McBreen Named Interim IANR Leader

Edna McBreen has been appointed NU vice president and interim vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Naturual Resources. Her appointment was announced June 22 by L. Dennis Smith, NU president, and Harvey Perlman, interim UNL chancellor designate. The appointment was effective July 1 and she succeeds Irv Omtvedt, who retired June 30 after holding the position nearly 13 years.

McBreen had been associate vice chancellor of IANR where she provided administrative leadership for higher education, research and extension programs in agriculture and natural resources.

"Dr. McBreen brings experience to this interim position," said Perlman. "I'm confident that she will be persistent in supporting the strong forward momentum in research and outreach that exists at IANR."

The search for vice president and vice chancellor of the institute, which began in November, continues.

"This search is an important one," said Perlman. "It's a complex position critical not only to the university, but to the vitality of the state's economy and the agricultural industry. For that reason, we're engaged in a national search that will take some time. We'll continue until the very best candidate is hired. "

McBreen earned her bachelor's degree in home economics at Cornell University in 1972, her master's degree in adult and extension education at Texas A&M University in 1978, and her doctoral degree in human services studies at Cornell University in 1982. Prior to joining UNL in 1998, she was assistant provost for international programs at West Virginia University, and most recently was associate dean of the College of Agriculture and director of cooperative extension at the University of Wyoming.

Several IANR Faculty Assumed New NU Duties July 1

A number of faculty in IANR assumed new duties July 1. They include Jeffrey Royer, Ken Cassman, Kyle Hoagland, Jim Steadman and Susan Fritz.

Royer, a professor, became permanent department mead of Agricultural Economics. Previously he had been interim head. He retains his titles as professor of agricultural economics and professor of management in UNL's College of Business Administration.

Cassman, professor and head of agronomy, will head the newly formed Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. The NU Board of Regents approved the integration of the two now-separate departments June 17.

Garald Horst, a professor of horticulture who has been interim head of the Department of Horticulture since earlier this year, will return to the faculty ranks in the combined department.

Kyle Hoagland, professor in the School of Natural Resource Sciences, will become director of NU's Water Center. The center implements water research, teaching, extension and service programs within NU, and addresses environmental concerns within IANR.

Ed Vitzthum, who has been interim center director since earlier this year, will return to being an associate professor in the school.

James Steadman, professor of plant pathology, will become acting head of the Department of Plant Pathology while plant pathologist Anne Vidaver serves as the chief scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program in Washington, D.C. Vidaver will be the program's principal scientific adviser and spokeswoman on scientific matters and will remain a professor in the department, but will relinquish department head responsibilities during this two-year assignment.

Vidaver has resigned her other post as director of UNL's Center for Biotechnology. An interim director for the center is expected to be announced shortly, said Marsha Torr, UNL vice chancellor for research and professor of physics and astronomy.

Susan Fritz, associate professor of UNL's Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, will become interim head of the department. Earl Russell, professor and head of the department, is retiring.

Californian to Head Sheldon Museum/Gallery

By Kelly Bartling, Public Relations

Janice Driesbach, curator of art at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, Calif., since 1985, has been named director of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden.

Driesbach's appointment was announced June 28 by Harvey Perlman, interim chancellor designee at the university and a member of the search committee for the position. She begins her duties Sept. 1, 2000.

"Janice Driesbach has a passion for the internationally significant collection at the Sheldon Gallery and we're excited about her ideas on engaging Sheldon with the rest of the university," Perlman said. "She is highly respected in the national arts community and is well positioned to carry on Sheldon's emphasis in 20th century American art."

As curator at the Crocker, Driesbach (pronounced DRIZE-bock) is responsible for its collections and exhibitions of 19th and 20th century (primarily American) art. She began her career as an instructor and gallery director at Creighton University in Omaha from 1976 to 1978, then worked for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the Oakland (Calif.) Museum, and John F. Kennedy (Calif.) University before going to the Crocker. She twice served as interim director of the Crocker, most recently from March 1998 to August 1999. Driesbach earned her bachelor's degree in art history and political science at Allegheny (Pa.) College and her master's in art history at the University of Iowa, where she has completed her Ph.D. coursework.

Driesbach replaces George Neubert, who left last summer to become director of the San Antonio (Texas) Museum of Art. Daniel Siedell, curator of Sheldon, is the gallery's interim director. The search committee was chaired by Robert Duncan and consisted of university personnel, art collectors, and community members. Driesbach's salary will be $85,000.

Jackson Appointed Business/Finance VC

By Tom Simons, Public Relations

Christine A. Jackson, vice president for finance and administration at Cleveland State University in Ohio, has been named vice chancellor for business and finance. The appointment is subject to approval by the NU regents.

Jackson is Cleveland State's chief financial officer, responsible for long-range planning, policy development, fiscal integrity and coordination through support services of the university's urban educational mission.

"In Chris Jackson, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will have an outstanding person to fill one of the most important positions on campus," said James Moeser, UNL chancellor. "The vice chancellor for business and finance must have excellent skills in dealing with financial, personnel, planning and campus safety issues - in fact, anything dealing with the campus' human, financial and physical resources - as well as a thorough understanding of the university's academic mission. Throughout her career, Chris has demonstrated those abilities. I can't think of anyone I would rather see leading this vital area at UNL, especially as the university implements its long-range plan over the next several years."

Jackson, who has been at Cleveland State since 1994, began her career as Admissions Office coordinator and then assistant business manager at Hope College in Holland, Mich., from 1974 to 1979. After that, she spent six years at the University of Southern California, as assistant director and then director of budget and fiscal planning in the Office of Budget Administration and Financial Analysis. Jackson was director of budget and resource planning for the College of Agriculture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1985 to 1989, then served five years at Oklahoma State University, first as associate vice president for planning and budget, then as vice president for business and finance.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to return to a land-grant institution, and one with a very strong academic reputation," Jackson said. "After I had interviewed at Nebraska, I felt that the kind of talents I have might be a match with what they were looking for. I'm the kind of person who works well with people and organizations and I try to keep projects moving forward. Working with the academic community is one of my main strengths."

Jackson earned her bachelor's degree at Hope, and a master of business administration degree at Western Michigan University.

At Nebraska, she will succeed the late Melvin W. Jones. Jackson begins her duties in mid August. Scott W. Lewis, associate vice chancellor for business and finance, is the interim vice chancellor.

Becker and Morock Receive Universitywide Kudos

Nancy Becker and Kim Morock received University Kudos Awards at the June 17 meeting of the NU Regents.

Becker (shown at right) is a grants coordinator with Research Grants and Contracts. She has primary review and process responsibility for the more than 500 proposals submitted annually by the College of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She works extensively with the hundreds of faculty and departmental liaisons in these units to ensure that the proposal requirements have been fulfilled and that the budgets are correct.

"Nancy has earned a laudable reputation for being accessible, pleasant and user-friendly - rapidly and efficiently handling and ensuring compliance with federal, state and university regulations and guidelines," said her nominator. "Her expertise and aptitude enable the Research Grants and Contracts Office to provide excellent service and at the same time maintain a nuclear staff."

Morock (shown left) is manager of Food Services in the Clifford Hardin Nebraska Center and East Union. With the university since 1980, she also serves as special events coordinator for Nebraska Union Catering Services. Her duties include the menu and food preparation for Chancellor James Moeser's special events.

"Her passion for creative food preparation and her understanding of creating the "wow" factor in her presentations are experienced by anyone who attends a function prepared by Kim," said her nominator. "Her delightful manner, willingness to add the extra effort and outgoing personality enhance her culinary skills and make her a favorite manager among university administration, food service and catering staff."

ICA Award Recognizes Michalecki's Achievements

Ruth Michalecki, director of the Telecommunications Center, has received the Steward R. Dewar Award recognizing her contributions to the International Communications Association.

The ICA is a networking and lobbying organization of information technology professionals. Michalecki chaired the ICA for the past two years and chairs the Telecommunications Public Policy Committee, on several occasions testifying before the FCC and U.S. Senate. She also chairs the Student Paper Competition Committee.

At Nebraska, Michalecki is responsible for the development and direction of telecommunications facilities and services for all locations where the university has a presence. The University Telecom Center also provides services to the State of Nebraska government offices and city/county government offices.

Smith Served on AAU Panel

L. Dennis Smith, NU president, co-chaired a national taskforce commissioned by the Association of American Universities that in June recommended increased vigilance by universities when using human subjects in research.

The 16-member taskforce recommended increased training for all researchers who use human subject, stronger institutional review boards, additional resources to ensure protection of human subjects and improved accountability to the public.

Smith's co-chair was Steven Sample, president of the University of Southern California (and formerly NU vice president of academic affairs).

Fuller Completes Service at West Point

UNL Physics professor, Robert Fuller, was awarded the Commander's Award for Public Service on May 24 at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. The award was presented by Col. Raymond J. Winkel Jr., chair of the USMA physics department.

The award honors Fuller, who during the past academic year was a visiting professor in physics. The citation mentioned Fuller's mastery of innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary approaches, which the academy said would be useful as it develops programs and curricula using laptop computers in the classroom and expands the interdisciplinary roles between math and physics. Fuller also was cited for exceptional service to the academy.

Washington State Honors Alumnus Cordes

Washington State University alumnus Sam Cordes, director of the University of Nebraska's Center for Rural Community Revitalization and Development, received WSU's first Graduate Alumni Achievement Award.

Cordes earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from South Dakota State University and his doctorate in agricultural economics at WSU in 1973. While at WSU, he served one year as executive director of Gov. Dan Evans' Task Force on Rural Affairs.

Cordes joined the Pennsylvania State University faculty in 1972. In 1985, he was named professor of agricultural economics and head of the agricultural economics department at the University of Wyoming. In 1989, he assumed the same position at Nebraska, and in 1991 was asked to direct the rural revitalization center.

Cordes has written or co-authored more than 140 publications, including books, book chapters and refereed journal articles. He has organized more than 100 conferences/seminars/workshops and presented some 50 papers at professional meetings.

He has worked as a consultant for several agencies within the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Cordes was the 1996 recipient of the Distinguished Researcher Award from the National Rural Health Association.

Cordes received the award April 20 Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week reception at WSU.

The new award is co-sponsored by the WSU Alumni Association, the Graduate and Professional Students Association and the Graduate School.

Alumnus Carlin Honored as Statistician

NU alumnus Bradley P. Carlin, professor of biostatistics at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, has won the Mortimer Spiegelman Award for 2000.

The award, given annually by the American Public Health Association, honors a statistician under age 40 who has made important contributions to the field of health statistics broadly defined.

"The award essentially means he is being recognized as the outstanding biostatistician under age 40 in the U.S.," said Jim Lewis, chair and professor of Mathematics and Statistics at UNL.

Carlin earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics and actuarial science from the University of Nebraska in 1984, and a Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Connecticut in 1989. He spent two years as a visiting faculty member in the Department of Statistics at Carnegie Mellon University before joining the Division of Biostatistics at Minnesota in 1991.

Carlin is an associate editor for the Journal of the American Statistical Association Theory and Methods, an elected ordinary member of the International Statistical Institute, and a Fellow of the American Statistical Association. In 1995 he received a Young Alumni Achievement Award from the UNL College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association.

EHS Newsletter Wins Honor

A newsletter published by Environmental Health and Safety and edited by Brenda Osthus, EHS director, received an award of excellence from the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Division of the National Safety Council.

"Safety is an attitude," is a quarterly publication. The criteria for the award include publication by campus safety and health professionals, publication at the campus, publication relates to general campus or laboratory safety and material is intended for faculty, staff and or students and may address safety on and off the job.

Grad Student Paper Wins National Honor

An award-winning research paper, "Instructing Juries on Death Penalty Decisions: Can It Be Done (Well)?" conducted at the University of Nebraska, addresses one area of the importance of language in law.

The research, conducted by Marc Patry, a graduate student in the Law/Psychology Program at UNL, shows how instructions to a jury can affect jurors' understanding of how to proceed in the sentencing phases of capital cases.

The project won second place in the American Society of Trial Consultants Annual 2000 Professional Research Paper Competition. The paper was entered in the professional division because a co-author was Steven Penrod, professor in psychology and the College of Law. The research was sponsored by a grant to Penrod from the National Science Foundation and a fellowship to Patry from the National Institute of Mental Health. Law/Psychology graduate student Eve Brank assisted in the research.

Patry is finishing his third year at NU and plans to complete his Master of Legal Studies and Ph.D. in social psychology.

NU Announces 4 Fellowship Recipients

Presidential graduate fellowships have been awarded. Four fellowships, worth $16,500 each, were awarded to Ph.D. candidates at UNL.

Recipients are Robyn Richards, doctoral candidate in chemistry, who is studying DNA-protein interactions in hopes of a long-term career in forensic science and law enforcement; Charlotte Hogg, doctoral candidate in English whose dissertation involves ethnographic research on older womenin rural Nebraska and their literary practices; Lydia Kualapai, doctoral candidate in English whose research looks at the representation of Hawaiians in 19th century U.S. literature; and Suraj Commuri, a doctoral candidate in business who is studying how husband-wife decisions on consumption behavior affect society.

Bogardi Studying Climate Change as Fulbright Scholar

In May, Istvan Bogardi went home. He has returned to his native Hungary several times since his departure 15 years ago to teach at UNL, but this time he is returning as a Fulbright Scholar.

The civil engineering professor received the fellowship in March from the Fulbright Commission and will be in Hungary through the next academic year.

"It's an honor to the university and to the department that I was granted this," Bogardi said. "It's exciting and, really, it is very much due to the research we are doing at Nebraska."

Bogardi has been studying global climate change, working closely with the National Science Foundation, for nearly 15 years. One area in particular is how floods and drought are influenced by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. His research has helped find solutions to some of the problems Nebraska faces because of changes in climate.

"In Nebraska we are suffering drought," he said. "Scientists claim it's La Nina. But in central Europe they recently experienced one of the largest floods ever in the Tisza River basin, the same river that recently was polluted by cyanide."

The climate and topography of Nebraska is very similar to that found in the river basin, Bogardi said, so his research is of particular interest there.

"I will help them apply the approach we have developed at Nebraska to problems central Europe is now facing."

Bogardi will teach at three universities in Budapest and Debrecen. The interdisciplinary course he developed will include agronomy, engineering and meteorology or climatology. He also will do research on engineering implications of global climate change.

NU Cooperative Extension Honors Ag Program for Women

A University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension program that helps rural women make farm and ranch management decisions was honored April 12 during the organization's staff development conference.

NU Extension's "The Critical Difference: Rural Issues for Women" program received an Excellence in Team Programming award from Elbert Dickey, interim extension dean.

"As a result of this program, rural women have developed entrepreneurial ideas and improved their management and recordkeeping skills, in addition to some of their traditional roles," Dickey said.

The one-day educational conference began in 1999 to help women learn marketing and other business management skills. Participants then sought to improve their value as co-operators of farms and ranches. Nearly 28 percent of participants returning for the 2000 conference indicated they had started or were planning entrepreneurial projects to supplement their agricultural income, from raising alternative crops to writing children's books, and were figuring out new ways to market their products.

"Critical Difference" team members are: Jenny Nixon, Sioux County extension educator; Sheryl Carson, Sheridan County extension educator; Sheila Budd, administrative assistant, Stockman's National Bank, Rushville; Jana Jensen, rancher and former vice president for member services, Nebraska Cattlemen, Alliance; Charlie Kuskie, branch manager, Roach Ag Commodity Marketing Inc., Chadron; and ranchers Leona Keener and Joyce Stengle, both of Marsland.

The program was supported with funds and in-kind donations from 19 northern Panhandle banks, the Family Nurturing Coalition, Farm Credit Services of America, Northwest Rural Public Power District, Roach Ag Commodity Marketing, six radio stations, 16 agribusinesses and 20 newspapers in three states.

The conferences reached more than 175 individuals and their families in the last two years. In 2000, 14 percent of attendees came from South Dakota and Wyoming.