This summer, we celebrated the achievements of our faculty and staff at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. On Aug. 23, the CoJMC Staff Council named Associate Professor of Practice Kaci Richter and Academic Advisor Karez Hassan the summer Not Too Shabby Award winners.
Richter joined CoJMC in 2018 as an assistant professor of practice in broadcasting, where she teaches audio production and podcasting. Richter also coordinates the college’s communication design program, manages the design lab and oversees equipment training for all CoJMC students. Richter was promoted to associate professor of practice in 2024. Richter was nominated by Haley Hamel, director of Business and Operations.
“Our incoming class is so large that we ran out of seats in JOMC 130, a crucial first-semester requirement for freshmen. When we asked Kaci to move to a new classroom and increase the class size, she demonstrated her students-first mentality by immediately agreeing,” Hamel said. “I greatly appreciate her willingness to take on a larger class, ensuring our students get off to a strong start in the college.”
Hassan joined CoJMC in 2020 as an academic advisor. In her role, she advises students on academic planning, supports recruitment and retention efforts and teaches first-year experience courses. In 2023, she expanded her responsibilities to include advising graduate students. Hassan received four nominations over the summer from Director of Advising Alisa Smith, Career Development Specialist Natalie Becerra, Director of Business and Operations Haley Hamel and Jenny Washburn, mother to incoming freshman broadcasting major Aiden Washburn.
“Karez really took the time to get to know Aidan and find his interests. She explained his graduation path and helped solidify his schedule to best meet his needs,” Washburn said. “I am so thankful that she will be his advisor on his journey. He is our second child to go through this college, and I am so excited about what UNL offers to its students.”
The Not Too Shabby Awards celebrate faculty and staff who consistently exceed expectations and contribute outstanding service to the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. These awards are presented monthly during the academic year and once during the summer, with one award given to a faculty member and another to a staff member. The CoJMC Staff Council selects the recipients based on nominations from CoJMC Kudos submissions. To recognize deserving faculty and staff, submit your Kudos at https://journalism.unl.edu/give-kudos/.
