For 26 years, Gwendolyn Combs, associate professor of management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, combined her real-world human resources experience with research-driven teaching to prepare students for their careers. Guided by faith and a commitment to helping others thrive, she fostered belonging, created a course promoting workplace inclusion and led efforts to strengthen community across the College of Business and the university.
“Each semester was an opportunity to renew, recalibrate and have a positive impact on students," said Combs. "Through every season of my life and career, my faith provided the wisdom to lead, the courage to persevere, the desire to serve and the humility to remain grateful.”
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wellesley College and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis before building a successful career in human resources across the private and public sectors. She first served as the director of human resources at UNL in the early 1980s after her husband, Michael, joined the political science department as a professor.
"After four years, we relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be closer to family. The move was short-lived as Michael, who was an ordained minister, was called back to Lincoln as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church," Combs said. "I worked at the State of Nebraska Human Resources Department as administrator for recruitment and affirmative action and was appointed state director. When I later worked with Lincoln Public Schools, I decided to start my Ph.D. and enrolled at the university."
Fred Luthans, professor emeritus of management, met Combs when she was a graduate student and noted her "considerable real-world experience" in human resource management.
"Gwen was my favorite graduate student who later became my favorite department chair," Luthans said. "In all her roles, she was truly outstanding on all dimensions with her thousands of students, numerous colleagues in the department, college, university and community, and me personally as a mentor, co-author and especially friend. Gwen may be retiring, but her legacy will continue long into the future."
After earning her doctorate in May 2000, Combs joined the College of Business that fall as an assistant professor.
“The first thing that I recognized as a new faculty member was that I had a lot to learn,” Combs said. “I was blessed to have access to accomplished and insightful people within and outside of the College of Business."
In the classroom, she pushed students to think beyond textbooks and designed assignments that immersed students in real-world work challenges and best practices. Students explored nonprofit, government and community organizations while learning about different work environments.
"One of Gwen's most revered contributions to the college is the Managing Diversity in Organizations (MNGT 365) course for business students, which she created from the ground up. The initial thought was to develop a module that could be used in several courses, but it turned into an impactful semester-long class," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. “Gwen’s legacy lives on through this course and the many people she impacted along the way."
Farrell said Combs' work reflected her understanding of workplace complexities and the importance of creating environments where employees can thrive and contribute. That same commitment shaped her leadership within the management department.
“As chair of the Department of Management, I led our faculty through a complete revision of the management curriculum. We researched peer institutions, assessed department goals and aligned the program with industry needs. What resulted was a restructured curriculum of revised and new courses that better positioned our students for success and impactful learning,” Combs said.
Combs chaired the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of People of Color and contributed to the N150 Commission, which helped shape the strategic vision that became Nebraska’s N2025 Strategic Plan. A founding member of the national Management Faculty of Color Association, she held leadership roles including president, vice president, treasurer and conference coordinator. She also served as president of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division of the Academy of Management, the leading professional association for management and organization scholars worldwide.
"I led a group of faculty and staff who were called on and volunteered our time and perspectives to help prepare the campus response when the death of George Floyd and other persons of color created a dark and emotionally charged situation for the country and the university," Combs said. "This was extremely important to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the state of Nebraska."
Combs’ efforts ultimately centered on supporting students and preparing them for the future. She advised the university’s student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, the UNL Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and other student groups across campus, including the Afrikan Peoples Union.
“I am most proud of being in a position to assist students in so many different ways,” she said. "I enjoyed advising student organizations, writing letters of recommendation for graduate programs and jobs, and helping students respond to challenges in their academic approaches or extracurricular experiences."
That support often stretched beyond academics, helping students navigate the experiences of being racial, ethnic or gender minorities, addressing food insecurity and creating holiday meals for students far from home.
“Dr. Combs possesses a rare passion and gift for uplifting the lives of students, serving not only as a professor, but also as a mentor, spiritual leader, extended family member and unwavering encourager. She and her family opened their home and their hearts, welcoming students and reminding them that they were never alone,” said Karen Kassebaum, '12, founder and leadership identity architect at Dr. K Consulting, who worked with Combs at Nebraska. “That kind of compassion cannot be taught. It is simply who she is.”
Kassebaum added how Combs' influence "lives on through the students she encouraged and the lives that she touched."
In retirement, Combs plans to spend more time with her grandchildren, catch up on her reading, complete lingering research projects and travel. Eventually, she hopes to become involved in community youth and family programs.
“Students are the lifeblood of higher education environments,” Combs said. “I will miss engaging with students and the amazing faculty, staff and administrators, who continuously work toward improving the campus environment and experience while sustaining the integrity of the institution.”
