Joan Kunzman, administrative support associate for the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program (HRTM), received the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Outstanding Employee Award at the annual staff appreciation luncheon on Dec. 9 at the Nebraska East Union.
Part of the HRTM program since 2006, Kunzman is widely regarded as the central force behind its success. Ajai Ammachathram, HRTM program director and associate professor in nutrition and health sciences, described her as “the backbone of our program,” noting her skills in managing course scheduling, coordinating with faculty, and supporting students. She also played a key role in the program’s recent transition from East Campus to the Nebraska Innovation Campus and in preparing the HRTM academic space in the Scarlet Hotel.
“Her ability to manage complex logistics with precision and grace is nothing short of remarkable,” he wrote in his nomination letter.
In addition to her program and departmental responsibilities, Kunzman is a valued member of the university community. She has served on the UNL Staff Senate since its inception in 2023, advocating for open communication and staff engagement. She also mentors new employees, assists with onboarding across Nutrition and Health Sciences, and coordinates the department’s Holidays for Little Huskers participation, ensuring children and families receive support through gift collection and distribution.
“I am blessed to work with many talented individuals in IANR and CEHS who support me and challenge me to grow as a professional," Kunzman said. "I was very happy to get this award in recognition of the hard work that I have done in the last year to make the academic space in the Scarlet Hotel a reality. I truly believe that every person and every interaction matters, and I enjoy working to make the space around me a better place for all.”
The Outstanding Employee Awards are presented each year to recognize and honor outstanding dedication and excellent job performance. Recipients of this award possess strong work ethic, produce high quality of work over an extended period, and have an extraordinary impact within the department, institute, and the University of Nebraska. Learn more about the IANR faculty and staff awards.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
