What does it mean to be a Loper? It's different. Lopers are involved and connected, and actively taking part in their learning.
Friendly and welcoming
At UNK, students support each other. We make each other feel accepted and included. Often, people know your name and smile and wave as you walk by. That’s the UNK difference.
Get involved in what matters
Be proactive. There are more than 150 active student organizations at UNK.
Student Affairs honors the diverse contributions of staff, faculty, and community stakeholders through various recognition awards, programs, and grant opportunities. Whether honoring supporting friends of Student Affairs, or current staff and faculty, we value each person’s unique contributions to Student Affairs and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It is through opportunity and the extraordinary accomplishments of many that we lay the foundation for future Lopers.
2022 Recipient Charlie Bicak, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs
2019 Recipient Ed Scantling,Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Services and Enrollment Management
2018 Recipient AlanWedige,Campus Architect
2017 Recipient Jon Watts, Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance
The Student Affairs Partnership Award is presented to individuals who have actively worked to create a successful experience for a UNK student, or group of students, by partnering with or by utilizing the resources and personnel within the Division of Student Affairs. The Partnership Awards are presented to individuals in four distinct categories: Faculty, Administration, Support Staff/Service Providers, and Off-Campus individuals. Nominations for the aforementioned awards should clearly define how the nominee worked to establish a successful outcome for the student(s) and how they utilized Divisional resources in doing so.
2023 Recipient First Scholars Team (Kyle Means, Jen Harvey, Keri Treadway, John Gibbs, Kim Seitler, Abel Virgilio)
2022 Recipient Beth Hinga, Assistant to Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs
2021 Recipient Jennifer Harvey, Director, Thompson Scholars
2019 Recipients BrandonDrozd, Program Coordinator, Central Nebraska Area Health Education Center
2018 Recipients UNK Math Department Dr. Matthew Mims, Associate Professor, Counseling and School Psychology
2017 Recipients Jim Davis, Director of UNK Police Bryan Scherbarth, Director of UNK Dining
The award for Outstanding Student Affairs Professional is presented to a candidate with a minimum of five years experience who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the profession and who have contributed to programs that address the needs of students and are experienced in creating campus environments that promote student learning and personal development, while initiating and maintaining mentoring relationships with new professionals throughout the Division.
The award for Outstanding New Professional is presented to a candidate who has no more than three years of post-graduate (Bachelor’s or Master’s) experience and is currently employed at least half-time within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Nominees should have displayed creativity in problem-solving, a commitment to their own professional development, and have sought to improve the skills and knowledge of their colleagues while creating successful partnerships with UNK students.
2023 Recipient Abel Virgilio, Kearney Bound Coordinator, Academic Success
2022 Recipient Kate DeBard, Residence Hall Coordinator of URN/URS
2021 Recipient Renae Zimmer, Assistant Director of Student & Family Transition & Leadership, Student Engagement
2019 Recipient Abbi Hanson,Residence Hall Coordinator of URN/URS
2018 Recipient Andrew Winscot, Assistant Director, Campus Recreation
2017 Recipient Travis Buchanan, Residence Hall Coordinator, URS/URN
The award for Outstanding Support Staff is presented to a candidate who has made significant contributions to their office or department by consistently providing outstanding customer service; by showing attention to detail in all facets of his/her performance; is willing to exceed expectations; is always striving for efficiency of services, programs, budgets; and actively supports all endeavors of the campus-wide community.
2022 Recipient Rebecca Doubet, Business Manager, Residence Life
2021 Recipient Sandra Heiden, Office Associate, Residence Life
2019 Recipient Brenda Rodehorst, Office Assistant, Counseling
2018 Recipient Rebecca Doubet, Business Manager, Residence Life
2017 Recipient Sandra Heiden, Office Associate, Residence Life
The award for Outstanding Graduate Assistant is presented to a candidate who is currently working to finish a Master’s degree and is employed as a Graduate Assistant within the Division of Student Affairs. Nominees should have displayed a commitment to the provision of outstanding service towards students and other key constituents, will have taken steps to provide innovative and efficient programs or services, and has consistently gone ‘above and beyond’ position requirements in order to maximize both their education and the contribution to their supporting office or department.
2023 Recipient Alex Hof, Graduate Assistant, Residence Life
2022 Recipient Francesca Castillo, Graduate Assistant, Residence Life
2021 Recipient Anfernee Covarrubias Linares, Graduate Assistant, Residence Life
2019 Recipient Tim Standifer, Graduate Assistant, Campus Recreation
Life as a Loper
Friendly and welcoming
Get involved in what matters
