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UNO Names Jonathan Acosta Employee of the Month

Acosta was chosen for his commitment to student success; ability to innovate and problem solve; and for his leadership among the university's community of academic advisors.

Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Steve Kerrigan laughs along with Jonathan Acosta, who is holding his Employee of the Month certificate.

Jonathan Acosta, assistant director of academic advising, was surprised by the UNO Celebration Committee as June 2022's Employee of the Month

Jonathan Acosta, assistant director of academic advising in UNO’s Academic and Career Development Center, has been named UNO’s employee of the month for June 2022.

Acosta, who also serves as president of the UNO Academic Advising Council, was lauded by his nominators for not just being an advisor to students, but an advocate for their success. He was surprised by the UNO Celebration Committee on Tuesday, June 14.

“Jonathan’s soft-spoken authenticity belies the force for good that he embodies,” one nominator wrote. “His tireless efforts to elevate advising, advocate for students, and continuously improve the university are leading us to an environment where everyone feels included and valued.”

As a leader, Acosta was noted for his ability to bring people to the table and make others feel recognized for the work they do.

Mavericks: Human Resources needs your nominations for Employee of the Month and KUDOS awards! View the bottom of this story to learn how you can recognize a recent employee who has gone above and beyond in showing their Maverick Spirit.

Through his role as AAC president, another nominator noted, Acosta “set up listening sessions for the UNO advising the community to ensure that he and the AAC executive team were aware of concerns. He also pioneered conversations with Staff Advisory Council and Faculty Senate on adding the Academic Advising Council to the end-of-year recognition banquet. This lift allowed advisors to be recognized in a formal way and has set the tone for future recognition.”

Acosta is also an innovator, taking on a leadership role at the beginning of COVID and quickly adapting existing processes to meet student needs.

“People naturally look to him as a leader and someone who is able to navigate difficult situations and help come up with a resolution,” another nominator said. “He is a great visionary for thinking about the big picture and how academic advising can move forward but also understands the nuts and bolts to get advising there.

His nominators also highlighted Acosta’s collegiality and being someone who makes others feel better about the work they do.

“He is a friendly face on campus even when times are stressful,” a nominator wrote. “He tries to lighten moods with his jokes, build community with his ice breakers, and inform with his great communication skills.”

Just some of Acosta’s additional accolades included pursuing a doctoral degree from UNO to help advance his knowledge and career; developing a curriculum for the Exploratory Studies program, and being nominated to serve as a Staff Advisory Council representative beginning this year.

In addition to his work on the UNO campus, Acosta is also a representative for UNO excellence in the wider community, being invited to speak on academic and industry panels because of his expertise. He was recently elected to serve as the Nebraska Liaison for NACADA Region Six.

“Ultimately, Jonathan is an employee every unit or supervisor wants,” a nominator reflected. “His dedication to UNO shines in each student, staff, and faculty interaction he has.”

Questions about Employee of the Month? Contact Kristina Hoffmann at kristinahoffmann@unomaha.edu.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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