EDAD, NHS chairs announced

18 May 2017     By Brad Stauffer

Dean Marjorie Kostelnik announced today the appointment of two department chairs in the College of Education and Human Sciences. After a national search, Nick Pace was selected chair of the Educational Administration Department (EDAD) and will begin his duties July 17. Linda Boeckner has been named interim chair of Nutrition and Health Sciences (NHS). Pace is currently professor and chair of Educational Leadership in the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa. Boeckner is a long-standing professor in NHS, beginning her University of Nebraska–Lincoln career as an extension nutrition specialist for Nebraska Extension at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center. 

"I was immediately impressed with the collaborative culture and synergy I sensed among faculty," said Pace about his impressions of EDAD. "The department structure with tenured and tenure track faculty members, as well as professors of practice, is a powerful one. The many programs and infrastructure to support faculty excellence in teaching, research and service were also impressive. Helping to advance that work in a great place to live and learn is exciting, and the passion people have for Nebraska is unmistakable!"

Pace's areas of expertise include school culture and climate, secondary education, rural education and LGBT students. He is a former middle school principal and teacher in Iowa and began his career as a social worker in Kansas City, Missouri, after earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from Northern Iowa. His master's in educational leadership is from Drake University and he earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership at Northern Iowa where he joined the faculty in 2000.

"He impressed the search committee, members of the department and others throughout UNL and the community with his leadership abilities, his knowledge of PK-12 schools, his understanding of higher education issues, his desire to support a wide range of scholarly endeavors, and his keen interest in faculty, staff, students and potential partners," said Kostelnik. "I am looking forward to a productive and happy future for him and for the department."

Boeckner developed an outstanding Extension and research program during her time in Scottsbluff focused on developing effective nutrition education and health programs, particularly for limited resource and rural audiences. She also served as the director of the Research and Extension Center for five years. Since coming to Lincoln, Boeckner has been the program leader for Human Sciences Extension. She has bachelor's and Ph.D. degrees from Nebraska and a master's in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University.

"She is well known for her strong organizational skills, even-tempered approach to challenges, and insightful work with stakeholders," said Kostelnik. "She has graciously agreed to serve in the interim role as we conduct a national search for the next NHS chair. I am confident the department will continue to flourish under her steady hand."

"My hope is to continue the positive trajectory of the department and to help faculty and staff meet personal and departmental goals and priorities," said Boeckner. She plans to review department documents, programs and priorities in her first days on the job and meet with faculty and staff to learn more about their priorities and goals.

Pace is replacing current EDAD chair Brent Cejda who has decided to return to a full-time faculty position after serving as chair for five years and one year as interim chair. Boeckner fills a vacancy left by Tim Carr's appointment as interim associate vice chancellor and dean of graduate education at Nebraska.