Robert Mathiasen, distance education program specialist for the Office of Graduate Studies, will retire June 3.

Formerly a student affairs specialist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a psychiatry research assistant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Mathiasen began his career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1987 as an academic adviser in the former Division of Continuing Studies. Later, he was the assistant director of undergraduate programs and academic adviser for Extended Education and Outreach (serving as interim director on three occasions), recruitment specialist for online and distance Education, and program coordinator of Advanced Scholars (Nebraska Now). Mathiasen began working in Graduate Studies in his current position in July 2015.

Among the honors Mathiasen has received during his tenure with the University of Nebraska system are UPCEA Region VII Outstanding Student Specialist Award, University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS Award, Husker Football Coach of the Day, NU Division of Student Affairs Recognition Award, Who’s Who in College and University Professional and Continuing Education, and the Chancellor’s Contribution to Students Award.

A Council Bluffs, Iowa native, Mathiasen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Creighton University, a master’s of arts in psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and doctorate in educational studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He and wife Patti, a recently retired Life Skills Teacher/IEP Manager/Transition Specialist at Lincoln Southwest High School, have two children and seven active and fun grandchildren from ages 6 to 17.