In observance of Women’s History Month, Nebraska Today has partnered with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to feature female office/service staff who go above and beyond in their work at Dear Old Nebraska U. This Women of Service series will run every Friday in March.
The 2024 series continues today with Alli Schultze, dispatch supervisor with the University Police Department. She was nominated by Sara Haake, dispatch director with the University Police Department. Haake praised Schultze for her versatility (from her work as a supervisor to community outreach, including organizing food and blood bank drives) and overall impact on the department.
“Alli is an integral part of our UNL community,” Haake said. “It is her dedication and leadership that creates an environment for others to thrive and grow. I cannot quantify the impact that Alli’s dedication, passion and enthusiasm has on the UNLPD team.
“She truly is the best of the best.”
Schultze sat down with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to discuss what drives her to success on and off campus.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 37 years old and was born and raised in central Nebraska. I spent time in college studying journalism, photography and graphic design. I’ve lived in four states and have traveled to 33 of the 50 states. I’ve been a police dispatcher at UNL since September 2013, and was promoted to dispatch supervisor in 2022. In addition to being one of two supervisors, I also help run our dispatch training program, and have also been lucky enough to have been selected as Dispatcher of the Year three times throughout my time with the department. I enjoy spending my time helping others, either through work or volunteering and organizing donation drives.
How long have you been at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I’ve been at the university for almost 10-and-a-half years, all spent at UNLPD.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I started my career for the same reason many others do — to help others and to make a difference. Working at University Police truly provides opportunities for each day to be a little different than the last and I am always presented with new ways to help others. I look at my role within the university and the police department with the lens of having the privilege to help educate not only our students, but also faculty and staff, by assisting with training all our new public safety team members.
What is your favorite memory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
Arguably, I could say most days spent at work help create core memories, which can be attributed to getting to work with the wonderful people that make up our department. If I had to pick specific moments … I have enjoyed the many different positions I’ve been able to work throughout all the football seasons I’ve been a part of, and the various big-ticket concert events we have hosted on campus. Our department has also organized several community food and blood donation drives and getting to share those experiences with coworkers was great. During our 2017 National Telecommunicator Week, our previous director arranged group helicopter rides over the city from Star Care medical personnel.
What is your life like outside of work?
I have a very low-key, homebody life outside of work. The workdays can sometimes be hectic, so I like to minimize stress as much as possible in my personal life — which might explain why I’m still single at 37. I’m an avid reader, photographer and vinyl record collector. I enjoy spending as much time as I can afford to out in nature (especially the mountains), going for walks, hiking, kayaking and camping. I also (surprisingly) enjoy cooking and have created two cookbooks with my mom, one of which was recently published.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m kind of an open book, and don’t hold many secrets. Looking at me, it may surprise some people to know that deep down I actually somewhat enjoy running, I just hardly ever force myself to do it anymore. I have participated in many 5K and 10K races over the years. Gray is my favorite color. I believe I make the most delicious chili in the state of Nebraska (unsubstantiated).
