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Celebrating CPACS Highlights Distinguished Service and Staff Excellence at UNO

  • published: 2026/02/13
  • contact: Amber Evenson - College of Public Affairs and Community Service

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) recognized four exceptional members of its community at the annual Celebrating CPACS awards ceremony, honoring leadership, service, and impact across the college.

This year’s award recipients include:

  • Dr. William (Bill) Wakefield – Hubert Locke Distinguished Service Award
  • Dr. Amanda Randall – Hubert Locke Distinguished Service Award
  • Sonia Carbonell – Jerry and Patricia Deichert CPACS Staff Award
  • Tara Grell – Jerry and Patricia Deichert CPACS Staff Award

The celebration also highlighted departmental achievements from the past year and previewed initiatives that continue to strengthen CPACS’ role in advancing public service, research, and community engagement.

Honoring a Legacy of Public Service

Hubert Locke Distinguished Service Award

Established in 2002, the Hubert Locke Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary commitment to public service through their professional work, community involvement, and philanthropy.

The award is named for Dr. Hubert Locke, CPACS’ first permanent dean (1972–1976), whose distinguished career set the standard for civic leadership and community impact.

Dr. William (Bill) Wakefield

Dr. Wakefield served as a professor at UNO from 1974 to 2023, dedicating nearly five decades to teaching, research, and community service.

During his tenure, he taught undergraduate and graduate students while serving as Director of Outreach for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, strengthening partnerships between the university and the broader community.

Prior to joining UNO, Wakefield held faculty positions in sociology and social work at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, and South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota.

His longstanding commitment to applied research and public engagement reflects the core values of CPACS — preparing students to lead and serve in their communities.

Dr. Amanda Randall

Dr. Amanda Randall is a nationally respected social work leader, educator, and clinician with more than 30 years of experience in mental health services, higher education, consultation, and organizational leadership.

She served more than two decades at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work (GASSW), including seven years as director from 2013 to 2020. During her tenure, she expanded community partnerships, strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration, and launched the school’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program — increasing access to graduate education and advancing workforce development across Nebraska and beyond.

Her career reflects a deep commitment to ethical practice, inclusive systems, and preparing future social work professionals, exemplifying the ideals of the Hubert Locke Distinguished Service Award and CPACS’ mission of community impact.

Recognizing Excellence in Staff Leadership

Jerry and Patricia Deichert CPACS Staff Award

The Jerry and Patricia Deichert CPACS Staff Award honors outstanding CPACS staff members annually for exceptional performance in customer service, problem solving, leadership and mentoring, extra duties, and self-improvement.

Sonia Carbonell

Sonia Carbonell serves as the Student Services Associate for the Grace Abbott School of Social Work, providing essential behind-the-scenes support to students, faculty, and staff.

She takes great pride in contributing to the school’s success and finds deep satisfaction in supporting its academic community through her customer service, project management, and creative skills.

Her dedication ensures students receive timely support and faculty operations run smoothly — a critical foundation for academic excellence.

Tara Grell

Tara Grell has served with the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) since August 2017. As CPAR’s public communications and creative coordinator, she designs infographics, reports, and visual materials that clearly communicate research findings to broad audiences.

She manages the CPAR website and LinkedIn accounts and plans and coordinates the CPAR Data and Research Series for Community Impact. In addition, she supports other CPACS units with graphic design, website updates, and email marketing initiatives.

Her work strengthens the visibility and accessibility of CPACS research, ensuring data-driven insights reach community partners and decision-makers.

A Year of Impact Across CPACS

In addition to recognizing award recipients, CPACS departments and units shared highlights and milestones from the past year. From community-based research and student success initiatives to public service partnerships, the college continues to prepare the next generation of leaders in public affairs, criminal justice, and social work.

The annual celebration reinforces CPACS’ commitment to service, leadership, and community impact — central pillars of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s strategic framework.

Congratulations to all award winners for their outstanding contributions to UNO and the communities it serves.