Batton Recognized With Women's Legacy Award

One of UNO’s own was recently recognized by a local non-profit dedicated to empowering women in the community.

Candice Batton, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs, was awarded the 2021 “Women’s Legacy Award” by Women on a Mission for Change, an organization whose mission is to “inclusively bridge women and girls to achieve their full potential and become empowered leaders of a greater community.”

Batton, who has been with UNO since 1999, is also an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice and previously served as director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. She was presented with the award at the organization’s annual gala on Friday, Oct. 15.

“I have benefitted from mentors who have guided me in my own educational pursuits and over the course of my career,” Batton said. “As a result, I have long recognized the impact those individuals have had, and continue to have, on me.”

Batton was nominated by her colleague, Theresa Barron-McKeagney, who serves as associate dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

“Candice cares deeply about higher education for everyone, including students, faculty, staff, and community members,” Barron-McKeagney said. “She is not afraid to take a position on issues and voice her concerns. For a woman at this level in academe, many women in particular look to Candice for guidance and feedback.”

The Women’s Legacy Award is given annually to a woman who “exhibits a high level of professional or volunteer achievement and leadership skills”; “generate significant impact in Nebraska”; “is highly respected by her peers and is a role model for other women”; and demonstrates passionate commitment to a cause through her activities.”

Among Batton’s accomplishments in mentorship include meeting with new faculty each semester to help them get familiar with UNO; serving as chair of UNO’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility group; serving as lead on issues of faculty reappointment, promotion, and tenure issues for university faculty; and helping coordinate UNO’s Strategic Investment in Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion, which has led to multiple initiatives dedicated to fostering equity across campus.

“Candice would be the first to state that these accomplishments do not belong to her but the many leaders on UNO’s campus that come together with a common vision,” Barron-McKeagney said. “Good leaders know that it takes many creative minds to make things happen, but leadership is important to continue onward with the great visions.”

In reflecting on her experiences, Batton said that in order make a difference it is important to be intentional in how others are brought to the table to find solutions to problems.

“People thrive in an environment where they feel they truly belong. In the workplace this is more than being invited to the meeting. It is being offered a seat at the table and having a voice that is listened to and respected by others.”