The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs created seven Impact in Education Awards to recognize the dedication and ingenuity of our educators. Award categories include innovation, leadership, mentorship, service, interprofessional, and research.

Recipients receive award funds, recognition at the annual award ceremony, and their name displayed on a plaque in the Academic Affairs office. Award funds are to be used for professional development within two years after being awarded.

The ceremony is facilitated by the Interprofessional Academy of Educators.

Here is a list of the Impact in Education Awards:

  Varner Educator Laureate

This is the highest recognition given by UNMC and, as such, can only be awarded one time to the same individual. The award recognizes an individual with sustained achievement in education who has significantly improved the UNMC learning environment through the provision of outstanding educational experiences.

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC faculty for 5 or more years (excludes previous Educator Laureate recipients, UNMC Deans, Institute or Library Directors, Hospital CEO, Vice Chancellors, or Chancellor)
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Educator Laureate Nomination Form

  Innovative Practices in Education

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates ingenuity, courage, and creativity in teaching, including innovations in use of educational technology, experiential learning, adoption of simulation and/or creative use of the classroom.

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC faculty for 2 or more years (excludes UNMC Deans, Institute or Library Directors, Hospital CEO, Vice Chancellors, or Chancellor); previous award winners eligible after 5 years
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Innovative Practices in Education Nomination Form

  Visionary Leadership in Education

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the ability to skillfully establish or administer an educational initiative or role at UNMC or a national organization.

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC faculty for 2 or more years (excludes UNMC Deans, Institute or Library Directors, Hospital CEO, Vice Chancellors, or Chancellor); previous award winners eligible after 5 years
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Visionary Leadership in Education Nomination Form

  Inspirational Mentor of Educators

This award recognizes an individual who has mentored and sponsored junior faculty or trainees in teaching and educational excellence at the local, regional, or national level, including a consistent track record of fostering future educators.

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC faculty for 5 or more years (excludes UNMC Deans, Institute or Library Directors, Hospital CEO, Vice Chancellors, or Chancellor); previous award winners eligible after 5 years
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Inspirational Mentor of Educators Nomination Form

  Valor in Educational Service

The award recognizes volunteer, emeritus, or adjunct faculty whose daily service to our learners as preceptors, small group leaders, mentors, and research advisors exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching or clinical supervision.

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC volunteer, adjunct and emeritus faculty for 2 or more years; previous award winners eligible after 5 years
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Valor in Educational Service Nomination Form

  Interprofessional Education Scholar

The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to interprofessional education locally, regionally, or nationally.

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC faculty for 2 or more years (excludes UNMC Deans, Institute or Library Directors, Hospital CEO, Vice Chancellors, or Chancellor); previous award winners eligible after 5 years
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Interprofessional Education Scholar Nomination Form

  Research in Education Scholar

The award recognizes an individual who has advanced the educational literature through peer-reviewed publications, educational grants, and original research.

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligible Candidates: All full-time or part-time UNMC faculty for 2 or more years (excludes UNMC Deans, Institute or Library Directors, Hospital CEO, Vice Chancellors, or Chancellor); previous award winners eligible after 5 years
• Nomination Instructions: Complete the Research in Education Scholar Nomination Form