Kay McClure, administrative coordinator in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, retires June 5, after a 20-year career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
McClure will be honored at a retirement celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 5 at the Goodding Learning Center in Plant Sciences Hall. Anyone who wants to share their thoughts, stories, best wishes and photos to celebrate her retirement can sign her online guest book.
McClure has played a vital role in advancing the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture’s mission. As administrative coordinator for one of the largest and most complex academic units in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, she supports approximately 70 faculty members, more than 80 staff members and a broad range of teaching, research and extension programs. Her work is central to the department’s operations and contributes significantly to the success of both the department and IANR.
“What distinguishes Kay is not only the scope of her responsibilities, but the consistency with which she performs them — with excellence, integrity and care for others,” said Martha Mamo department head and professor in agronomy and horticulture. “She embodies the principle that every person and every interaction matters, and her contributions are felt across faculty, staff, students and leadership.”
McClure skillfully manages faculty recruitment, promotion and tenure reviews and annual evaluations, bringing strong organization, attention to detail and a willingness to go the extra mile to meet important deadlines. She also has been a champion for staff well-being, encouraged professional growth and helped foster a culture of trust, teamwork and shared success.
Born and raised in rural Nebraska, McClure has always had strong ties to agriculture. Her father farmed row crops and raised hogs, while her mother shared her love of gardening. An avid gardener, her mother taught McClure how to plant, harvest and can food — traditions she has continued with her own family.
McClure began her career at the university in 2000 as an accounting clerk III at the South Central Agricultural Lab near Clay Center, Nebraska. She started working for the agronomy and horticulture department on East Campus in 2014 as an office associate and supervisor. She became an administrative coordinator for department administration, including Department Head Martha Mamo, in 2016.
“I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside Kay for more than seven years,” Mamo said. “I often refer to her as the department’s right hand, a reflection of the trust, judgment and unwavering support she provides every day.”
McClure said her goals have always been to support the administration, help keep operations running smoothly to advance the department’s mission and outreach efforts, and provide excellent customer service while fostering a friendly and professional atmosphere among co-workers.
“In her role, Kay consistently went above and beyond supporting faculty, staff, and leadership with professionalism and care,” Amit Jhala, associate department head of agronomy and horticulture, said. “Kay was especially instrumental in guiding administrative team members — mentoring colleagues, anticipating needs and fostering a collaborative environment that enabled others to succeed.”
Among her awards, McClure was recognized with the 2021 IANR Outstanding Employee Award and an Agronomy and Horticulture Staff Advisory Committee Special Contribution Award in 2019.
“Kay has been a huge asset to the department, serving for three department heads,” David Holding, associate department head of agronomy and horticulture, said. “This position requires an exceptional balance of experience, professionalism, tact, attention to detail, flexibility and calmness. Kay has all of these qualities in spades, and she will be sorely missed by all.”
“Professionally, it has been a privilege to support this department and assist with many changes over the years,” McClure said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful people.”
McClure said she is most proud of her family — her four children and five grandchildren — and looks forward to spending more time with them in retirement. She also plans to devote time to gardening, landscaping her home and sewing quilts.
