UNO’s Gina Ligon and Goodrich Program Earn Top Honors

From briefing the U.S. Senate to breaking down barriers to college - two of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) best just brought home the university’s highest honors.

🏆 What’s Happening:

• Gina Ligon, Ph.D., Jack and Stephanie Koraleski Professor in the College of Business Administration (CBA) and founding director of UNO’s National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), received the 2025 Innovation, Development and Engagement Award.

• Her leadership has positioned UNO at the forefront of national security and homeland defense research innovation, bridging the gap between academia and real-world threats.

• UNO’s Goodrich Scholarship Program earned the 2025 Innovations in Student Success Award for its transformative impact on student retention and graduation. For more than 50 years, the program has provided Nebraska students of merit and need with financial aid, curriculum support, and guidance that fuels academic success.

💡 Why it matters:

• The awards highlight UNO’s excellence in research, faculty leadership, and student support.

• Ligon’s work exemplifies how a Nebraska researcher can influence national policy and security.

• Goodrich’s recognition reinforces UNO’s commitment to increasing access and building community where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

🔢 By the numbers:

• $50M+ in extramural funding for national security research by Ligon since arriving at UNO

• 11,200+ attendees at NCITE technical demonstrations, conferences, and online events since 2020

• 85% graduation rate for Goodrich scholars

• 3,800+ Goodrich graduates since the program began

• 80% of Goodrich grads remain in Nebraska after earning their degree

🎤 What they’re saying:

• Gina Ligon, Ph.D.: “This award is a testament to what we can accomplish at UNO when we connect cutting-edge research with real-world needs. I’m proud that our work in Omaha is driving innovation in national security and defense and making a difference far beyond our campus.”

• Troy Romero, Ph.D., chair of the Goodrich Scholarship Program: “For over half a century, Goodrich has changed lives by opening doors to a college education. Being honored with a President’s Excellence Award affirms the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the potential of our scholars who go on to lead and serve in Nebraska.”