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 through March.
Every employee featured in this series was nominated by a member of the campus community.
Today, the series continues with Kayleen Walsh, staff assistant in the Department of Chemistry. Walsh has been with the university for two years. Every day on campus, she is inspired by helping students succeed through the Chemistry Resource Center.
Walsh sat down with commission members to discuss what drives her to help faculty, students and fellow staff.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Grand Island, and have lived in Maryland, Kansas, and Florida. I have a son who lives in Massachusetts and a daughter, son-in-law and grandson who live in Gretna. My daughter and son-in-law are expecting their second child in August.
I attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and have a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
How long have you been at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I have been at UNL for two years. Previously, I was a contract specialist for a management and technology consulting firm and spent 12 years in the human resources field.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
The Department of Chemistry has a great group of faculty, staff and teaching assistants that are fun to work with. Since day one, everyone in the department has been gracious with their time and willingness to help. I also enjoy helping and supporting the students who come to the Chemistry Resource Center. I am usually the first person they see when they come to the Resource Center, and I want it to always be a place where everyone feels welcome. I love getting to know the students and being a small part of their journey at UNL.
What is your favorite memory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I have so many great memories at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. From going to football games with my parents at a young age, to attending college and graduating from UNL, to now working in the Department of Chemistry. It’s hard to pick just one. I tell people UNL is my happy place. If I had to pick a favorite memory, I would say attending Nebraska football games with my parents and children. We always make a point to arrive on campus early to watch the Cornhusker Marching Band warm up and then follow them as they make their way up Stadium Drive and into Memorial Stadium. I look forward to continuing this tradition with my grandchildren.
What is your life like outside of work?
My life has changed in the past year with the arrival of my first grandchild. I’m lucky to be able to spend a lot of quality time with him. When I’m not spending time with my grandson, I like to read and work on projects around the house. I also enjoy following Husker sports with my favorites being football, basketball and volleyball.
What is something most people don't know about you?
During COVID, I started following a florist online who gave short tutorials on flower arranging. He did it to bring a little happiness to everyone during that difficult time. This is how I became interested in floral arranging. Last year, I was able to use what I learned from these videos when I assembled floral arrangements for my nephew’s wedding. Someday I would like to take a floral arrangement class to learn more.
