Hall and Zach Miller.

This accolade, bestowed by the Commission for Distance Learning and Technology (CDLT), highlights Paschall’s transformative work in developing innovative online education practices that serve adult learners.

With a second-place finish at the 2024 Region 6 SAFECON, the UNO Flight Team has earned yet another invitation to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON).

Over the past five years, four professors have been named Fellows of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), one of the most prestigious honors in the field. This recognition highlights their individual accomplishments and underscores the department’s broader impact on advancing research, education, and practice related to aging.

UNO has taken another step forward in drone technology education and research with the recent awarding of a $75,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will fund a project aimed at enhancing community resilience in underserved tribal areas, with a focus on mitigating wind hazards such as tornadoes and straight-line winds.

Mark your calendars for an exciting event at UNO! On Oct. 17, CPACS will host a special screening of the blockbuster film "Twisters," followed by an expert-led panel on emergency management and storm science. The event will feature faculty and professionals from UNO's Emergency Management and Disaster Science program, who will offer unique insights into both the science behind tornadoes and the practical strategies used to manage and respond to such disasters.

The UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) supports groundbreaking research that blends cutting-edge technology with the wisdom of Indigenous communities. Backed by a $750,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, this initiative—led by Dr. Yu-Che Chen, interim director of UNO's School of Public Administration, alongside a dedicated team of researchers and Indigenous collaborators—is reshaping how artificial intelligence (AI) is developed, implemented, and understood.

In anticipation of the upcoming "Wear Black, Give Back: Day of Giving," the College of Public Affairs and Community Service at University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is buzzing with excitement. For 24 hours beginning noon on Tuesday, October 8, UNO Mavericks are preparing for a 24-hour fundraising journey with the goal of making a significant impact on student scholarships that will help our Mavericks across the finish line with the degree completion.

In 1998, Yolanda Nunn graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha laying the foundation for her impactful work supporting at-risk youth and addressing systemic issues. As a Goodrich Scholar, Nunn’s academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to learning and community service.

UNO faculty in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice are conducting a two-year study on one form of human trafficking, known as labor trafficking, that may be occurring in Nebraska. The team led by Dr. Teresa Kulig and Dr. Sadaf Hashimi received a $500,000 grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to enhance the state’s ability to identify and respond to labor trafficking cases more effectively.

UNO will host the fourth annual Jail Executive Institute (JEI), an innovative program designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of jail administrators nationwide. Scheduled for Sept. 15-20, 2024, the event will take place on UNO’s campus, a fitting setting for the forward-thinking curriculum developed by the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) in partnership with the American Jail Association (AJA).

Ryan Stepp’s career in aviation is a compelling story of how passion, education, and perseverance can chart a course to success in one of the world’s most demanding industries. As an alumnus of UNO, Ryan’s journey from a young aviation enthusiast to the Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower illustrates the impact that a well-rounded education and a strong work ethic can have on a professional trajectory.

UNO's Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) proudly highlights our staff excellence by announcing that Kate Earnhardt, one of our dedicated academic advisors, has been selected for the prestigious NACADA: Global Community for Academic Advising Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) that fosters leadership among members from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented populations within the academic advising community.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha Flight Team, known as the Flying Mavs, secured a commendable 10th place at the 2024 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON). The event, held in Janesville, WI, during the week of May 13, marked the 15th consecutive year that the Mavericks qualified for this prestigious national competition.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has named Dr. Todd Armstrong as the interim director of its School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Armstrong, who has a long academic and research career spanning more than two decades, is expected to enhance the school's reputation for quality and impact in research and education.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has appointed Dr. Yu-Che Chen as interim director of its School of Public Administration. Chen brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service to his new role, along with a clear vision to enhance the school's standing and impact.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, in collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Institute, marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its second cohort in the Juvenile Justice Certificate Program

The UNO flight team, known as the Flying Mavs, has secured its 15th consecutive appearance at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference, or SAFECON. This week, they will compete at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Anne Hobbs, director of the Juvenile Justice Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, has been honored with the NJJA Commitment to Excellence in Leadership Award. The Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association established the award in 2011 to annually recognize a leader in the juvenile justice sector who demonstrates exceptional integrity and leadership

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice's second annual Field Day event, held April 1 on the Lincoln campus, provided an immersive introduction to the world of justice, tailored for those pursuing careers in criminal justice. Students engaged with many different law enforcement agencies and departments, delving into various aspects of criminal justice and gaining valuable insights and experiences essential for their future careers.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) has once again demonstrated its excellence in graduate program rankings, according to the latest release from U.S. News & World Report. This reaffirms UNO's position as a premier institution for public affairs education. Notably, two of UNO’s programs have secured top ten placements nationally for the second consecutive year: Public Finance & Budgeting ranked fifth, while Local Government Management claimed the seventh spot. These achievements underscore UNO's commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping future leaders in the field.

These individuals, celebrated for their dedication to both everyday acts of service and significant accomplishments, embody the core values of integrity, stewardship, volunteerism, leadership, and a commitment to social justice and human dignity.

Robert Santos, the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, recently made a significant visit to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), amplifying the importance of Census Bureau data at both the state and local levels.

In a recent update of U.S. News & World Report rankings, the UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has demonstrated its commitment to excellence in online education, with several programs achieving top ten national rankings. Notably, the Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Program has secured a position in the top 10 nationally for the seventh consecutive year, jumping from #10 to an impressive #7. Additionally, the Online Criminal Justice Program for Veterans has been recognized at #4 in the country.

In response to prison crowding concerns, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) initiated a project in August 2021, supported by Legislative Bill 380 (LB380). Partnering with the Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR), the NDCS aimed to assess the classification and progression of individuals within the prison system. This legislatively funded project sought to identify inefficiencies within the NDCS system, particularly focusing on classification, and propose areas for improvement.

In a significant move to bolster Nebraska's behavioral health workforce, UNO's Grace Abbott Training and Supervision Academy has leveraged opportunities provided by the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The school has successfully implemented Project REST (Reflect and Explore in Supervision Training) to support clinicians overseeing provisionally licensed behavioral health providers across the state.

In an effort to provide policymakers, researchers, and the general public with valuable insights into the state's evolving landscape, the UNO Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) has released updated Census data for Nebraska and its 93 counties. The comprehensive data, available in an accessible format on the UNO CPAR website, is presented through "Quick Facts for Nebraska" dashboards, offering a thorough overview of critical indicators such as population, poverty, employment, and housing.

In 2011, recognizing the significant gap in mentorship opportunities for delinquent youth, particularly those who have committed serious law violations and are detained, the Juvenile Justice Institute (JJI) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) took proactive steps. Understanding the need, the JJI initiated a course dedicated to mentoring delinquent youth, aiming to match university undergraduates with youth transitioning back into the community.