IANR Awards and Recognition

The awards coordinated by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources recognize faculty and staff members who advance the mission of the University in teaching, research, extension, and service.

We invite you to learn more about each award, past award recipients, and nomination information.

The Kudos Award nominations are accepted between February 1 -  May 1, 2024.

The Faculty Awards nominations are accepted between April 1 - August 1, 2025. The faculty awards include the Omtvedt Innovation Awards and Dinsdale Family Faculty Award.

The Staff Awards nominations are accepted between  July 1 - October 1, 2024. The staff awards include the Omtvedt Servant Leader, Exemplary Service, and Outstanding Employee awards.

For more information on the University-wide faculty awards coordinated by Central Administration (IDEA, ORCA, OTICA, UDTA), visit their recognition and awards website.

Outstanding Employee Award

In recognition of an employee who goes above and beyond their job responsibilities

Award: $750

Eligibility: Permanent IANR office/service or managerial/professional (.50 FTE or more). Employee cannot be on corrective probation. The OEA can be received once every 5 years.

About the AwardNomination InstructionsPast Awardees

Exemplary Service Award

In recognition of outstanding employees who maintain a high level of exemplary service to the university.

Award: $1000

Eligibility: Permanent IANR office/service or managerial/professional (.50 FTE or more) with 20 or more years of service to the university. Employee cannot be on corrective probation. Nominees should consistently demonstrate high-quality performance, project a commitment toward excellence in the quality of daily work, inspire a "teamwork attitude," contribute to high-staff morale, and use sound judgment in the exercise of duties.

About the AwardNomination InstructionsPast Awardees

Omtvedt Servant Leader Award

In recognition of outstanding employees who demonstrate servant leadership in a way that inspires collaboration and excellence, and elevates the performance of others.

Award: $1000

Eligibility: Full time IANR employees in office/service or managerial/professional roles. Employee cannot be on corrective probation.

About the AwardNomination InstructionsPast Awardees

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Kudos Award

In recognition of outstanding service to the University of Nebraska

Award: $150

Eligibility: The Board of Regents recognizes full-time employees for outstanding service to the University of Nebraska. Only past IANR Outstanding Employee Award recipients are eligible for nomination.

About the AwardNomination InstructionsPast Awardees

Omtvedt Innovation Award

In recognition of innovative faculty members, or a team lead by faculty, in the areas of teaching, research and extension education

Award:$2500 (or $5000 per team)

Eligibility: IANR faculty, or a team lead by a faculty, who has demonstrated exceptional abilities and innovation in the areas of teaching, research, or extension education.

About the AwardNomination InstructionsPast Awardees

Dinsdale Family Faculty Award

In recognition of a meritorious faculty member for unique contribution in teaching, research, or extension education

Award: $2000

Eligibility: Faculty member who has not yet been awarded tenure or who is not in a tenure track position; e.g. equivalent rank faculty, lecturers, extension educators, who have demonstrated unique contributions in teaching, research, or extension education.

About the AwardNomination InstructionsPast Awardees