Skip to main content

UNO Honors Outstanding Dual Enrollment Instructors Across Omaha Metro

11 exceptional high school educators were recognized for their impact on college-bound students through UNO’s Dual Enrollment Program.

  • published: 2025/10/06
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
The UNO Pep Bowl, a large green lawn, is pictured in the foreground with the Arts and Sciences Hall in the background, partially framed by leafy trees and bushes.

The Arts and Sciences Hall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Each year, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) celebrates high school teachers who go the extra mile to help students earn college credit while still in high school get a head start on their college degree through UNO’s Dual Enrollment Program.

This year, eleven instructors from across the metro were honored for their outstanding commitment to excellence in teaching and student impact.

➡️ What’s new: UNO has named the recipients of its 2025 Dual Enrollment Teaching Awards, including two top honors and multiple recognitions of excellence. The awards spotlight teachers who go above and beyond to support student success in the classroom and in life.

💡 Why it matters:

  • Dual enrollment gives high school students a head start on college by earning credit, saving money, and building confidence.
  • The program only succeeds because of educators who are dedicated to quality instruction, mentoring, and the college readiness of Nebraska’s next generation.

🔎 Zoom in:

  • This year’s honorees include a mix of veteran educators, UNO alumni, and current UNO graduate students. They represent public and private schools from across the Omaha metro, with disciplines ranging from history and government to biology and English.
  • All recipients have taught at least one UNO Dual Enrollment course during the academic year and have demonstrated strong alignment with UNO’s academic standards and student engagement expectations.
  • All recipients have a connection to UNO, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

🏆 2025 UNO Dual Enrollment Award Recipients

Outstanding Dual Enrollment Instructor Awards

  • Micah Ringlein, Omaha Central – M.S. in Secondary Education, UNO
  • Joe Luther, Papillion-La Vista – M.A. in English, UNO (English Department Award)

Student Choice Awards

  • William Deardoff, Retired from Bennington – M.A. in Teaching, UNO
  • Deana Rainey, Omaha Northwest – M.A. in English, UNO

Recognition of Excellence in Teaching

  • Jason Lura, Bennington – Current graduate student in Political Science, UNO
  • Jillian Roger, Marian – M.A. in History, UNO
  • Jordan Boyer, Omaha Central – Graduate Certificate in Government, UNO
  • Matthew Moore, Omaha Westview – Pursuing M.A. in History, UNO
  • Tyler Berzina, Millard West – M.A. in Education, UNL
  • Tristan Manasek, Elkhorn South – M.S. in Biology, UNK

⚡️ What’s next: Learn more about UNO’s Dual Enrollment Program and how to apply.

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.

Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.