The chancellor’s May forum hosted the presentation of the inaugural UNMC Staff Advisory Council awards.
This year, the UNMC Staff Advisory Council, which was created in 2025, established two staff awards – the Staff Excellence Award and the Above and Beyond Award.
Maria Ball, communications specialist with the department of internal medicine, earned the Staff Excellence Award. It recognizes a staff member who demonstrates sustained excellence, leadership and dedication in their role while positively impacting colleagues, students, patients or the broader UNMC community.
Jacqueline Hankins-Berry, community engagement administrative associate with the Munroe-Meyer Institute, received the Above and Beyond Award. This honor recognizes a staff member who consistently exceeds expectations, demonstrates exceptional initiative and makes a significant positive impact beyond their regular job duties.
“From more than 50 outstanding nominations, Maria Ball and Jackie Hankins-Berry rose to the top because they consistently embody UNMC’s values while going far above and beyond in service and impact,” said Gabby Jensen, secretary of the UNMC Staff Advisory Council and an administrative associate in UNMC Academic Affairs.
Ball was recognized for embodying integrity and leadership, along with employing outstanding digital design skills. Working with the department website and digital accessibility updates, Ball reflects exceptional initiative and problem-solving skills, her nominator said.
“If there is a task that seems impossible at first, she spends time thinking about how she can be innovative to solve the challenge or finds out who on campus might be able to help the team,” according to the nominator. “This reflects her integrity, dedication to excellence and her deep commitment to UNMC and supporting her department faculty.”
A nominator praised Hankins-Berry’s commitment to teamwork and service across UNMC that goes beyond her administrative responsibilities, including roles on the quality council, MMI Administrative Associates Group and UNMC IRB Committee, as well as with planning MMI community events.
“What truly sets Jackie apart is the way she shows up for people,” the nominator wrote. “Her door is always open — whether someone needs guidance on a professional challenge or support through a personal one. She creates a space where individuals feel heard, valued and understood.”