Tina Renner doesn’t wear a uniform, but after more than two decades at UNMC, including 23 years with UNMC’s Police and Public Safety Department, she’s become an essential force behind campus safety.
Renner, business operations coordinator for the department, has been named the October recipient of UNMC’s Gold U Award, a recognition of her leadership, efficiency and unwavering commitment to the people she serves. She will be recognized at today’s meeting of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents meeting at the UNMC Davis Global Center.
One colleague said: “Tina cares deeply for her team, ensuring they have what they need to be successful. She is committed to getting the job done, and her ability to keep projects moving is truly ‘next level’.”
As support staff to UNMC’s police and public safety team, her work makes things easier for them, and in that way positively impacts the safety of the entire campus. From overseeing payroll and hiring to managing student workers and navigating human resources functions like FMLA and workers’ compensation, Renner is the operational backbone of a department that stretches across both the UNMC and University of Nebraska at Omaha campuses.
Renner’s UNMC story began in 2001 in the UNMC Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, but it wasn’t long before she found her calling in public safety. She started as an office associate in 2002 and steadily advanced, most recently stepping into the coordinator role in December 2024.
Her impact goes well beyond logistics. Known for her collaborative spirit and “servant leader” mindset, Renner is praised for helping standardize processes, strengthen internal systems and proactively find ways to improve how the department serves the campus.
“Her forward-thinking mindset has led to effective strategies that drive meaningful change,” said one nominator.
Still, the award came as a surprise.
“I was very shocked,” Renner said. “It’s humbling … and validating. What means the most is that a former employee nominated me. Even after leaving to grow in their own career, they still recognized the work I do.”
Ask her why she’s stayed at UNMC for 24 years, and the answer is simple: the people.
“There’s always variety in who you work with, and the departments are always willing to help one another,” she said.
Off the clock, Renner enjoys quiet time with family and friends at her lake community. She stays active walking her two dogs and cherishes moments away from the daily hustle.
“It’s an honor to work here,” she said. “Even when it’s not wonderful, it’s still wonderful. That’s how you know it’s the right place.”