There’s always a lot happening in the Doane community — more than typically can fit into a few long articles or enewsletter blurbs. To catch you up on even more on-campus events, student successes, faculty and staff achievements and alumni accomplishments, we’ll begin publishing more short-form content each month, as a way for readers to see more of what makes Doane amazing.
Get caught up this month on:
- Our Employee Appreciation Event and employee anniversaries
- Doane’s appearance at Lincoln’s Inspire Girls event
- A new faculty chair position in honor of two long-time community leaders
Employee Appreciation Event held March 11
Doane employees — leadership, faculty, staff and significant others — joined together at the Lincoln Commercial Club the evening of Saturday, March 11 to celebrate and connect. This is the second year the event has been held, as an opportunity to allow employees from across the university to get to know each other, and to recognize the immense amount of dedication and talent in our leadership, faculty and staff.
Additionally, the event celebrated several Doane alumni — Don Campbell ’61 is a member of the Board of Trustees and part-owner of the Lincoln Commercial Club. Marques Higgins ’20 provided music throughout the evening.
Employees celebrating five-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- and 40-year anniversaries were recognized during the event.
Five-Year Anniversary
- Leah Cech, Ph.D., director of religious and spiritual life
- Erin Cross, assistant professor of art
- Cale Stolle, P.h.D., P.E., assistant professor of engineering
- Luis Sotelo, vice president for the division of diversity, equity and inclusion
- Sam Cole ’07, senior system engineer
- Jocelyn King, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology
- Anita Harkins, executive director of student support services, TRiO director
- Debra Meier, Ph.D., director of online education services
- Dane Bowder ’10, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology
- Courtney East, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling, MAC program director
- Mellanie Gilroy, executive assistant for technology services
- Kalli Brannagan ’14, assistant director of the Open Learning Academy
- Lorie Cook-Benjamin, Ph.D., chief academic officer
10-Year Anniversary
- Tina Gunn, Sheldon Hall custodian
- AJ Novak, grounds and landscape associate
- Jerri Van Horn ’94L, performing arts administrative assistant
- Jenei Skillett ’19L ’23MIL, senior executive assistant to the president
- Kelli Schweitzer ’04, bursar
- Kelsee Meissner ’12 ’21B, associate registrar - non-residential campus
- Michael Hatfield, manager of grounds and fleet services
- Nathaniel Wilson, assistant professor of practice in communications
- Barbara Jennings Herzog, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics
15-Year Anniversary
- Scott Sieck, manager of maintenance services
- Ryan Dorshorst ’06, director of technology operations
- Chris Bessler ’94, head football coach
- Suzy Cochnar ’88, coordinator of campus visits
- Jennifer Bossard, Ph.D., dean of the college of business
- Kathleen Ohlman, assistant professor of practice in music
- Sandy Koll, director of advancement data services
- Michael Dixon ’13L, offensive coordinator
- Sherryl Yokel, George & Sally Haddix Recreation and Athletic Center custodian
- Joshua Oltmans, head baseball coach
- Jayne Germer ’82, learning and e-resources librarian, associate professor of library science
- Kathleen Zumpfe, associate professor of practice in business administration
20-Year Anniversary
- Suzy Carter, Ph.D., associate professor of practice in economics
- Sarah Begay ’96, associate director of career development
- Myron Parsley, director of counseling and health services
- Steve Gugel, director of enterprise services
- Dallas Underwood, Smith Hall custodian
25-Year Anniversary
- Kelly Jirovec, director of student health
30-Year Anniversary
- Les Manns, Ph.D., professor of economics
- Peggy Hart, associate professor of mathematics
- Rodney Diercks ’93E, Ed.D., professor of education
35-Year Anniversary
- Ed Fye ’82, director of track & field and cross country
- Cindy Meyer, associate professor of physical education
40-Year Anniversary
- Cody Vance ’82, assistant athletic director for athletic outreach
Doane sponsors Inspire Girls event
The morning of Saturday, March 18 dawned cold and windy, but couldn’t put a damper on the fire and spirit of hundreds of girls and their families who attended the Inspire Girls event. Doane was one of the 2023 sponsors of the event, held at the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln. At a booth on the second level, Doane admissions staff greeted girls of all ages and their parents, passed out stickers and magnets, and chatted about programs and college goals.
Andy Johnson, assistant professor of sociology and director of the honors program, introduced and participated in a panel discussion that kicked off the event.
“I think female empowerment is lifting other women up, allowing them to be confidants and allies, and allowing them to lift you up,” Johnson said in the panel.
Dr. Teresa Perkins, assistant professor and co-director of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also spoke in an educational session.
Read about the event in the Lincoln Journal Star or see video on KLKN.
Doane announces new Chair in Economics
Doane University is excited to announce the creation of the Waas & Pallett Chair in Economics. The faculty position will honor two men who made significant contributions to the Crete and Seward communities, which they called home for many years. Walter S. “Wally” Waas was the administrator of Memorial Hospital, Seward for over 34 years. Prior to that, he served as hospital administrator in Crete. James Edward “Ed” Pallett ’30 was a long-time Crete businessman. He served on Doane’s Board of Trustees from 1942 to 1982.
The establishment of the Waas & Pallett Chair in Economics will provide the salary for a top-level faculty member with a Ph.D. in economics. This position will support graduates of Doane’s College of Business by establishing a strong foundation in economics, particularly in quantitative economics, which focuses on the application of economic theory through statistical modeling and analysis, which can be used for decision making in business, finance, and broader societal issues.
“Doane is honored to establish this faculty chair in recognition of two men who exemplified the ideals of leadership. Both individuals made a significant impact on their communities,” said Dr. Roger Hughes, Doane University president. “The creation of this faculty chair reflects Doane’s motto, “We Build Leaders,” and our commitment to educational excellence through quality teaching. It reaffirms our strength as an institution.”
“Adding the Waas & Pallett Chair in Economics raises the prestige and reputation of Doane’s College of Business,” said Dr. Jennifer Bossard, dean of the College of Business. “We continually strive for excellence in providing the best student experience, and are incredibly grateful for the creation of this faculty chair that will not only enhance the student experience, but in filling this position, will help Doane attract and retain expert faculty in the areas of business and economics.”
Doane is honored to also be in the process of establishing endowed scholarships named after Walter S. “Wally” Waas. Preference for these substantial scholarships will go to seniors from Seward High School. Doane Admissions and Seward High School Counseling Center will begin accepting applications for these scholarships next year during the 2023-2024 high school academic year for an award the 2024-2025 academic year at Doane.
