Clarkson Institute, a nonprofit organization with a mission to make Nebraska the healthiest state, has announced that UNMC’s Daniel Pierce, MD, has been selected as the 2026–27 Canedy Scholar.
The Canedy Scholar Program awards one Omaha-area physician each year with full tuition support to enroll in the Health Administration Executive MBA program at the University of Colorado Denver — consistently ranked among the nation’s top health administration MBA programs. Graduates of the program gain critical business acumen, broader organizational perspective and an enhanced capacity to address complex challenges within the health care system.
“Dr. Pierce brings a deep dedication to quality and patient safety, along with the kind of curiosity and leadership mindset that drives meaningful, system-level change,” said Bill Lydiatt, MD, CEO of Clarkson Institute. “We are excited to partner with him as he continues to grow and to see the impact his leadership will have in helping Nebraska become the healthiest state in the nation.”
Dr. Pierce is an assistant professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation with the UNMC College of Medicine, where he leads physiatric medical student education and specialty career development. He also holds clinical and leadership roles through Nebraska Medicine, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Omaha VA and Bryan Health.
His work focuses on health care quality and delivery, with emphasis on transitions of care for individuals with disabilities and other complex functional needs. He is actively involved in national and statewide health policy and advocacy efforts, including serving on the Board of the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska.
“The Canedy Scholarship offers a uniquely meaningful path to pursue an advanced leadership degree while supporting my career in quality and patient safety,” Dr. Pierce said. “Beyond a traditional EMBA experience, it provides the opportunity to engage directly with Clarkson Institute’s leadership and initiatives while applying what I learn in real time.”
Clarkson Institute established the Canedy Scholar Program in 2012 in honor of James A. Canedy, who served for 36 years as administrator of Clarkson Hospital and was often described as the “unofficial dean” of health care management in Nebraska.