UNO Names Arnisha Collins Employee of the Month

Arnisha Collins, senior financial support counselor in UNO's Office of Financial Support and Scholarships, has been named UNO's Employee of the Month for January 2021.

Collins was surprised by UNO's virtual Celebration Committee on Friday, Jan. 22.

In support of her nomination, Collins was highlighted for going above and beyond her duties during a challenging year for both the department and the students and families they serve.

"With COVID and the transition to working remotely, the announcement of Nebraska Promise, and two staff members on the team retiring, we were short staffed with an increase in customer service contact volume. Arnisha provided excellent leadership ... handling the most complex financial aid situations."

Collins was also praised for her leadership and collegiality. She is regarded as the "go-to person for staff on the Outreach team" due to her knowledge of federal, state, and university-level policies, recently providing training to three new staff members in addition to handling customer service calls.

She also goes above and beyond in the form of campus service, serving on the Hardship Scholarship committee and on the MavCONNECT advisory committee.

"Arnisha defines the word 'adaptability'," her nomination states. "I have full knowledge that [a] student is in good hands and that Arnisha will create a connection and develop a relationship with the student that promotes retention at UNO."

For being nominated as Employee of the Month, Collins will receive a certificate, hot/cold tumbler, monetary award, two tickets to a UNO sporting event and use of a designated parking space.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and send it to Kristina Hoffmann at kristinahoffmann@unomaha.edu.