Natalie Sehi, Extension Educator in nutrition and health sciences, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Jean Ann Fischer Excellence in Community Engagement Award, announced at the College of Education and Human Science’s annual awards celebration on Friday, April 24.
The new award honors individuals or teams whose work extends beyond campus in meaningful and lasting ways, reflecting the college's core commitment to community engagement. It is named in honor of Jean Ann Fischer, a beloved Extension Educator in nutrition and health sciences whose work made a lasting impact across Nebraska. Fischer died in February 2025 after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer.
In her role in Nebraska Extension, Sehi supports statewide nutrition education efforts with the Nutrition Education Program, which includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). She helps ensure the long-term success of these initiatives by supporting program implementation, strengthening partnerships, and providing training and guidance to Extension staff across the state.
“Natalie Sehi exemplifies excellence in community engagement through sustained, collaborative work that has improved food access, nutrition security, and health equity for Nebraskans with limited resources,” said Heather Rasmussen, interim chair of the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences.
“For more than two decades as a statewide Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition Education Program, she has built trusted partnerships across rural and urban communities and translated nutrition research and public health priorities into effective, community-driven action.”
The Jean Ann Fischer Excellence in Community Engagement Award was created to celebrate outstanding community-engaged scholarship and practice within the college, while also honoring Fischer’s legacy.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
