Eleven faculty, staff and Ph.D. students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business received recognition for their efforts driving discovery, creating opportunity and empowering students to lead the future of business during the 2024-25 academic year. Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance, announced the award winners at a celebration in Howard L. Hawks Hall in May.

“This event gives us the opportunity to celebrate the impactful work our faculty and staff do every day to support our students, advance research and build meaningful connections in our community. The people honored today are a testament to how we lead the future of business in ways only Nebraska can,” Farrell said.

Award winners are selected by committees that review nominations and choose individuals who exemplify the college’s commitment to excellence. To view past winners or submit a nomination for future awards, visit the Nebraska Business Recognitions webpage.

Distinguished Service Award

Michelle Jacobs, department operations manager of the Department of Marketing, received the Distinguished Service Award for consistently going above and beyond in her role. Jacobs, who joined the college in 1984, oversees daily operations for the department and supports students majoring in marketing and agribusiness, as well as those in the Center for Sales Excellence.

In addition to her departmental responsibilities, she contributes broadly across the college, serving on committees such as the college’s Engagement Committee and was formerly on the Student of the Month Selection Committee. This marks her fifth time receiving the award, and her honors at the college and university levels include 10 Dean’s Coins, eight Friends and Family Awards, the Floyd S. Oldt Silver Pen Award and the Board of Regents Kudos Award.

Her nominator said, “Michelle is truly the heart of our department. Her knowledge, dedication and kindness keep everything running smoothly. She always goes above and beyond to make everyone feel supported and valued.” 

D'vee Buss Students First Award

Rose Hull, associate director of the Teaching and Learning Center, '20, received the D’Vee Buss Students First Award for her commitment to putting students at the center of her work. She leads student support efforts in the center, coordinates tutoring and supplemental instruction and plays a key role in the Inclusive Business Leaders program. Supportive, easy to talk to, responsive, inclusive, motivating and caring were among the common themes from her 32 nominations.

“Rose has done nothing but amazing work with the tutors in the TLC,” said a nominator. “She ensures they’re taken care of and that they have the resources they need to succeed.”

A student added, “College wouldn’t be what I hoped for without her. With IBL being my favorite class and Rose as the instructor, it definitely motivates me to show up every day, knowing she has my best interests at heart.”

Faculty Service Award

Jennifer Ryan, department chair and professor of supply chain management and analytics and Van Horne Family Endowed Chair, received the Faculty Service Award for her sustained contributions to the college. Since joining Nebraska, she has launched numerous academic programs across all levels, including the business analytics undergraduate major and master’s and Ph.D. specializations in supply chain management and analytics.

A nominator said, “Jennifer’s sustained contributions exemplify the highest ideals of service, making her an outstanding candidate for this award.”

She has served on several high-impact college committees and represented the college on national professional boards.

Ph.D. Student Teaching Award

Brandon Fogel, Ph.D. candidate in management, received the Ph.D. Student Teaching Award for excellence in the classroom. Studying organizational behavior, he is recognized for fostering a positive, engaging and supportive learning environment.

“He ensures we have many learning opportunities and truly cares for his students,” a nominator said. “His dedication for teaching should be recognized and awarded.”

Another shared, “He has met with some students outside of class to help bring in perspective on how his knowledge can assist them with the things they are facing. He often brings many laughs into class.”

Excellence in Teaching Award

Robin Garewal, assistant professor of practice in marketing, '21, received an Excellence in Teaching Award for his ability to connect real-world sales experience with classroom instruction. A Nebraska MBA graduate, he brings 15 years of industry experience into his classes.

“Professor Garewal displays the essence of exceptional teaching, infusing each class session with an unparalleled energy,” a nominator said. “He ensures that class is enjoyable and that students are learning.”

Another added, “He goes beyond the standard role of an educator, building meaningful connections and creating a supportive atmosphere where every student feels seen and valued.”

Excellence in Teaching Award

Timothy Hodges, Joan Heiser Endowed Presidential Chair, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management, ’00, ’01 & ’20, also received an Excellence in Teaching Award. He teaches BSAD 101 and is praised for investing in every student and creating an inclusive, strengths-based classroom environment.

“Tim is a dedicated professor who genuinely cares about his students and their well-being,” a nominator said. “He notices every student and engages everyone.”

An online MBA student added, “His assignments help us apply content to become better leaders, and he genuinely listens to feedback.”

Online Graduate Programs Teaching Award

Brett Neely, assistant professor of management, earned the Online Graduate Programs Teaching Award for his work with organizational behavior students. Neely joined the college in 2020 and is known for creating interactive online courses that connect academic theory with practical application.

“Dr. Neely’s feedback was thought-provoking and encouraged me to analyze my thoughts from different angles,” a student shared. “Having the chance to share weekly experiences translated into great discussion.”

Distinguished Teaching Award

Tammy Beck, associate professor of management, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for her positive impact on students’ academic experiences. Her background includes management roles in public companies and more than 17 years as a certified public accountant.

Nominators praised her thoughtful teaching approach and consistent, personalized feedback. “Dr. Beck goes above and beyond by providing each student with several minutes of personalized, constructive video feedback,” a student nominator said.

Another added, “She always asks for good news and job or grad school updates and will celebrate everything exciting in our lives.”

Ph.D. Student Research Award

Diego Villalpando, Ph.D. candidate in management, received the Ph.D. Student Research Award for his impressive publication record and research pipeline. His work includes a paper conditionally accepted at the Journal of Management and revisions underway for the Academy of Management Journal and Applied Psychology. His dissertation explores the effects of unverified information about CEO dismissals.

A nominator said his record shows “outstanding potential for great things.”

Villalpando also received the Ph.D. Student Teaching Award in 2024.

Emerging Scholar Research Award

Brenden Timpe, assistant professor of economics, earned the Emerging Scholar Research Award for outstanding early-career contributions. Since joining Nebraska, he has published in top journals including the American Economic Review and Journal of Public Economics.

"Brenden’s work has been cited 351 times as of November 14, 2024, including an h-index of 7," a nominator said. "He has an outstanding record of winning competitive external grants, including one from the Russell Sage Foundation ($193,885) and one from the National Science Foundation ($49,608)."

His research focuses on labor and public economics, including preschool access, college major choices and paid maternity leave. He co-organizes the Nebraska Labor Summit and has received funding from the National Science Foundation and Russell Sage Foundation.

Distinguished Research Award

Özgür Araz, Ron and Carol Cope professor of supply chain management and analytics, received the Distinguished Research Award for his impactful work in healthcare operations and public health. Over the past five years, he has published 22 journal articles, including five in top-tier outlets.

A nominator said, "Özgür's research productivity has been truly exceptional. His work has directly addressed critical challenges in healthcare and public health systems, offering innovative solutions to improve efficiency and decision-making processes."

His research is supported by organizations including the National Institutes of Health and Nebraska Medicine, and he serves on editorial boards for several major journals. A faculty fellow for the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, Araz continues to shape public health and supply chain research.