Flag Lowering for Kerry Beldin

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) flag will be lowered on Tuesday, Jan. 18, in memory of UNO retiree and professor emeritus Kerry Beldin, Ph.D.

Kerry passed away on Jan. 5, 2022, at the age of 48 after a long bout with cancer. She worked at UNO from Sept. 1, 2008, until her retirement in March 2021 as an associate professor emeritus in the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

Prior to her retirement, Beldin had served as coordinator of the Master of Social Work program since 2015 - establishing the dual degree Master of Social Work/Criminology and Criminal Justice program during that time.

Kerry was also awarded the Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award in May of 2016 and UNO Chancellor's Medal in May of 2019 for her contributions to the university and dedication to higher education.

A graduate of UNO's Master of Social Work program, Beldin's research focused heavily on the area of human trafficking and improving the community’s response to sexual assault.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Beldin expanded her research and outreach to include educating those around her on living meaningfully with a life-threatening illness.

During her time at UNO, Beldin also served on the Educational Policy Advisory Committee, Faculty Senate, the Chancellors Commission on the Status of Women (now Commission on the Status of Gender Equity), the Professional Conduct Committee, UNO’s Violence Against Women Task Force, as well as several committees within the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

Kerry is survived by her parents, Barry Beldin and Kate Wilhel; sister, Kimberly Jeffries and son Nicholas; brother, Matt and wife Lindsey; sister, Beth Ann; sister Lauri Zike; as well as a number of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, colleagues, co-workers and many others whose lives Kerry touched.

The thoughts and condolences of the university community are with Kerry’s loved ones during this time.