News Archive

In a groundbreaking collaboration National Institute of Justice, Dr. Zachary Hamilton and University of Nebraska at Omaha's (UNO) Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) have conducted a comprehensive study that sheds light on inherent gender bias in conventional Risk and Needs Assessments (RNAs) within the domain of criminal justice. The research, spanning ten states and involving a sample of over 250,000 individuals under correctional supervision, reveals critical insights into the accuracy and fairness of risk predictions.

The UNO on Offutt Air Force Base (AFB) is proud to announce that its testing center has been honored with the CLEP® Honors Military Achievement award for the second consecutive year. This recognition comes as a testament to the dedication and commitment of military service members stationed on Offutt AFB and beyond, who have strived to advance their educational goals through the DANTES-funded CLEP testing program.

When most people in Omaha hear the name Billy McGuigan, their thoughts might immediately turn to one of his highly renowned touring shows, such as "Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience," "Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience," and "Billy McGuigan's Pop Rock Orchestra." These incredible performances have captivated audiences worldwide and solidified Billy McGuigan's position as an accomplished musician, singer, actor, and performer.

The TRAC (Transforming, Renewing, Achieving, and Connecting) Program has partnered with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to provide post-secondary classes for incarcerated individuals. The program will continue to operate through funding from private donors and under the leadership of Dr. Sadaf Hashimi, an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

In the world of higher education, a few leaders leave an indelible mark upon their institutions, reshaping academic landscapes and fostering real transformation. Among these visionaries, Dean John Bartle is poised to step down from his position as Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) at UNO in June of 2024. He will resume his position as Professor of Public Administration. This transition marks the culmination of a tenure characterized by unwavering dedication and pioneering accomplishments.

We are thrilled to present the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) Annual Report, showcasing a year of remarkable initiatives and meaningful community engagement. As proud members of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, CPACS aligns its efforts with the university's strategic goals, placing students at the heart of our educational endeavors while relentlessly pursuing academic excellence.

Dr. Christopher M. Kelly, Professor and Chair of the Department of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has been named a Fellow by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). This distinguished recognition acknowledges Dr. Kelly's significant contributions to the field of gerontology and his dedication to enhancing the well-being of older adults.

Entering college is an exciting and transformative time in a student's life, filled with new experiences, opportunities, and personal growth. Elise Patchen, a dedicated student at UNO, has seized these opportunities, becoming an active member of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) community.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Grace Abbott School of Social Work is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Susan Reay as its new director. With an impressive background in social work, extensive experience in clinical practice, and a passion for education, Dr. Reay brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Flying Mavs finished in 7th place at the 2023 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) which was held the week of May 8, 2023, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) and The Juvenile Justice Institute (JJI) recognized participants completing the inaugural Juvenile Justice Certificate Program on May 3, at the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association Conference in Kearney, Nebraska.

The latest graduate program rankings by U.S. News & World Report released Tuesday put a spotlight on the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) nationally recognized programs that again include two of our programs breaking the top ten in the nation for the second year running: Public Finance & Budgeting is ranked fifth and Local Government Management is ranked seventh. These programs are part of the School of Public Administration, ranked 28th in the nation.

UNO students and faculty attended the 39th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations in New York City on April 3.

The 2023 Nebraska Works! Conference – Advancing Humane Immigration Reform will be bringing in labor and business leaders to discuss ways to reform the immigration system.

A new video series called Faces of Transit in Nebraska celebrates the good work of transit agencies across the state. The University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, White Shutter Media, and numerous rural transit agencies as part of efforts to grow rural transit options in Nebraska.

The Evidence-Based Inventory of Criminal Justice Programs in Nebraska report was created as a direct result of LB 896. LB 896 sought to make changes to current provisions that require the Department of Correctional Services to evaluate the structured programming required for all persons committed to the department.

Gaylene Armstrong, Ph.D. won the 2023 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) Outstanding Mentor Award for her exceptional work willingness and commitment to foster the professional growth and achievement of students and faculty. Dr. Armstrong is currently Distinguished Professor and the Director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCCJ) at University of Nebraska at Omaha and Lincoln campus.

On March 9, 2023, the College of Public Affairs and Community Service came together, along with University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor, Joanne Li, to honor selected alumni for their contributions and commitment to public service in both daily deeds and greater achievements.

The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) is proud to announce that Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., has been named the 2023 CUMU-Philadelphia Fed Research Fellow.

Alumni volunteering time and talents provides resources for current students, faculty and staff to help ensure future success. It is also a great way to strengthen relationships between alumni, current students and faculty.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Aviation Institute is home to a new Boeing 737 Flight Training Device from Flightdeck Solutions (FDS).

Online programs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) continue to receive national recognition in newly updated rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

Dean John Bartle, Ph.D., has been elected to a two-year term as president-elect of the 8,000 member American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).

Working professionals with careers in the public sector and graduate students in a related field of study can expand their educational background and enhance their knowledge in the area of public management or expand their educational background and strengthen their knowledge in the area of nonprofit management.

Ni (Phil) He, Ph.D., has been named UNO's next Senior Vice Chancellor. He is a UNO alumnus, earning his Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice, and was selected from a pool of more than 40 qualified candidates.

Dr. Mark Foxall joined UNO faculty as the Community Service Associate in 2018, following his retirement as the Director of the Douglas County Department of Corrections.

Mindy Hunke and James Harrold, Ph.D. were honored with the 2022 Jerry and Patricia Deichert CPACS Staff Award on Friday, December 9, 2022. Dr. Harrold and Hunke demonstrate, through both their daily work and outstanding performance, the finest attributes of exceptional customer service, problem solving, leadership, mentoring, and self-improvement.