Ann Kraft, whose career at UNMC began in 1985 with a data entry position in human resources, is retiring at the end of May after 41 years at UNMC.
Kraft is currently a community outreach specialist with the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska. Along with her time in human resources and at BHECN, Kraft built a career that also included roles with public affairs (now Strategic Communications) and the Rural Health Education Network.
Her work allowed her to experience nearly every corner of UNMC’s Omaha campus, as well as communities across Nebraska served by the medical center.
“My favorite part of working here has been getting to know many people who are incredibly dedicated to their work,” Kraft said. “A lot of people on this campus truly strive for excellence and are really excited to share their work.”
Kraft was hired into HR in 1985 for a data entry position earning $5.11 an hour. After two years in that role, she was promoted to work for the human resources director, beginning a career path marked by continued growth and new opportunities.
In 1990, her supervisor encouraged her to apply for a newly created campus tours position in public affairs. Kraft took the advice, got the job and spent the next 14 years giving informational tours showcasing UNMC’s work to everyone from fourth graders to international dignitaries, including Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who commanded U.S. military forces during the first Gulf War.
In that role, Kraft worked closely with several UNMC chancellors and other key leaders. She also got to see firsthand the breadth of work and research taking place across campus.
In 2004, she took advantage of an opportunity to move into a part-time role with the Rural Health Education Network that allowed her to continue working in a place she loved while also having time to spend with her young daughter.
While working with UNMC’s rural health initiatives, Kraft oversaw programs for students, including the annual State Science Meet and the Rural Health Opportunities Program, which allowed her to collaborate with students and administrators at Chadron State College, Wayne State College and across UNMC’s academic units.
RHOP became a defining part of her career, offering firsthand insight into UNMC’s commitment to addressing shortages in Nebraska’s rural health workforce. Kraft built lasting relationships across campus and in communities throughout the state.
During her time with the Rural Health Education Network, Kraft began collaborating with the newly formed Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska, joining BHECN full time in 2013.
At BHECN, Kraft led several key initiatives, such as organizing an annual behavioral health conference for high school students, leading the BHECN Ambassador Program, coordinating the BHECN Buddies Program for psychiatry residents at UNMC and Creighton University, and supporting numerous other workforce development initiatives.
“Ann’s work has been foundational for BHECN,” said Marley Doyle, MD, director of BHECN. “Much of what we do today was built from the work Ann helped lead during our earliest years.”
In April, Kraft was recognized as an inaugural recipient of BHECN’s Bridge Builder Enduring Impact Award for her leadership and lasting contributions to BHECN Buddies.
Former students describe Kraft as a steady guide and enthusiastic mentor who helped create a sense of belonging and community. Colleagues describe Kraft as a connector and relationship-builder whose warmth and institutional knowledge helped shape programs and partnerships across Nebraska.
Her favorite aspect of working at BHECN has been watching students who participated in programs she helped lead as middle and high school students enter Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce.
“There are people who I remember meeting as eighth graders who are now leaders in their fields here in Nebraska,” Kraft said. “That’s the thing about pipeline work. It takes forever. But if you stay at it long enough, forever happens.”