The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has relaunched the Staff Leadership Academy, with 25 staff members selected for the 2026-27 cohort. The program, now coordinated by Organizational Development and Training within Human Resources, is designed to build leadership capacity among university staff through cohort-based learning, peer connection and applied project work.
The cohort includes:
- Nicole Adkins, director of payroll operations, Payroll Services;
- Beth Barry, maintenance manager, Building Systems Maintenance (University Operations);
- Lauren Becwar, associate director of marketing communications, University Communication and Marketing;
- Jessie Brophy, senior director of external relations and strategic initiatives, IANR (Office of the Vice Chancellor);
- Isabella Flamel, program coordinator for recognized student organizations and leadership, Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement;
- Traci Gunderson, associate director of global partnerships and initiatives, Global Nebraska;
- Jordan Heim, assistant director, Center for Academic Success and Transition;
- Tiffani Hix, director of the project management office, Research and Innovation;
- Akeem (AJ) Holmes, senior assistant director, Next Chapter Programs;
- William Johnston, assistant director, Nebraska Innovation Studio;
- Kimberly Kraska, assistant registrar, Office of the University Registrar;
- Samantha Lowry, associate director, Campus Recreation;
- Kenji Madison, director, Student Culture and Community;
- Jessica Mitchell-McCollough, senior director of education, Nebraska Public Media;
- Matt Nelson, director of residence life, University Housing;
- Edith Reza-Martinez, assistant director of graduate education engagement, Office of Graduate Studies;
- Brian Sabata, assistant director of award acceptance and contract negotiation, Office of Sponsored Programs;
- Meagan Savage, director of student academic and career development, College of Arts and Sciences;
- Santanna Schunk, assistant director, Husker Hub;
- Lori Sorto, director of finance and budget, College of Business;
- Jill Stohs, assistant director of student development, College of Law;
- Michael Straatmann, associate director for collection management, University Libraries;
- Elle Straatmann, director of academic planning and processes, College of Engineering;
- Valerie Swartz-Hansen, operations manager, University of Nebraska Public Policy Center; and
- Ly Tran, business manager, College of Education and Human Sciences.
The cohort has completed its first session, which focused on change management. Participants explored the psychology of change, worked through an eight-step model for leading change, and practiced peer consultation by bringing a real leadership challenge to a small group for feedback and problem-solving.
"As the university moves forward with Our Bold Path Forward, developing strong leaders at every level is how we turn that framework into reality," said Celeste Spier, director of Organizational Development and Training. " This cohort represents the kind of leadership bench strength the university needs to help shape our path toward an extraordinary institution."
Upcoming sessions will cover higher education finance, strategic planning, and organizational communication, building on the foundation participants established in session one.
Small groups will also begin forming soon to start work on strategic project proposals, a core component of the academy. Each group will spend the year developing a proposal addressing a real challenge facing the university, culminating in a final presentation to campus leadership in the spring.
Learn more about the Staff Leadership Academy. Questions or feedback can be sent to cspier2@unl.edu.
