Six Outstanding Alumni Honored

2017 Distinguished Alumni (from left): Dr. Mark Adler, Maddie Fennell, Cyndi Muhlbauer, Brent Schade, Stacie Tovar, and Dr. Jessie M. Huisinga with Dean Nancy Edick

On Wednesday, April 12, Dean Nancy Edick and the College of Education gathered for lunch and an awards presentation to recognize six alumni for outstanding contributions to their communities and professions at the 29th Annual Hollie Bethel Distinguished Alumni Luncheon. These stand-out alumni were honored in the areas of Distinguished Service, Distinguished Promising Professional, and Distinguished Professional Achievement.

Named for the university’s first female department chair, Dr. Hollie Bethel, the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon began as a way to recognize significant achievements of alumni who passionately embody the College of Education mission in their careers and community involvement. Dr. Bethel was a pioneer for the Department of Elementary Education (now Teacher Education); modeling high-standards, she led by example and was highly revered by her students and colleagues. Dr. Bethel served as the Department Chair of Elementary Education from 1951 to 1975, and her legacy continues through the annual luncheon, celebrating the College of Education’s most accomplished alumni. Since its inception in 1988, over 190 alumni have been honored.

2017 Distinguished Alumni Honorees:

Dr. Mark Adler

Department of Educational Leadership 
Distinguished Service Award

Currently in his fifth-year leading Ralston Public Schools, Dr. Adler has devoted more than 25 years to the success of Nebraska's public schools. Before joining Ralston Public Schools, Dr. Adler served students and families in Petersburg, Elgin, and Nebraska City. Dr. Adler has served many roles in education, including industrial technology teacher, football coach, basketball coach, bus driver, high school principal, activities director, assistant superintendent for business and now superintendent of schools. A first-generation college student, Dr. Adler earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the UNO’s College of Education in 2008.

Maddie Fennell

Teacher Education Department 
Distinguished Professional Achievement Award

Maddie brings extensive experience and passion to her work as an advocate for children and public education. She is a National Board Certified teacher, a former Nebraska Teacher of the Year, and a 27-year veteran of the classroom who also served as a mentor to her peers as a literary coach. She is currently the Executive Director of the Nebraska State Education Association. Maddie spent three years on special assignment to the U.S. Department of Education as a Teacher Leader in Residence in the Office of the Secretary, and as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow. She also served as a Teacher Fellow for the National Education Association. She is currently serving as Secretary of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year and as a teacher representative on the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution Education Reimagined Project. Maddie earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education and a Certificate in Urban Education from UNO’s College of Education in 2005, and an endorsement in assessment from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Dr. Jessie M. Huisinga

Department of Biomechanics 
Distinguished Promising Professional Award

An interdisciplinary researcher throughout her career, Dr. Jessie Huisinga is an engineer trained in biomechanics and neuroscience. Jessie is a Senior Scientist at the Landon Center on Aging at the University of Kansas (KU) Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas and an Assistant Professor in the KU Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. She is also affiliate faculty in the KU Bioengineering Department. As Director of the Human Performance Laboratory at the Landon Center for Aging, Dr. Huisinga aims to improve the day-to-day life of patients struggling with movement disorders, such as persons with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, by identifying the underlying sensorimotor problems that occur as a result of the disease in order to introduce more effective treatment protocols. Dr. Huisinga is an alumna of the College of Education’s Biomechanics program, completing her Master of Science in 2007 and her Doctoral degree in 2010. She completed her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Iowa and a postdoctoral fellowship in the Neurology department of Oregon Health and Science University where she was a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Research Fellow.

Cyndi Muhlbauer

Department of Counseling 
Distinguished Professional Achievement Award

A tireless advocate for trauma victims and mental health programs, Cyndi Muhlbauer has dedicated her professional career to advancing the field of trauma therapy. Cyndi is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). After working with trauma clients at Lutheran Family Services for over 10 years and achieving measurable and encouraging outcomes through work with EMDR therapy, Cyndi now advocates on a statewide level for innovative and evidence-based trauma treatment and resources for low income individuals through her role as Utilization Manager with Cenpatico. Cyndi earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from UNO’s College of Education in 2002. She also holds an undergraduate degree from UNO.

Brent Schade

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
Distinguished Service Award

Brent has served Millard Public Schools students for 16 years, working with children with disabilities of all ages—from babies to 21-year-olds. Currently Brent serves as Special Education Coordinator, preparing young adults with disabilities to successfully transition from high school to independent living. He began his professional career as a speech-language pathologist in the Special Education Preschool Program, and has also held the role of Speech-Language Pathology Department Head. Brent is an alumnus of the College of Education’s Speech-Language Pathology program, completing his Bachelor of Science in 1996 and his Master of Science in 1998. In 2011, Brent received his Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Doane College.

Stacie Tovar

School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation 
Distinguished Promising Professional Award

Stacie Tovar is the owner of CrossFit Omaha and a world-recognized CrossFit athlete. She is also a writer and fitness expert for LiveWellNebraska.com, the health and fitness website for the Omaha World Herald. Stacie left her corporate job in 2013 to become a full-time CrossFit athlete. She has since become a 7-time CrossFit Games World Competitor with a best finish of 11th in the World, an 8-time CrossFit Regional Competitor, and a 3-time CrossFit World Team Series Champion. Stacie earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from UNO’s College of Education in 2007.