The College of Education and Human Sciences is proud to announce Karen Kassebaum, Ph.D. ('99, '15), as the college’s 2026 Alumni Master. The Alumni Masters program, sponsored by the Nebraska Alumni Association, the Student Alumni Association and the UNL Chancellor’s Office, honors alumni who have shown great promise, success and leadership in their fields.
Kassebaum is a nationally respected leader in inclusive leadership, education and organizational development. A Chicago native, she earned both her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and educational psychology and her Ph.D. in educational leadership and higher education from the College of Education and Human Sciences. She has held senior leadership roles at major institutions, including at UNL, where she served as assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning. She also served as the inaugural Global Inclusion Lead at Hudl.
Kassebaum is the founder of Athlete2Athlete, an organization dedicated to student-athletes’ leadership development. She also serves as president of Dr. K Consulting, where she helps emerging leaders define their leadership identity and brand. She maintains that intentional inclusion must be deliberately embedded in everyday thought and action, underscoring her belief that inclusion is both a personal responsibility and a collective commitment.
Kassebaum will visit campus April 8–10 for Masters Week, during which she will participate in a variety of academic and social events in CEHS. Her visit includes class visits, meetings with faculty, staff and students, and a workshop titled “How to Build Your Leadership ‘Brand’ Identity” from 2–3:15 p.m. on Friday, April 10. All are welcome. The week culminates with the Nebraska Medallion Dinner, where she and the other 2026 Alumni Masters from each college will be honored.
To learn more about the program, visit Alumni Masters Program.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
AlumniNews
