College of Business and Technology
College of Business and Technology
Ryo Suzuki Wins UNK’s Staff Award For Excellence
Ryo Suzuki serves as Senior Director of Marketing and External Relations for the College of Business and Technology and the Nebraska Safety Center. In this role, he always puts students and customers first. His exemplary service to the campus and Kearney community was recognized recently at the Faculty/Staff Convocation, where Suzuki was surprised to win the University of Nebraska at Kearney Staff Award For Excellence.
Nominated by his peers, Suzuki received this award thanks to his superior work on behalf of UNK’s CBT campus community. His nomination read, “Students know that his passion for teaching and genuine want for their success make them feel seen, heard, and valued.” These words from those whose lives Suzuki touches on a daily basis express what UNK and the Jim and Lynn Rundstrom Family Foundation Fund wish to acknowledge by giving this award at this annual event.
With his strong educational background which includes an MBA earned from UNK as well as his advanced social media skills, Suzuki has been able to share with the world all that the College of Business and Technology has to offer. It’s more than just a job to him though. He explains how he works with people he truly believes in and with whom he describes as “unsung heroes.” Reflecting on his colleagues and the impact they have had on him, Suzuki explains that “they make (him) look good.” He stresses that working with his team is so important because they “know each other’s strengths.” He explains how this makes it possible for the Nebraska Safety Center staff to be utilized in the best way possible.
Everyone who knows Ryo Suzuki has experienced his welcoming smile and his appreciation of what others have to say. As part of his position, he works closely with the professors at UNK’s CBT. They share with him their research which he then uses at the Nebraska Safety Center to make decisions that will result in increased public safety. Always, his goal is to be a true public servant who uses his problem-solving abilities to assist those he works with as well as the entire campus community.
When asked about receiving this honor, Suzuki quickly states that there are “many talented people” he works with who have helped him to integrate the Nebraska Safety Center more with the CBT than it's ever been since it was created in 1978. Although he admits hearing his name called at the Faculty/Staff Convocation to receive this award was a surprise, he sees it as a reason to continue to give “the best service” because of his belief that “when we put students and customers first, good things always come out.”
Not all of Suzuki’s time is spent running the Nebraska Safety Center though. His roles at the CBT have had, and continue to have, an impact on students. Through his teaching as well as his other responsibilities at the College of Business and Technology, Suzuki works tirelessly to help create a student-centered community. His cutting edge understanding of digital marketing, social media, and the role of AI in education is having a positive impact on students and contributes to the career-focused education available at UNK’s CBT.
His desire to make the world a better place doesn’t stop when Ryo Suzuki leaves the grounds of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He is quite active off campus as well. He serves on the Airport Advisory Board in Kearney, as chairperson for the Commission on Asian American Affairs, as the treasurer for The World Theatre Board of Directors, and is on the Board of Directors for the Kearney Family YMCA.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney Staff Award For Excellence has Ryo Suzuki’s name on the plaque, but he insists recognition should also be given to those he works alongside. In his characteristic way, he simply says, “Not me. It’s us.” This is just one of many reasons he is deserving of this award. He clearly understands the need to not only be a strong leader but to be part of a team. 
Everyone at UNK’s CBT and the Nebraska Safety Center congratulates Ryo Suzuki for this recognition. He is making a true difference in the Loper Family as he exemplifies the core values of growth, respect, excellence, authenticity, and transformation.
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