For exemplary work as a visual storyteller and capturing the spirit of Husker Nation one frame at a time, Craig Chandler has received a Kudos award from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
The honor, presented during the board’s Aug. 8 meeting, is reserved for NU system staff employees who go above and beyond in their service to the university and its community.
Chandler has worked for 16 years as director of photography in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Office of University Communication and Marketing. His dedication to capturing and editing images of campus life and the successes of students, faculty and staff has directly contributed to expanding the positive public perception of Nebraska’s land-grant, flagship university.
Nationally, Chandler has been frequently ranked among the top 10 photographers in higher education by the University Photographers Association of America. And, more than a handful of his photographs have been honored, including fifth and ninth in national competitions.
His impacts go beyond the lens as Chandler has mentored multiple students, helping them develop their photography talents. He was also honored in fall 2018 after leading a visual storytelling course offered by UNL’s Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication program.
“This award stands as a testament to the lasting impact Craig has made at UNL,” said Jim Coll, chief communication and marketing officer. “His enthusiasm and passion shine through in each photo, capturing the heart of what it is to be a Husker.”
Chandler will retire from the university on Jan. 31.
A few of Craig's favorite shots
Jackson Anderson, then a New Student Orientation leader, leads first-year Huskers out of the Memorial Stadium gates during the Tunnel Walk on Aug. 19, 2022. The event was part of the university’s New Student Welcome.Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
Cather and Pound residence halls fall to the ground during a demolition on Dec. 22, 2017.
Harkamal Walia and Jaspreet Kaur Sandhu, a graduate research assistant, measure the carbon being expired by a head of wheat. Walia's research involves measuring the amount of energy a plant uses at night and the relationship how increasing temperatures forces plants to spend less energy producing grain. Photo is from June 26, 2018.
Frederick Chua, then a junior business management student in the College of Business, and president of the badminton club, dives as Poh Ling Lim backs him up. Photo is from October 24, 2018.
Kayla Vondracek, junior in Environmental Studies, fights the current and depth to take a sand sample as she researches algae in the Niobrara River. Photo taken on July 12, 2019.
A student wears a bee beard during a photo shoot for the UNL Bee Lab. Photo taken on May 11, 2021.
Photo illustration of an "astronaut" (UComm's Katie Black) holds a small corn plant with a Flex-Ro autonomous planter in the background. The image was used to highlight UNL research aimed at growing corn on the moon and Mars.
Richard Moberly, dean of the College of Law, glides across Pawnee Lake on a paddle board on July 19, 2023. The photo was taken as part of a "Downtime with the Deans" series for the Nebraska Quarterly magazine.
Cole Kalkowski, then a member of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program, holds a camera that appears to be falling to bits. The photo was featured as part of an Engler program series that highlights the passion of students. Photo is from Oct. 7, 2022.
Memorial Stadium lit up red during the start of the fourth quarter celebration on Sept. 10, 2022. The Huskers were hosting Georgia Southern for the game.
