Gold U winner Schneider praised for her leadership

Praised for her leadership, professionalism and knowledge of the Nebraska Legislature, Erin Schneider, associate director of external relations for the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska, is the recipient of the February Gold U award.

“I was very surprised,” Schneider said. “I know it’s not handed out very often. It’s a big deal to me because I’ve worked at the med center for almost 12 years. It’s always nice to be recognized for your work.”

Prior to the 2022 legislative session, Schneider fostered relationships with senators, community partners and other key stakeholders. In addition, her work on a key interim study allowed her to convey the behavioral health workforce needs of the state, which led to the passing of LB1068.

That bill expanded BHECN’s statute to increase workforce development programming.

This has allowed BHECN to expand its programming and reach in major ways.

LB1068 doubled BHECN’s operating budget, Schneider said, and allows BHECN to add three new satellite locations. As a result, BHECN will have a presence in all six of the state’s behavioral health regions and also will be able to expand training programs.

“We’re basically able to double our programming and double our workforce development efforts,” Schneider said. “With COVID and the increase in need for mental health services, it’s going to make a difference.”

Separately, the Nebraska Legislature designated BHECN to administer $25.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding across Nebraska. Schneider implemented a competitive application process to award the funds – from creating applications for each award category to establishing review structures to building the online platform for submissions.

She relied on her previous experience with federal grants at the UNMC Department of Pediatrics to guide her work at BHECN, and she said she didn’t do any of it alone; her team was instrumental in making this happen, she said.

Kati Cordts, PhD, BHECN’s associate director of operations, said Schneider deserves the recognition.

“Her work undoubtedly will benefit the lives of thousands of Nebraskans who are providing and/or seeking behavioral health care across the state, as well as eager students looking to enter the healing profession of behavioral health,” Dr. Cordts said. “Needless to say, this starts a new chapter in BHECN’s history.”

The Gold U is awarded six times a year to employees who consistently deliver outstanding performance and service to UNMC. Recipients of the Gold U are honored at a breakfast with the chancellor, receive a Gold U pin, a $100 cash award, an invitation to the Annual Service Award Dinner, recognition at a Board of Regents meeting that includes a Board of Regents “Kudos” certificate, and a career development award of up to $2,500.