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.”
Very outstanding achievement and work. Consistency and dedication certainly yield rewards. Congratulations and wishing you all the best!
Kudos on a job well done, Ann! Enjoy your retirement!
Wow, 41 years, what a career, AK! UNMC has been so lucky to have you. Thanks for all your great work, Ann, and for all the good times we shared over the years. Enjoy the next chapter, buddy.
Congratulations Ann! Enjoy your retirement. You will be missed!
What a journey, Ann. Enjoy the next chapter.
Wow! Congratulations on a fabulous career and best wishes for your retirement, Anne.
I will be at your retirement tea (Wednesday, May 27, from 2-4 p.m. in the Linder Reading Room) to help you celebrate your amazing career! Just don’t expect me not to cry a little… 🙂
Extraordinary UNMC career! Blessing and best wishes along your retirement journey!!
Congratulations Ann! Enjoy your retirement!
Congratulations Ann! Enjoy retirement! I remember well your entry into HR and what a valuable resource you were starting from day one.
Ann, congratulations on your fabulous career! So nice to have known you all those years ago. Wishing you a great retirement!
What an incredible career, Ann, and grateful to have worked with you in Swanson Hall. Best wishes for the adventures ahead.
Congratulations, Ann, on your retirement. You have made a difference at UNMC. I know you’ll enjoy the next chapter!!
Ann, you contributed so much and saw so much to UNMC—an incredible career. Wishing you a happy retirement.
What an incredible career! Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy every minute.
So very happy to read about all of your amazing accomplishments!! Your influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression long after your retirement! May life bring you nothing but the best as you embark on the next step in your life’s journey!! I still remember all the good times and memories made in Swanson Hall!
Congratulations Anne, what a remarkable career. Enjoy your retirement.
Tracy Hull
Have a wonderful retirement Ann!! Thank you for all your help in our early days. I have always remembered it and appreciated it! ENJOY the fun ahead!
Anne, you have been fantastic to work with, always enthusiastic and competent. You made every project exciting, each young prospective student feel important and showed all of us how collaboration improved outcomes. I am out of town for the retirement celebration but I will be thinking of you. Congratulations.
Wow! Congratulations to you! Now everyday is a Saturday.
Between these comments and the people who came to my tea, I am reminded why I loved working at UNMC all this time. I have met so many wonderful people. Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. It’s been a fun journey, and I am excited for the next chapter. Thank you so much!
Ann
Ann: I am sorry that I was unable to attend your retirement tea. I have very fond memories of working with you in various capacities over many years. It was always an easy working relationship. I wish you the best in your retirement, and I hope you know that you will always be welcome in the growing group of UNMC retirees! Dave