The University of Nebraska System’s Presidential Medal of Service celebrates Nebraskans who have given significant service or support to the University of Nebraska and have tirelessly promoted the impact higher education has on Nebraska’s economy and well-being. It is the highest honor the President can bestow on community members.
Nominations
To nominate an individual, please fill out the online nomination form. Nominations for the Presidential Medal of Service will be submitted to the Office of External Relations and then forwarded to the President of the University of Nebraska System, Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
The following guidelines are suggested in nominating the Presidential Medal of Service recipients:
- Nominees should be a Nebraskan who have provided significant service, support, or promotion of the University of Nebraska System and the impact higher education has on Nebraska.
- Actions that could be considered “significant support” could include a combination of items such as testifying on behalf of the NU System, leading a letter writing campaign, speaking at a city council or county commission on a subject related to the university, or hosting an event to raise awareness of university impact among community members.
- The Presidential Medal of Service shall not be awarded to active faculty, staff, or administrators of the NU System or the University of Nebraska Foundation.
- The Presidential Medal of Service shall not be awarded to any incumbent of or candidate for any elective state constitutional office, including state senator, or to any incumbent of or candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate from the State of Nebraska.
- The nominations should be for the calendar year in which they were submitted.
2022 Medal of Service Recipient
The 2022 Presidential Medal of Service recipient is Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Bryan Slone understands well the crucial importance of an affordable, accessible, strong and growing public university. As Chamber president, Bryan is a vocal advocate for the urgent workforce needs facing our state, and for the university’s role in meeting them," President Carter said. “The University of Nebraska is in a stronger position to serve our students and grow Nebraska’s economic competitiveness thanks to Bryan’s partnership and support. On behalf of our faculty, staff and students, I thank him for his leadership.”
Past Medal of Service Recipients
2021—Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; and Dana Bradford, president and CEO of C3 Brands in Omaha.
2020—Agriculture Builders of Nebraska
2019—Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards, Tom Henning of Kearney, and Michael Yanney and Dr. Gail Walling Yanney of Omaha
2018—Galen and Marilyn Hadley