UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications is proud to announce its faculty and staff award winners for the 2024 academic year. 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 of three current students and three alumni. The student members included Seamus Doyle, a junior broadcasting major, Bobby Hessling, a junior sports media and communication major and Hannah-Kate Kinney, a senior advertising and public relations, broadcasting and journalism triple major. The alumni members included Geoff Exstrom (‘22), director of communications & media relations, Omaha Supernovas, Zach Wendling (‘23), reporting intern, Nebraska Examiner and Joseph Zakaria (‘22), founder, The Valiant Post and CEO, Kualdom Creations.
The 2024 faculty and staff award winners are:
Excellence in Teaching Award: Jill Martin
The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to Jill Martin, associate professor of practice, who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enriching student learning experiences through her leadership of the Experience Lab, the Nebraska News Service and the NewsLab capstone course. Martin is dedicated to student success, consistently offering extensive individual support and mentoring efforts for her students.
From the committee
“Jill Martin embodies the core values of personal attention and support within the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, demonstrating unwavering commitment to students through extensive support, leadership in experiential learning and willingly taking on emotional labor for those in need.”
Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award: Frauke Hachtmann
The Excellence in Research/Creative Activity Award is presented to Frauke Hachtmann, professor and William H. Kearns Chair in Journalism who published a pioneering book on crisis response advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hachtmann is shaping the future of journalism and mass communications through presenting her research at prestigious conferences, delivering various talks on campus, teaching a new course based on her research and holding a number of leadership roles in professional associations around the world.
From the committee
“The committee selected Dr. Frauke Hachtmann for the award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions in 2023, including her new book, prestigious conference presentations, course development and leadership roles in professional associations, reflecting her exceptional dedication to advancing knowledge in her field.”
Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement: Rick Alloway
The Excellence in Industry or Community Engagement Award is presented to Rick Alloway, associate professor of broadcasting. In his role at 90.3 KRNU & KRNU2, Alloway has made an impact as an educator, mentor and general manager. Alloway’s four-decade commitment to electronic media education fosters student success through pioneering coursework, hosting radio programs and engaging with Nebraska's broadcasting community.
From the committee
“The committee selected Rick Alloway for the award for his decades-long dedication, commitment, and passion for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, highlighted by his forward-thinking approach to radio broadcasting, steadfast belief in its enduring relevance and exceptional contributions to both the college and Nebraska's broadcasting community.”
Excellence in Student Support or Advocacy: Alisa Smith
The Excellence in Student Support or Advocacy Award is presented to Alisa Smith, director of advising. She’s exceptionally dedicated to student success through her proactive approach and commitment to ensuring all students have the resources they need inspires the CoJMC community. Smith has consistently gone above and beyond to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students through her engagement in planning and executing student events.
From the committee
“The committee selected Alisa Smith for the Excellence in Student Support award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to student success, demonstrated through proactive outreach, tireless efforts to ensure access to resources and outstanding contributions to fostering a vibrant student community at CoJMC, showcasing her invaluable impact and deserving recognition.”
Staff Excellence Award: Haley Hamel
The Staff Excellence Award is presented to Haley Hamel, director of business and operations, whose contributions to the CoJMC have been invaluable. Her tireless dedication to the college's best interests, receptive approach to faculty and staff input and countless hours of advocacy have helped to make the CoJMC a truly exceptional institution. Hamel’s exceptional leadership, supportiveness and humility has also fostered a cohesive environment through consistent staff appreciation.
From the committee
“The committee selected Haley Hamel for the Staff Excellence Award for her reputation as the ‘glue to the entire college’ and ‘the most supportive boss,’ reflecting her enduring dedication and support that have been instrumental in sustaining CoJMC over the years.”
Inclusive Excellence Award: Kelli Boling
The Inclusive Excellence Award is presented to Kelli Boling, assistant professor in advertising and public relations, who inspires students to engage with real-world issues and make a difference in their communities. Her exceptional commitment to promoting social justice and inclusivity in both her teaching, through innovative methods and impactful assignments, and her research on equity and diversity that has garnered national recognition, has helped to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported.
From the committee
The committee selected Kelli Boling for her adept facilitation of civil discussions on complex topics, particularly notable amidst today's political polarization, as highlighted by one nominator who emphasized the importance of fostering such dialogues during times of political upheaval.
Friend of the College Award: Tony Sattler
The Friend of the College Award is presented to Tony Sattler, executive vice president and director of experience & insights at Swanson Russell, whose extensive involvement as an alum has helped to make the CoJMC a truly exceptional institution. His involvement in the college, through guest speaking, community engagement and service on the Dean's Advisory Board, has made a lasting impact on the lives of our students and faculty.
From the committee
“The committee selected Tony for his active engagement as a CoJMC alum, highlighted by his extensive involvement in both Swanson Russell and the college community, including guest speaking, participation in community events, and commitment to career-related activities, showcasing his dedication to giving back and enriching the college experience.”
To Infinity and Beyond Award: Matt Waite
The To Infinity and Beyond Award is presented to Matt Waite, professor of practice, who has integrated his Pulitzer Prize-winning expertise seamlessly, particularly in data and drone journalism, exemplified by his 12-year commitment to excellence in journalism education. Waite’s teaching spans diverse topics and his innovative teaching methods, backed by experiential learning and active industry engagement, have led to an influence in the college’s curriculum. He mentors students, alumni and faculty and show exceptional leadership in a number of educational activities.
From the committee
“The committee selected Matt Waite for his student-centric approach, exemplified by tailoring 36 courses to individual needs. Recognized for consistently enhancing the learning environment, his dedication reflects a commitment to empowering students, resonating with the award's spirit. As one nominator put it, ‘He wants to ensure a kid from Nebraska can go anywhere, even to infinity and beyond.’”
Dean’s Pretty Awesome Award: Jason Stamm
Dean Shari Veil has selected assistant professor Jason Stamm 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. Stamm organized the majorly successful high school media days event, manages the expectations and needs of CoJMC’s community partners and works tirelessly to edit the stories of Unlimited Sports students.
The awards were presented at the CoJMC Family Reunion on May 8, 2024.
For additional information on the CoJMC faculty and staff awards, visit https://journalism.unl.edu/faculty-staff-awards.
