UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications is proud to announce its faculty and staff award winners for the year 2023. These outstanding individuals have been recognized for their exceptional achievements in teaching, research, industry or community engagement, student support or advocacy, staff excellence, inclusive excellence and going above and beyond expectations.
The recipients of these awards were selected by a committee comprised of four current students and four alumni. The student members included Skylee Nelson, a junior sports media and communication and broadcasting double major, Brenden Evers, a sophomore sports media and communication and broadcasting double major, Marissa Kraus, a senior journalism major and Carter Bautch, a junior advertising and public relations major. The alumni members included Delani Watkins (2022), strategic communications project assistant, HDR, Monte Olson (1991), senior director of corporate relations, University of Nebraska Foundation, William Bauer (2020), metro east reporter, St. Louis Public Radio and Lani Hanson (2017), senior editor, Energy News Network.
The 2023 faculty and staff award winners are:
Excellence in Teaching Award: Michelle Hassler
The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to Michelle Hassler, associate professor of practice in journalism, who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success and has consistently received outstanding evaluations from her students. Her innovative teaching style and deep subject matter expertise have made her a beloved figure in the CoJMC community.
Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award: Ciera Kirkpatrick
The Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award is presented to Ciera Kirkpatrick, assistant professor in advertising and public relations, whose groundbreaking research in the field of mass communications has been widely recognized for its impact on the industry. Her contributions to academic literature and her creative works have helped shape the future of journalism and mass communications.
Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement: Barney McCoy
The Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement Award is presented to Barney McCoy, Hitchcock professor of broadcasting, whose tireless efforts to connect the CoJMC to industry partners and the broader community have resulted in invaluable opportunities for students and faculty alike. His leadership in this area has set the standard for engagement at the CoJMC.
Excellence in Student Support or Advocacy: Susan Oestmann
The Excellence in Student Support or Advocacy Award is presented to Susan Oestmann, checkout room manager, whose unwavering dedication to the well-being of CoJMC students has been an inspiration to all who know her. She has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that every student who comes through the CoJMC is supported and has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Staff Excellence Award: Karez Hassan
The Staff Excellence Award is presented to Karez Hassan, academic adviser, whose contributions to the CoJMC have been invaluable. Her outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence have helped to make the CoJMC a truly exceptional institution.
Inclusive Excellence Award: Jemalyn Griffin
The Inclusive Excellence Award is presented to Jemalyn Griffin, assistant professor of practice in advertising and public relations, whose tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion at the CoJMC have been a true inspiration to all. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the CoJMC community has helped to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported.
Friend of the College: Beau Poehlman
The Friend of the College Award is presented to Beau Poehlman, video production supervisor at Ameritas, whose generosity and support have helped to make the CoJMC a truly exceptional institution. His commitment to the success of the CoJMC has been unwavering, and his contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of our students and faculty. The selection committee gave an honorable mention to Nate Jensen, whose contributions to the CoJMC have also been exceptional and whose dedication to the success of the CoJMC is truly inspiring.
To Infinity and Beyond Award: Jamie Wenz
The To Infinity and Beyond Award is presented to Jamie Wenz, technical director, whose exceptional creativity and innovative thinking have helped to push the CoJMC to new heights. His willingness to take risks and explore new ideas has helped to make the CoJMC a truly dynamic and exciting place to be.
Additionally, Dean Shari Veil has selected administrative coordinator Tiffany Groteluschen to receive the Dean’s Pretty Awesome Award. The Dean's Pretty Awesome Award is a special recognition presented by the Dean to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the CoJMC community.
"These award winners represent the very best of what the CoJMC has to offer," said Shari Veil, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. "Their dedication, passion and commitment to excellence have truly set the standard for our community, and we are proud to honor them for their outstanding achievements."
The awards were presented at the CoJMC Family Reunion on May 17, 2023.
For additional information on the CoJMC faculty and staff awards, visit https://journalism.unl.edu/faculty-staff-awards.