Recognizing accomplishments is a big part of the R&I culture. Each year, the Vice Chancellor’s office hosts a staff recognition celebration and present individual award for invaluable service and outstanding team customer service. The Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service is presented annually to R&I team members and partners who demonstrate excellence in their work and commitment to the department’s mission. Award criteria include outstanding accomplishments above and beyond job and performance expectations; actions that support leadership, innovation, initiative and/or cost-effectiveness; and exceptional service provided to university clients.
2024 Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award Winners
Jen Nelson presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Brooke Goedert. Brooke embraced her expanding responsibilities with enthusiasm and a growth mindset, streamlining processes for operations and collaboration with university departments. Over the past year, Culture and Operations Manager at NIC, Brooke’s, contributions have enhanced efficiency in managing NIC’s accounts and implementing maintenance systems for Biotech Connector equipment. Brooke has initiated educational programs and events that enrich the NIC experience for partners and support recruitment and retention efforts. Moreover, she has cultivated personal connections with NIC partners and colleagues, making them feel welcome and valued. Her collaborative spirit and proactive approach have positively influenced campus initiatives and the broader community. Brooke’s dedication and support have also inspired her colleagues.
Jen Nelson presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Riley Kimbrough. Riley manages a large workload with the rollout of significant COI policy updates along with maintaining a focus on human subjects protections, when applicable. Conflict of Interest Compliance Specialist, her abilities to use professional, timely, and concise communication ensures that her knowledge in the areas of conflict of interest are implemented effectively through the Human Research Protection Program as a true partnership. Riley demonstrates professional expertise she has developed and her dedication to providing clear communication and understanding of the projects she is involved in. In addition to her daily COI job responsibilities, she also has gone above and beyond to take on tasks to learn and help out in compliance areas outside of her responsibilities, for example, assisting in the completion of meeting minutes for SROC meetings. There are truly no tasks too big or too small which Riley is willing to take on for the betterment of the RCS Office and our research at UNL.
Jen Nelson presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Kelly Heath. Kelly is known for putting people and animals first. Dr. Heath is the Director and Attending Veterinarian for the Animal Care Program (ACP). This year he led a successful program re-accreditation for the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). This is the highest peer review endorsement you can receive as an animal research institution. Kelly understands the value of building relationships and collaboration. Kelly oversees 12 staff members and of those nearly 60% are UNL graduates and 25% of them are former student workers that transitioned into a permanent role after graduation. This speaks volumes to the program that Kelly has grown and his commitment to establishing a culture to develop and retain talent at the University. Kelly prioritizes staff development. He has created three career ladder tracks for staff advancement, as well as incentivizing certifications to continue to elevate the team’s capabilities.
Jen Nelson presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Heather Borck. Heather, research development program coordinator, is committed to ensuring R&I’s research development (RD) programming is second to none, and her contributions are moving the needle on faculty success. In the last year, Heather partnered with the NU Foundation to implement NU 2 Foundations, a new program to support proposers seeking private funding, and shepherded UNL’s NU 2 NIH program into the multi-institutional InterFACE “Faculty Academy for Competitive Excellence” Initiative, which supports faculty developing NIH R01 applications. Both programs are already bearing fruit, with 30 participants and one R01 funded to date. Heather also elevated NSF CAREER Club, contributing to a record nine CAREER awards in 2024. These programs depend on Heather’s exceptional drive to excel, work ethic, creativity, and collegiality. She is coordinating the annual Write Winning Grants seminar, establishing a master calendar of RD programming, and implementing more effective marketing and evaluation processes. The delivery of R&I’s many RD programs is complex, and Heather’s contributions are extraordinary in meeting the challenge.
Jen Nelson presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Suzan Lund. Suzan is, and has been, a steady rock for the Sponsored Programs Pre-Award Team and Office. She’s navigated the changing landscape that is Research Administration for two decades at UNL and kept the ship not only afloat but on course during that time and has had a positive impact on many, if not all, departments, colleges, centers, units or otherwise, and countless faculty and staff along the way. How she has managed & continues to do so in her ever-changing role is mind-boggling!
Jen Nelson presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Adam Eakin. Adam consistently goes above and beyond, delivering exceptional customer service with responsiveness and professionalism. His budgeting expertise is invaluable to the Museum, and he has expertly managed contract requests for several traveling exhibits. Adam has also taken on the oversight of construction and renovation projects at Morrill Hall, ensuring each project runs smoothly. His dedication, reliability, and kindness make him a cornerstone of our team and a steady presence that staff and visitors alike can rely on. In addition to his role, Adam recently joined the University’s mentorship program, volunteering his time to support and guide others in the University community. His commitment to service, both within and beyond the Museum, highlights his dedication to our shared mission. Adam’s hard work, adaptability, and positive impact on Morrill Hall make him an exemplary colleague and leader, contributing in countless ways to the success of our team.
2024 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
This year the Vice Chancellor’s Cup goes to the Research Compliance Services Team. Members include Sara Quinn, Rachel Wenzl, Becky Freeman, Saumi Mathews, Joshua Renner, Erik Schulz, Kaela Evans, Eileen Boswell, and Riley Kimbrough. This team works across a number of complicated and often changing research compliance areas, including human research protection, conflict of interest, export control, research security, and research misconduct. In the past year, they have been true leaders on campus, such as in rolling out an updated COI/COC policy campus-wide. They have innovated in creative ways, such as through the creation of a human subjects consent form generator that increases efficiency and consistency, and in how we are approaching education of our research teams with changing research security and export control regulations. And they have taken full advantage of the transition of the IRB module to NuRamp to make improvements in how that system can best serve our research community. They do all of this by striking a careful balance between offering supportive communication to the research community while upholding the requirements of the compliance areas for which they are responsible. We cannot accept the research awards we work so hard to help our researchers obtain without this team helping to ensure projects are set up ethically, safely, and securely, in compliance with the expectations of our funding partners. Thank you, RCS team, for all you contribute to our R&I mission!
2023 Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award Winners
Sherri Jones presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Melissa Bausch. Melissa in her role as Clinical Veterinarian in the IACP Team to provides exceptional customer service to research faculty customers. Dr. Jim MacDonald commented, “Dr. Melissa Bausch is more than our attending veterinarian, she is a valued member of our team. Our staff members don’t just call her when there is a problem; they seek out her input, so they know they are taking the best course of action for the animal and the research. Being a vet means coming in on weekends, holidays and bad weather- Melissa never hesitates. During a serious heat stress event this summer, Melissa put in hours overseeing veterinary care of the cattle. A veterinarian cares for both animals and their people, and she worked side by side with personnel through the event. Melissa bought water and electrolyte powder for the crew. She counseled and supported them through the physically and emotionally distressing circumstances. Melissa provides that personal touch to our investigators, students, and animal care staff in all our animal facilities.
Sherri Jones presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Kate Carlin. Kate has been a stabilizing force for the OSP Pre-Award Team and has been an extremely important part of training new employees on the Pre-Award team. Kate Carlin has been an exceptional example of what others on our team should strive for. She is encouraging, forthright, and goes above and beyond to provide both her team and faculty members with outstanding service. Kate also has helped to drive process improvement for our group and is also the keeper of our “Big DATA” to pull meaning from the plethora of information in NuRamp. On top of it all, she almost always (almost!) has a smile on her face and cheery disposition no matter who she is engaging with – no small feat at times 🙂
Sherri Jones presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Brenda Coufal.
Brenda is a very dedicated employee. She always gives 110% of herself to whatever it is that is in front of her. She faces each challenge and wants to make sure she is prepared for any unexpected issues that may arise. Brenda will make sure everyone has what they need to be prepared and look their best at any meeting, workshop or conference. She is a very detailed person and helps me to think about all the things that can be done ahead of time so that our important meetings go smoothly. She is a true inspiration to learn from and work with.
Sherri Jones presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Brande Dicks. Brande takes it upon herself to provide exceptional support and service to the Morrison Center faculty. She quickly discerns their needs and moves efficiently to provide information, recommendations, or direction. She has worked weekends and nights in order to submit grants on time and her efforts have resulted in grants being awarded in the department. She is very organized, efficient, and always has a smile. I am impressed by how much she knows and is willing to help others in the department. She is a valued member to the department and to R&I.
Sherri Jones presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Courtney Grate.
Courtney is a source of knowledge both within the NUtech team and to external stakeholders, and as such, she has become a crucial leader within our team and university. She is often consulted her for her institutional knowledge, her technical prowess, and her overall perspective. She is an approachable leader who makes herself available as a resource to others, especially the intern team. Courtney is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is active in the training and events and shares best practices and ideas with her teammates. She has been part of planning the recent “Inclusive Innovation” event series.
Sherri Jones presented a Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award to Erik Schulz. For the past four years, Erik Schulz has worked on the Research Compliance Services team as an Export Control Coordinator. Erik is dedicated to learning and understanding the details of any project he is involved in, and all while maintaining a positive can-do attitude. Erik is engaged, positive, and solution-oriented and has continued to foster a sense of teamwork and integrity – not just within RCS, but as a member of the university-wide export compliance team.
2023 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
IACP Service Center Animal Care Team was awarded the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service. Pictured from left to right: Sherri Jones, Jadyn Taylor, Sarah Smith, Shiloh Heuertz, Jesse Berg, Katelin VanDerslice, Cindy Wooledge, Cedric Wooledge and Stefanie Kremer. Not pictured: Bayliegh Bohn.
This team provides daily animal care and technical support of research faculty across all the colleges at the university. Dr. Eric Weaver describes the group as “world-class” when comparing them to other teams across the country he has worked with. Their dedication and expertise to providing outstanding care for animals, and supporting quality execution of research projects are crucial elements to the success of research conducted in the service center facilities. Dr. Hiep Vu indicates that his work involving infectious agents requires stringent adherence to biosecurity protocols. He continues, “Over the past 15 years, I have conducted over 40 animal experiments without a single cross-contamination event, a testament to their reliability and dedication”. Dr. Shane Farritor commented: “We bring in surgeons from all around the world to work with us on our device and each of them are impressed by the professional service and hospitality shown to them by the LScA team”. The daily support of research activities for 36 faculty members by the members of the IACP team provide exceptional customer service ensuring quality research outcomes.
Not only that, this team stands out in their willingness to go the extra mile to support animal welfare and our PIs. They have “find the yes” mindset that fuels them to figure out how to share responsibilities in a dynamic system and accomplish approved research objectives. They are always up for new challenges to support a diverse array of research projects, whether that is conducting complex anesthetic procedures or CT imaging anything from live anesthetized animals to corn kernels. They provide the daily attention and interactions necessary to keep this crucial research moving forward 365 days a year.
2022 Vice Chancellor’s Invaluable Service Award Winners
Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service 2022
2021 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service Award Winners
- Mike Kamm, IANR Media
- LD Miller, Research Finance and Information Systems
- Erin Murray, Research Finance and Information Systems
- Amanda Bohlin, Proposal Development
- Bayliegh Bohn, Institutional Animal Care Program
- Suzanne Reinke, Sponsored Programs
2021 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Research Development Team including Amanda Bohlin, Jocelyn Bosley, Matthew Dwyer, Tisha Gilreath Mullen, Nathan Meier, Ezra Stewart-Silver, Petrina Suiter
2021 Friend of Research Award
Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education, received the Friend of Research Award in honor of the work she did with Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor of research and economic development, to plan and implement the university’s COVID-19 protocols and plans, with the ultimate goal of supporting the safety and health of the campus community.
2021 Inaugural N2025 Award
Jen Nelson and Becky Zavala, both assistant vice chancellors for research, received the inaugural N2025 Award from Mike Zeleny, who presented the award on behalf of Chancellor Ronnie Green. Nelson and Zavala were key players in developing and managing UNL’s COVID-19 response, working around the clock to help the campus stay as functional as possible while maintaining safety.
2019 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service Award Winners
- Megan Ebbers, Institutional Animal Care Program
- Emily Hanus
- Jeewan Jyot, NUtech Ventures
- Lisa Maupin, Vice Chancellor’s Office
- Kathy Partlow
- Mark Riley*
*external to R&I
2019 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Events & Outreach including Joel Brehm, Tiffany Lee, Lisa Maupin, Dan Moser, Laurie Sampson, Ashley Washburn, Heidi Uhing
2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service Award Winners
- Craig Kreikemeier-Bower, Institutional Animal Care Program
- Mari Greer, Vice Chancellor’s Office
- Tisha Gilreath Mullen, Proposal Development
- Tiffany Lee, Research Communications
- Brian Sabata, Sponsored Programs
- Craig Chandler, University Communications*
*external to R&I
2018 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Sponsored Programs Team including Deb Arent, Derek Bargmann, Mike Behne, Mardi Bonner, Kate Carlin, David Clausen, Aaron Funk, Belinda Gillam, Angela Gonzalez, Craig Goodrich, Tina Kage, Abigail Lien, Elijah Luebbe, Suzan Lund, Kathi Malone, Terri Murray, Kacey Nelkin Pedersen, Trudy Nienaber, Cynthia Odabasi, Mary Ellen Reeves, Suzanne Reinke, Brian Sabata, Andrea Schreiber, Samantha Swanson, Jeanne Wicks, Connie Wieser
2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service Award Winners
- Matthew Dwyer, Proposal Development
- Becky Freeman, Research Compliance
- Mari Greer, Vice Chancellor’s Office
- Kelly Heath, Institutional Animal Care Program
2017 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Proposal Development Team including Tisha Mullen, Matthew Dwyer
2017 Other Notable Awards
- David Hansen, chair and professor in the Department of Psychology, was honored for his contributions to launching the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior and for serving as the interim CB3 director from summer 2015 until January 2018.
- Mike Zeleny, chief of staff and associate to Chancellor Ronnie Green and former associate vice chancellor for research, was honored for his 22 years of contributions to R&I.
2016 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service Award Winners
Lissette Gilster, Research Compliance Services
Suzan Lund, Sponsored Programs
Sam Swanson, Sponsored Programs
Mary Guest, Vice Chancellor’s Office
Ashley Washburn, Research Communications
Lacey Rohe, Accounting*
*external to R&I
2016 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Pre-Award Team including Andrea Schreiber, Kate Carlin, Craig Goodrich, Abigail Lien, Elijah Luebbe, Suzan Lund, Kacey Nelkin Pedersen
*external to R&I
2015 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service
- Phil Bakken, Industry Relations
- David Clausen, Sponsored Programs
- Matthew Dwyer, Proposal Development
- Sara Frizzell, Research Compliance Services
- Kathy Pinkerton, Institutional Animal Care Program
- Meg Lauerman, University Communications*
- John Wiltse, Office of General Counsel*
*external to R&I
2015 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Research Communications Team including Liz Banset, Joel Brehm, Vicki Miller, Ashley Washburn
2014 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service
- Tera Beermann, University of Nebraska Press
- Kate Carlin, Sponsored Programs
- Elijah Luebbe, Sponsored Programs
- Jodie Richardson, NUtech Ventures
- Peter Stewart, Research Information Systems
- Liz Banset, Learning and Development
2014 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
AAALAC Accreditation Team including Liz Banset, Kelly Heath, Kathy Pinkerton, Vicky Samek
2014 Special Award for Service to the University
Priscilla Grew, University of Nebraska State Museum
2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service
- Kate Engel, Nebraska Innovation Campus
- Tisha Gilreath Mullen, Proposal Development
- Jenn Rutt, Sponsored Programs
- Ashton Waite, Proposal Development
- Rachel Wenzl, Research Compliance Services
- Steve Smith, University Communications*
- Charlotte Frank, Human Resources*
*external to R&I
2013 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Research Finance Team: Shelly Cutsor, Dave Meagher, Kristen Ohnoutka, Becky Zavala
2013 Champion of Research Award
Prem Paul
2012 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service
- Shelly Cutsor, Research Finance
- Ashley Washburn, Research Communications
- Jennifer Fitchett, Sponsored Programs
- Suzan Lund, Sponsored Programs
- Mari Greer, Vice Chancellor’s Office
- Mark Harris, University of Nebraska State Museum
- Carrie Jackson, Nebraska Unions*
- Craig Chandler, UNL Publications and Photography*
*external to R&I
2012 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Research Responsibility-Human Research Protections Program Team including Sara Conrad, Becky Freeman, Maria Funk, Samuel Padilla, Rachel Wenzl
2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service
- Joel Brehm, Research Information Systems/Research Communication
- Donna Geviss, Sponsored Programs
- Nathan Meier, Proposal Development
- Ann Selzer, Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research
- Dan Moser, IANR Communications*
- Julia Torquati, Child, Youth and Family Studies*
- Honorable Mention
Deb Arent
Rachel Wenzl
Becky Zavala
*external to R&I
2011 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
NUtech Ventures Team including Cheryl Barts, Leon Castro, David Conrad, Jane Garrity, Marvin Jaques, Ben LeDuc, Sara Manning, Stuart Martens, Rose Robotham, Jill Thayer
2011 Champion of Research Award
David Sellmyer, Physics and Astronomy
2010 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Invaluable Service
- Don Beermann, IACP
- Sara Conrad, Research Compliance
- Peg Filliez, Office of the Vice Chancellor and Research Council
- Kristen Kinnan, Research Finance and Office of the Vice Chancellor
- Lorraine Moon, Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research
- Julie Poykko-Post, Sponsored Programs
- Jill Thayer, NUtech Ventures
- Ashley Washburn, Research Communications
- Kelly Bartling, University Communications*
2010 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Water for Food Conference Team: Tausha Ward Armbruster, Liz Banset, Joel Brehm, Seth Burkey, Peg Filliez, Mari Greer, Kristen Kinnan, Vicki Miller, Tim Savage, Peter Stewart, Corrie Svehla, Karen Underwood, Ashley Washburn, Becky Zavala
2010 Champion of Research Award
Ellen Weissinger*, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
*external to R&I
2009 Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Invaluable Service
- Carol Boehler (Graduate Studies),
- Andy Budell (Sponsored Programs),
- Seth Burkey (Research Information Services),
- Rose Robotham (NUtech Ventures),
- Sara Trickie (Proposal Development) and
- Liz Banset (Vice Chancellor’s Office).
Gwen Bachman*, associate professor of biological sciences and chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; - Mary Jane Bruce*, producer/broadcast specialist for University Communications; and
- John Thiltges*, UNIX systems administrator with Information Services.
*external to R&I
2009 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
ARRA-Stimulus team – Deb Arent, Liz Banset, Nancy Becker, Mike Behne, Joel Brehm, Andy Budell, Terra Chapek, Shelly Cutsor, Noah Clayton, Suzan Lund, Nathan Meier, Vicki Miller, Tisha Gilreath Mullen, Julie Poykko-Post, Tim Savage, Sara Trickie, Ashley Washburn and Jeanne Wicks.
2008 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Office of Research Web Development Team
– Liz Banset, Joel Brehm, Vicki Miller, Tim Savage, Ashley Washburn
2007 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Graduate Student Retention Team – Terri Eastin, Eva Bachman, Jane Schneider, Carol Boehler
2006 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Nugrant Team – Mardi Bonner, Norm Braaten, Jill Hochstein, Suzan Lund, Tim Savage, Jeanne Wicks, Mike Zeleny, Peter Stewart
2005 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Graduate Student Recruitment – Michelle Howell, Christing Cary, Jason Cruise, Amanda Bergeron, Marie Dvorak, Helen Kilian, Seth Meranda
2004 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Office of Sponsored Programs Post-Award Division – Jeanne Wicks, Kathy Anderson, Deb Arent, Mike Behne, Donna Douglas, Shelly Hardies, Lorraine Moon, Joyce Schuette
2003 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Graduate Admissions – Ginny Gross, Brandee Beavers, Jan Hostetler, Tina Jahn-Neidecker, Erin Paseka, Kaylee Stewart, Pat Shrader
2002 Vice Chancellor’s Cup for Outstanding Customer Service
Proposal Writers – Tisha Gilreath-Mullen, Monica Norby, Marla Rohrke
