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The university awards honorary doctoral degrees to individuals who have attained achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction. The following may be considered for an honorary degree:

• Persons who have rendered distinguished service to the university
• Persons who have rendered distinguished service to Nebraska
• Graduates, former students and former employees who have achieved distinction
• Persons not associated with the university who have a record of scholarship, creativity, leadership, or humanitarian or public service

Honorary degrees are not awarded to current members of the university faculty or staff, or members of the Board of Regents or to any person currently seeking or holding an elective state or federal office. No individual may receive more than one honorary degree from the University of Nebraska.

Individuals may be nominated for honorary degrees by campus committees, members of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents or members of the general public. 

To nominate a person for a University of Nebraska Honorary Degree, contact corpsec@nebraska.edu or (402) 472-3906.

The Regents Medal is the University of Nebraska’s highest and most prestigious award. It is presented to individuals whose service to the University has provided exceptional benefits in furthering the goals and mission of the institution. Nominations are made by the Board of Regents and the President; the University Board of Regents selects the recipient.

The President and the Board of Regents have established an award to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding employees from across the four University of Nebraska campuses. Employees are encouraged to nominate co-workers who deserve special recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty.

To see guidelines for nominating employees for a Kudos Award, please click here.

View all past recipients

The Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award is an award to individuals whose service to the University of Nebraska at Kearney has provided exceptional benefits in furtherance of the goals and mission of the institution.

For information on university awards program, contact corpsec@nebraska.edu or call (402) 472-3906.

The UNL Nebraska Builder Awards honor individuals who have contributed to building the programs or reputation of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or the State of Nebraska.

For information on university awards program, contact corpsec@nebraska.edu or call (402) 472-3906.

The John G. (Jack) Elliott Award of the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center will be given annually as provided by Mr. and Mrs. James Massey in memory of Regent Elliott to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to medicine and health programs for the State of Nebraska and for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The individual must reside in Nebraska and may be a faculty or staff member of the University.

For information on university awards program, contact corpsec@nebraska.edu or call (402) 472-3906.

The UNO Order of the Tower Award honors community leaders whose exemplary service or financial support have advanced the mission of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This award is the highest honor given to community leaders whose lasting gifts of service or financial support have left an indelible mark on the institution.

For information on university awards program, contact corpsec@nebraska.edu or call (402) 472-3906.

Per Regents’ Policy 1.2.6, any Regent, whether serving prior to or subsequent to the adoption of this policy, who has served as Chair or has been a member of the Board of Regents for more than six years, and retires from his or her service in good standing, may be nominated by the President and the Executive Committee to hold the title of “Regent Emeritus.”

The nomination shall be referred to the Board for confirmation and approval at a public meeting. The title may be revoked, if the President and Executive Committee determine that circumstances exist such that the individual’s use of the title may reflect adversely on the University. The title is considered honorary, and no specific benefits or duties are associated with it.

The President, in consultation with the Executive Committee, may call upon a Regent Emeritus to serve in an advisory role or to represent the University at official functions and events, when such service assists the President and the University. A Regent Emeritus has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the University, unless specifically authorized to do so. No personnel or other reporting, as exists in the case of faculty with emeritus status, is required with respect to the designation of Regent Emeritus.

Prior Recipients

• 2023 - Jim Pillen
• 2022 - Bob Phares
• 2020 - Howard Hawks
• 2018 - Bob Whitehouse
• 2016 - Kent Schroeder