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UNO Celebrates 50 Years of the Nebraska Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy

  • published: 2026/03/20
  • contact: Amber Evenson - College of Public Affairs and Community Service

OMAHA, Neb. — The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) welcomed municipal clerks from across Nebraska for the 2026 Nebraska Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy, held March 15–20 in La Vista, marking the program’s 50th year. With over 220 participants and over 26 vendors and sponsors in attendance, this year’s event reflected the program’s strong reach and continued importance to communities across the state, while also ranking as the second largest Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy in the country.

Why it matters:
Municipal clerks play a critical role in local government, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective public service. For five decades, this program has strengthened communities across Nebraska by equipping clerks with the skills, certifications, and professional networks needed to serve with excellence.

A 50-year legacy of impact

Established in 1976 through a partnership between UNO’s then-Department of Public Administration, the League of Nebraska Municipalities, and the Nebraska Municipal Clerks’ Association (NMCA), the Institute has long served as a cornerstone of professional education for municipal clerks.

Today, the program is operated by UNO’s CPACS Continuing Professional Education Programs, continuing its legacy while expanding access to high-quality training and development opportunities.

The Institute is accredited by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and supports participants pursuing the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) or Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation.

Kellie Crowell, Region 8 Director and Clerk for the City of Ravenna, said the association and its partnership with UNO have played a vital role in advancing the profession.

“Over the past 50 years, the Nebraska Municipal Clerks Association has served as a vital resource for municipal clerks by encouraging a strong network of support, advancing standards of performance, and enhancing the knowledge, efficiency, and effectiveness of clerks serving Nebraska cities and villages,” Crowell said.

“Continuing education is the foundation of excellence in the municipal clerk profession. In a role that connects citizens to government, a municipal clerk’s commitment to lifelong learning ensures stronger communities. Nebraska clerks are fortunate to have the strong support of NMCA and UNO to help us advance our knowledge in all aspects of our roles.”

Crowell, who has been involved with NMCA for more than 25 years, added that the organization’s impact continues to shape communities across the state.

Training that grows with professionals

The program includes both the Institute, designed for clerks building foundational knowledge, and the Academy, which provides advanced training for experienced professionals who have already earned their CMC designation.

Institute highlights include:

  • Educational sessions focused on core municipal operations
  • Networking events, including an evening social
  • Vendor exhibits and interactive activities
  • The NMCA business meeting and annual awards banquet

The Academy focuses on:

  • Advanced professional development and leadership growth
  • New perspectives on governance and public administration
  • Continuing education credits toward recertification or the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation

Supporting access through scholarships

Scholarship opportunities—made possible through sponsor support—help ensure access to the program for clerks across Nebraska. Awards prioritize participants earlier in their professional journey, reinforcing UNO’s commitment to workforce development and public service excellence.

Strengthening communities across Nebraska

Beyond professional development, the Institute and Academy foster a strong network of municipal leaders dedicated to improving local government.

Events such as a Celebration of Clerks flag ceremony, networking receptions, and the annual awards banquet highlight the contributions of clerks and build lasting connections across communities.

The bottom line:
For 50 years, UNO has played a leading role in advancing municipal leadership through the Nebraska Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy—empowering public servants with the skills, credentials, and connections needed to strengthen communities across the state.

Explore More Professional Development Opportunities at UNO

Beyond the Institute and Academy, UNO’s CPACS Continuing Professional Education Programs offers a range of professional development opportunities designed to strengthen public service and leadership across Nebraska. Programs include the Nebraska Certified Public Manager (CPM) program, Nebraska City/County Management Association trainings, the Certificate in Fundraising Management, and partnerships with the Great Plains Government Finance Officers Association—all aimed at equipping professionals with the skills and connections needed to lead and serve their communities effectively.