For Darla Morris, UNK Will Always Feel Like Home

On March 3, 2025, Darla Morris will officially retire from her career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. That doesn’t mean she will stop being a Loper though. What she has gained during the past 42 years working at the Nebraska Safety Center is much more than the accumulated hours and professional experience associated with a career. Darla found a home at UNK a long time ago, one that she will always feel welcome returning to.

It started back when she was a high school student in Arapahoe. She felt that Kearney State College, since it was so close to her hometown, was a “great fit” for her. By her senior year of college, she had an internship at the Nebraska Safety Center that led to an office associate position. She would eventually hold the positions of Safety Training Coordinator, STOP

Coordinator, Business Manager and Finance Director before becoming the head of the entire operation. 

In the early years, before Kearney State College became the University of Nebraska at Kearney, she was impressed by the “family atmosphere.” She recalls going into Founders Hall as a new employee and having the late Earl Rademacher call her by name. It resonated with her that, as important as he was on campus, he had taken the time to learn her name. Not only did Darla find a home at UNK when she began her career, but she also became part of a family.

Reflecting on her impressive 42-year career and all the friends she has made, she also knows UNK was instrumental in her personal life. Darla met her husband on campus. He eventually became the head Loper football coach, an experience which led to lifelong relationships with coaches and student athletes. Loper football became a huge part of both of their lives.

As the years went by, her family members, to include her brother, sister, two nephews, and one niece, began attending UNK. In addition to the joy of seeing her family on campus, she reminisces about the “many friends” she and her husband “met through (their) ties at the college.” She shares how, ultimately, they made Kearney their official hometown because of the way Kearney embraced them.

As Darla looks back, she cannot help but see the changes that have taken place on UNK’s campus as it has grown over the years. One thing that never changed, however, was the way people made her feel. Just like she noticed over four decades ago when she began the job that would lead to her career, she states that being part of UNK is really a “family-type atmosphere.” 

Over the years, as Darla worked her way to the very top of the Nebraska Safety Center, she “learned it takes a team to run an organization.” She knows she has worked with an amazing team full of “dedicated people who are passionate” about the same mission. The hallmark of a great leader is someone who is able to work together with others, something Darla exemplifies. She understands the need to take advice from her team and to appreciate what they have to offer.

She states that she has “been blessed” and will “miss the people.” In addition to her team, she has had the pleasure of working with different chancellors and deans. She is especially grateful to Dr. Tim Jares, dean of the College of Business and Technology, who “has really embraced the safety center and its mission.”

Dr. Jares shares how Darla is “one of the most unselfish, hardest-working people” he knows. As he reflects on their work together, he states that he “never had to ask (her) anything twice.” In fact, he goes on to say that there were times when she answered questions he hadn’t even asked her yet. 

As the years rolled by, Darla and her husband were fortunate enough to have their daughter, Linsey, follow their footsteps by becoming a Loper. Life later took Linsey to Florida where she and her family currently live. Darla has been working remotely from Florida for the past year, spending time with her two grandchildren. Being with her family as well as reflecting on the need to have vision as the director of the Nebraska Safety Center, she understands life is now shifting her vision in a different direction.

Although she and her husband plan to live part-time in both Kearney and Florida, right now her focus is on her grandchildren. She is looking forward to watching her grandson play Division 1 baseball at the University of South Florida and her granddaughter play high school volleyball. 

She admits life will be different now that the West Center is almost in her rearview mirror. In a way, she will be taking her own advice that she is offering to Ryo Suzuki, the new director of the Nebraska Safety Center. She believes “being willing to change and adjust to new things” will help him to bring the level of excellence to this position that he has already brought to UNK.

As Darla Morris hands over the reins, she only has gratitude in her heart, sharing that she is “very happy to have spent (her) career” at UNK. Dr. Jares speaks for everyone at UNK when he states that “there is no doubt the Nebraska Safety Center and our myriad stakeholders are much better off because of Darla Morris’ efforts.”