Jake Kirkland Jr. has been appointed Interim Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Juan N. Franco, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, made the announcement Aug. 10.

In the new role, Kirkland will coordinate diversity programming for the office and also will oversee the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services. He will begin his duties Aug. 12.

“I am humbled and honored by this opportunity to continue to serve the students and members of the university community in this new capacity,” Kirkland said.

Kirkland earned a bachelor’s of education from Chadron State College, as well as a master’s in counseling psychology and doctorate in adult education from UNL. He joined the Division of Student Affairs at UNO in 1981 and came to UNL in 1986. He is currently a senior career adviser in UNL’s Office of Career Services.

“Dr. Kirkland’s passion is to serve students in a caring, honest, supportive and compassionate manner,” Franco said. “He is dedicated to those with whom he works and is a bridge-builder with other departments within the university.”

Kirkland is a past winner of the Spirit of Nebraska Award, a Kudos Award from the NU Board of Regents, the MLK Fulfilling the Dream Award, and the James V. Griesen Exemplary Service to Students Award.

He succeeds Andre Fortune, who left the university earlier this year.