Ron Withem, senior associate vice president for university affairs and director of governmental relations at the University of Nebraska, was presented Dec. 12 with a national award honoring his achievements in higher education state relations.

Withem is the 2013 recipient of the Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Achievement Award, administered annually by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Association of Community Colleges. The award recognizes extraordinary achievement in state relations and institutional advocacy to governors, state legislators and other policymakers.

NU President James B. Milliken nominated Withem.

“My goal is to communicate to policymakers the enormous value the University of Nebraska brings to the state and its people. It’s an honor to be recognized for my efforts with the Swede Johnson Award,” Withem said. “I’m grateful for the support of President Milliken and my colleagues who join me in advocating for the important role the University of Nebraska plays in the state’s success.”

Withem, a former Nebraska state senator who served as Speaker of the Legislature and chaired the Legislature’s Education Committee, has been at the University of Nebraska since 1997. He also has experience as a classroom teacher.