Eleven faculty, staff and Ph.D. students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business received recognition for their efforts advancing research, supporting students and strengthening the college community during the 2025-26 academic year. Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance, announced the award winners at the annual College of Business Awards and Retirement Celebration in Howard L. Hawks Hall in May.
“This event gives us the opportunity to reflect on the incredible work happening across our college and celebrate the people who make it possible,” Farrell said. “Through teaching, research, service and leadership, these individuals continue to move Nebraska Business forward and make a meaningful impact on our students and community.”
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
Kasey Linde, director of teaching, learning and accreditation, received the Distinguished Service Award for her leadership in advancing teaching and learning across the college. Under her leadership, the Teaching and Learning Center expanded into a hub that supports thousands of students through tutoring, learning assistants and free academic resources.
Her impact extends across nearly every classroom as she empowers faculty and graduate instructors to enhance their teaching through workshops, grants and innovative technologies. She also played a key role in launching the new Introduction to Business course for first-year students.
Farrell said, “Kasey’s leadership transformed teaching and learning across our college. Her work strengthens the student experience and supports faculty in meaningful, lasting ways.”
D’Vee Buss Students First Award
Erin Burnette, director of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy, received the D’Vee Buss Students First Award for her commitment to a student-centered approach.
Since joining the college in 2012, Burnette helped students thrive through intentional care, mentorship and advocacy. She builds strong relationships with students early, supports them through challenges and celebrates their successes, creating a sense of belonging that shapes their college experience.
Student nominators described her as a “mom away from home,” describing Burnette's support. One student wrote, reflecting on a pivotal conversation during a challenging time, “She single handedly changed my life with that conversation.”
Faculty Service Award
John E. Anderson, Baird Family Professor of Economics, received the Faculty Service Award for his sustained contributions to the college and university.
During his 35 years at Nebraska, he helped establish and lead the Central Plains Federal Statistical Research Data Center, providing critical access to federal data for faculty and graduate research. He also served in leadership roles, including associate dean and interim dean of the College of Business, chair of the Department of Economics and director of graduate studies.
"John has elevated the college through distinguished scholarship, leadership and service, extending the university’s impact around the world. A nationally recognized expert in public finance and tax policy, John advised policymakers at the federal, state and international levels and served as a senior economist with the President’s Council of Economic Advisers," said Farrell. "His service to the institution has been equally significant."
Ph.D. Student Teaching Award
Taylor Paskett, Ph.D. student in accountancy, received the Ph.D. Student Teaching Award for excellence in the classroom. He earned 23 teaching nominations from students who praised his clarity, approachability and dedication.
Paskett is recognized for making complex tax accounting concepts engaging and accessible while fostering a supportive learning environment.
One student noted how he “sparked my interest in tax and made me want to wake up early for class each day.”
Excellence in Teaching Award
Amanda Gonzales, associate professor of practice in accountancy, received an Excellence in Teaching Award for her positive impact on students’ educational experiences.
She structures her courses to support student success through clear instruction, review sessions and accessible resources. Students highlighted her encouragement and responsiveness, as well as her ability to build confidence in a challenging subject.
Farrell said her nominations spoke about how "her support extends far beyond what's in the syllabus." She personally reaches out to students after difficult exams, offers concrete strategies for improvement and even invites those far from home to gather at her house for Thanksgiving.
One nominator said, “To deny Mrs. Gonzales the award is to admit the award itself does not accurately reflect the excellence, dedication and impact it was meant to recognize.”
Online Graduate Programs Teaching Award
Geoffrey Friesen, associate professor of finance, received the Online Graduate Programs Teaching Award for his impact on students in the online MBA, M.S. and graduate certificate programs.
He creates engaging and flexible courses that blend structured learning with practical application, allowing students to connect economic concepts to their professional roles. His teaching fosters interaction, accessibility and real-world relevance. Nominators shared his Managerial Economics course stands out for balancing structured learning with practical opportunities for students to directly apply economic principles to their professional roles.
Farrell said, “Geoff’s dedication to online students sets a high standard for graduate education. He creates courses that are engaging, practical and responsive to the needs of working professionals.”
Distinguished Teaching Award
Sam Melessa, FORVIS Chair in Accountancy and associate professor of accountancy, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for his strong impact on students’ academic experiences.
He is known for making challenging material clear and relevant while creating a supportive classroom environment. He builds strong relationships with students and makes himself available to support their learning beyond the classroom. Nominators shared that he "goes above and beyond for students in every way." He learns names, responds promptly and makes himself available outside regular class time to offer guidance and encouragement.
One nominator said, “He challenges us to grow while keeping the course organized, clear and accessible, and he adapts his approach to help different learners.”
Ph.D. Student Research Award
Madison Schnacker, Ph.D. student in management, received the Ph.D. Student Research Award for her impressive research record.
As a third-year doctoral student, she published in top-tier journals — Human Resource Management Review and Human Resource Management — and maintains a strong research pipeline with multiple projects under review. One nominator said she collaborates with five different faculty members on ongoing projects, "demonstrating a sharp research mind and collaborative spirit that promises a bright future."
Farrell said, “Madison’s research productivity, work ethic and collaborative spirit reflect the very best of Nebraska Business. She represents the future of impactful management scholarship.”
Emerging Scholar Research Award
Natalie Chisam, assistant professor of marketing, received an Emerging Scholar Research Award for her high-impact research in marketing strategy, data privacy and public policy. Her work has appeared in leading journals such as the Journal of Marketing, the Journal of International Business Studies and the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science.
Her research quickly gained traction within the academic community and she continues to build on that momentum.
Farrell said, “Just two years post-Ph.D., she has earned impressive metrics — more than 12,000 article reads, 47 citations and an h-index of 4. She also has a strong pipeline of manuscripts under advanced review, more than $83,000 in grants and invitations to present at major conferences. Her early accomplishments show tremendous promise and impact.”
Emerging Scholar Research Award
Michael Ricks, assistant professor of economics, also received an Emerging Scholar Research Award for outstanding early-career contributions. His work earned national recognition through publication in leading journals, including the Journal of Political Economy. He also mentors graduate students and fosters a collaborative research environment within the department.
Farrell said, “Michael exemplifies excellence as a rising scholar whose work connects economics and public policy while also strengthening the department’s research community.”
Distinguished Research Award
Liying Wang, associate professor of finance, received the Distinguished Research Award for her sustained record of impactful research.
Over the past year, she secured acceptance of her co-authored paper on upsized corporate bond offerings in Management Science, a top UT-Dallas journal, and earned conditional acceptance for her work on corporate bond flipping in the Journal of Financial Economics. She also advanced her project “Deciphering greenium: the role of investor demand” to a second-round review at Management Science. Her research examines price formation, credit supply, investor demand and market microstructure, providing insights that inform decision-making in financial markets. She also regularly presents her research at leading academic conferences.
Farrell said, “Liying’s research makes an impact beyond academia by offering insights that help guide key decision-makers in financial markets.”
