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Four College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Receive Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund Awards

The four projects were selected alongside 10 other proposals. Altogether, the funded applications will receive a combined total of $1.5 million in awards. This is made possible by the generous support of the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund.

  • published: 2024/11/13
  • contact: Annie Albin - College of Arts and Sciences
Arts and Sciences Hall is framed behind golden fall leaves.

Arts and Sciences Hall

Four University of Nebraska Omaha College of Arts and Sciences faculty have been named Principal Investigators (PIs) for a new series of grants provided by the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund.

These projects were selected based on their innovative and creative nature, as well as their alignment with UNO’s core pillars. Out of 45 applicants, 14 projects were selected in this first round of funding.

Learn more about the exciting projects driven by Arts and Sciences faculty below!


Change for Engagement Capacity Building

PI: Cecilia Tocaimaza-Hatch, Ph.D.

Faculty Member Department: World Languages and Literature

The Change Lab for Engagement Capacity Building will empower the campus community to promote and undertake organizational change efforts that align with the shared university mission and identity. Through campus Engagement Advocates, the Change Lab’s resource center and innovation incubator will serve as a hub for Change Advocates and lab leaders to work in partnership with academic units, committees, and campus offices to co-create solutions.

The lab is seeking faculty and staff interested in being leaders for change. In their role as Engagement Advocates, they will work in partnership with the university community to promote and undertake organizational change efforts rooted in collaborative inquiry, shared purpose, and co-creation of solutions.

Apply to be an Engagement Advocate by Dec. 10!


Civic Leadership Fellows Learning Community

PI: Randy Adkins, Ph.D.

Faculty Member Department: Dean’s Office, Political Science

The Civic Leadership Fellows Learning Community will establish a three-year, high-impact program designed for undergraduate students with an expressed interest in civic leadership. As Civic Leadership Scholars, students will partake in extracurricular events and activities designed to strengthen their capabilities in public service, community engagement, and global leadership.


The North Omaha Initiative

PI: Cynthia Robinson, Ph.D.

Faculty Member Department: Black Studies

The North Omaha Initiative connects Omahans to educational opportunities via University of Nebraska Omaha courses taught in community spaces. By bringing classes directly to the community, the initiative aims to decrease barriers to education, increase enrollment, and provide community engagement that uplifts social and economic mobilities of underrepresented populations while also benefiting local workforce development.


Destination Omaha: Spatial Immersion Project

PI: Christina Dando, Ph.D.

Faculty Member Department: Geography & Geology

Destination Omaha: Spatial Immersion Project will bring together local tech professionals and UNO and high school students to develop immersive projects using data from the Omaha Spatial Justice Project. Through this project, participants will explore historical Omaha neighborhoods and uncover the deeper history of the city’s cultural heritage and history.