Catalyst for Education Award
Educational support staff are the backbone of UNMC’s success, and the Catalyst for Education award was created to honor their outstanding contributions.
The Catalyst for Education award, sponsored by the Academy, recognizes an individual in an educational support role whose contributions have been integral to furthering the educational mission at UNMC.
Recipients of the Catalyst for Education award are team members who are vital to the success of the educational mission, promote a premier environment, and ensure success of all trainees.
Criteria
- All full-time UNMC staff members, with one or more years of service, whose primary responsibility is to provide educational support are eligible.
- Previous award winners eligible after 5 years.
- Faculty members are not eligible for this award.
Public health advocate Nickol receives education catalyst award
Brenda Nickol, winner of the 2025 Catalyst for Education Award, was honored for her integral contributions to furthering the educational mission at UNMC.
Previous Award Winners
Area:
Office of the Dean, College of Public Health
According to hER nominators:
Brenda’s commitment to student development is evident in her leadership, forward-thinking approach and dedication to career advancement. She cultivates meaningful connections, provides essential resources and prepares students for professional success. Her energy, expertise and genuine investment in student achievement make a lasting difference in public health education.
Area:
UNMC High School Alliance
According to hER nominators:
Heidi’s contributions extend beyond the operational aspects of the program. She has cultivated an environment that encourages curiosity, learning and growth. Her ability to mentor and guide students coupled with her passion for education has left an indelible mark on everyone involved in the program. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping the future of many young individuals who have participated in the High School Alliance, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in medicine and health care.
Area:
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy
According to his nominators:
Jesse has played critical roles throughout the College of Medicine and the state of Nebraska. He handles situations that require a "healing touch" with empathy and compassion. His invaluable role as the Gross Anatomy Laboratory Manager and Advanced Anatomy Laboratory Manager, along with his service as a UNMC Nebraska Anatomical Board Representative, has positively impacted the education of over 1,000 students.
Area:
Office of Public Health Practice
According to her nominators:
Laura is someone who cares about a student’s success. She has been a champion for students and communities at UNMC for over a decade. Laura has been instrumental in building community-based partnerships throughout Nebraska, the US, and the world. She is an excellent example of UNMC’s commitment to high quality and state-of-the-art educational experiences.
Area:
Department of Internal Medicine
According to her nominators:
Erin always puts others first. She works daily with caring and compassion for those around her that leaves a truly positive impact on the entire department. Erin is a bridge builder. She brings a terrific attitude every day and does her job with the utmost integrity making all those around her better.
Area:
College of Nursing
According to her nominators:
Molly has contagious positivity that manifests itself in the midst of hard work to improve the experience for all UNMC students. The status quo is not an option in Molly’s world, and her pursuit of excellence is relentless. She has often been the catalyst for new opportunities, but even when ideas don’t start with her, she is a staunch cheerleader and supporter.
Area:
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences
According to her nominators:
Kim puts her heart and soul into everything she takes on. She is the backbone of the IGPBS program. According to her students, Kim is the reason most of them get through not just their first years, but their PhDs.
Area:
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy
According to her nominators:
Megan has the enviable and very desirable knack for efficiently juggling the needs, wants, and personalities of countless faculty, staff, and administrators on a daily basis. The quality of Megan’s work is unmatched; she has incredible attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in her work.
Area:
Department of Pediatrics
According to her nominators:
Cindy is an indispensable member of the educational mission, not only through her service to our learners and faculty but also in the excellence with with she represents us on the national stage.