The Nebraska Alumni Association has named Charlyne Berens, emeritus professor of journalism, the 2025 recipient of the Doc Elliott Award.
Established in 1986, the award honors retired University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty who demonstrate exemplary service, genuine care for students and alums, and dedication that goes beyond expectations. It is named for Curt “Doc” Elliott, a beloved economics professor known for his rapport with students and his popular televised classes.
Jane T. Olson Endowed Dean Shari Veil and alumna Angel Jennings, assistant managing editor for culture and talent at the Los Angeles Times, nominated Berens on behalf of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Both praised her lasting impact on students, alumni and the university community.
Berens joined the college faculty in 1996 after serving as co-publisher of the Seward County Independent. She taught reporting, editing and freedom of expression and later served as department chair, associate dean and interim dean. Veil noted that Berens’ leadership and student-first approach guided the college through key periods of growth and change.
She also created opportunities that continue to benefit students, including the Dow Jones News Fund Internship program, the Omaha World-Herald Real-World Fellowship and the CoJMC Alumni News newsletter.
Since retiring in 2015, Berens has remained deeply engaged with the university. She serves as co-chair of the curriculum committee for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL, where she also teaches courses on history and civic engagement. Within the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, she served on the college’s comprehensive campaign committee for the Only in Nebraska fundraising effort, which surpassed its goal two years ahead of schedule. She also established the Berens Fund for Recruitment and Retention to support the college’s Peer Mentor Program, which helps first-year students transition to campus life.
“Charlyne Berens embodies the spirit of the Doc Elliott Award,” Veil said. “Her contributions have left a permanent mark on our college and the university. She has made the University of Nebraska–Lincoln a better place.”
In her nomination letter, Jennings shared how Berens helped her, a first-generation college student from Washington, D.C., find a job that allowed her to stay in school.
“It made the difference in my ability to graduate,” Jennings wrote. “I’ve witnessed Professor Berens extend this same level of dedication and support to countless other students and alumni.”
The Nebraska Alumni Association will present the award in fall 2025.
