UNO Announces New Leaders for IESS and Global Engagement

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has announced two key leadership appointments aimed at advancing student success and international engagement across the institution.

• Jason Browning, Ph.D., has been named vice chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success (IESS) where he will oversee the university’s strategic student recruitment, retention, and career development efforts effective May 19, 2025, pending University of Nebraska System Board of Regents approval.

• Andrea Stiefvater, Ed.D., has been appointed associate vice chancellor for Global Engagement where she will lead the university International Programs office effective July 1, 2025, pending University of Nebraska System Board of Regents approval.

About Jason Browning, Ph.D.

Browning brings to UNO an extensive background in data analytics, institutional research, and strategic planning. He most recently served as chief data officer at Montana State University (MSU), where he directed the Office of University Data and Analytics and led enterprise-wide strategies to improve decision-making through data governance, analytics, and reporting.

“Dr. Browning brings an impressive record of leveraging data to drive results. His expertise in analytics will be instrumental as we refine how we recruit students, support their academic journey, and connect them to high-impact careers right here in Nebraska,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said. “His leadership will help ensure that our student success strategies are not only effective but also aligned with our mission to power workforce development across the state.”

Prior to his tenure at MSU, Browning was senior director of partner technology at the higher education consulting firm EAB, where he helped institutions nationwide use data to drive institutional priorities.

He also held leadership roles in institutional effectiveness and research at Utah Tech University and the Northern Wyoming Community College District.

Browning holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Wyoming, an MBA from Xavier University, and a bachelor's degree in accounting and economics from Bellarmine University.

“I’m honored to join the University of Nebraska at Omaha, an institution I believe is on the cutting edge of workforce development and deeply connected to one of the region’s most vibrant and dynamic cities,” Browning said. “The opportunity to help lead initiatives that directly impact student success and economic mobility is both exciting and humbling. I want to thank my colleagues at Montana State University for their support and collaboration. I look forward to building on UNO’s momentum as we continue to transform lives through data-informed strategy and community-driven innovation.”

About Andrea Stiefvater, Ed.D.

Stiefvater brings more than two decades of experience in international education, having led transformative initiatives in student recruitment, global partnerships, and high-impact learning programs.

She joins UNO from Ball State University, where she served as executive director for Graduate and International Admissions and International Services. In that role, she spearheaded the integration of international student services, streamlined visa processes, and boosted international enrollment through innovative strategies and partnerships.

“Dr. Stiefvater is a proven leader in global education. Her deep experience in building international partnerships and supporting students from around the world makes her the right person to lead UNO’s global engagement strategy,” UNO Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Phil He, Ph.D., said. “She will play a vital role in bringing the world to UNO—and sharing UNO with the world—through programs that prepare our students to excel in an increasingly interconnected global society.”

Her previous leadership includes directing the UDayton Global program, an innovative partnership between the University of Dayton and Shorelight Education, as well as overseeing the American Language and Culture Center at Southern Utah University. Stiefvater holds an Ed.D. in Literacy/TESL from the University of Cincinnati.

“It is a privilege to join UNO, a university and city with a rich legacy of global engagement and a welcoming spirit that reflects cultures from around the world,” Stiefvater said. “Omaha and UNO’s shared commitment to international partnership creates a powerful platform to expand our global impact. UNO has an inspiring story to tell, and I’m excited to help share that story on a global stage. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues at Ball State University for their support and friendship, and I look forward to this new chapter.”

Chancellor Li expressed her thanks to the individuals who led IESS and International Programs in interim capacities.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Jody Neathery-Castro for her service as interim associate vice chancellor for global engagement; Dr. Sammi Kaiser, assistant vice chancellor for student success; and Andy Jacobsen, executive director of systems intelligence and data analytics, for serving as interim co-vice chancellors for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success,” Chancellor Li said. “Their leadership during a time of transition ensured stability and progress for our campus. Because of their thoughtful stewardship, Dr. Browning and Dr. Stiefvater can step into their new roles with a strong foundation and clear momentum. Their leadership helped keep UNO on its upward trajectory toward becoming a leading urban-metropolitan institution recognized for student success and global engagement.”