Ben Lennander, budget and business coordinator in the College of Education and Human Sciences, has been named director of process improvement as part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s ongoing service delivery initiative.

The initiative aims to streamline and improve operations in the areas of accounting, payroll, research administration and human resources. It is currently in an implementation planning phase, with each campus unit developing business centers with their own college-focused approaches and timelines.

Lennander assumed his position Aug. 1. He brings an expansive background to the position, having worked for both the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources on East Campus and several organizations on City Campus.

As director, Lennander is working with stakeholders across the university to ensure process consistency, training and support for the upcoming changes.

“Over the past decade and since joining the Big Ten, Nebraska has seen a continued growth in our number of faculty, staff, and students. This growth has required us to look at how we can improve and make our business operations more efficient,” Lennander said.

“As director of this initiative, I’m excited to see how these enhanced processes benefit our business staff and campus as a whole.”

Mike Boehm, Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources; Richard Moberly, interim executive vice chancellor; and Bill Nunez, vice chancellor of business and finance, are leading service delivery initiative efforts as executive sponsors.

A steering committee is also helping facilitate progress on the initiative. Members include:

• Jeff Bassford, assistant vice chancellor of IANR
• Layton Brooks, director of human resources
• Mary LaGrange, assistant vice chancellor and controller
• James Volkmer, assistant vice chancellor

Campus feedback has been an important part of the initiative’s development. As such, several information sessions will be held for faculty and staff during the fall semester. A survey will also be distributed this semester, which will help committee members assess improvement over the next several years.

Business support staff can find more information, including a project timeline and frequently asked questions, on the service delivery initiative website.