Shawn Kaskie, Center for Rural Research and Development director, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award on Jan. 30.
KUDOS awards recognize university staff for their professional expertise, service and “superior dedication” to UNK and the University of Nebraska.
Kaskie, who joined the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2009, was honored for achieving numerous milestones since he joined the university.
Working with diverse stakeholders, Kaskie has assisted in the startup of more than 20 new rural businesses, authored or administered more than million in federal and state rural development grant projects, and implemented experiential learning opportunities for youth and college students.
College of Business and Technology Dean Tim Burkink said Kaskie is “very entrepreneurial in how he executes the Center’s mission,” and lauds his work with students and engagement with regional economic development as “exemplary.”
Kaskie was recognized and given his KUDOS award at the Board of Regents meeting, which was attended by Burkink, his mother Sandy Luedtke, Accounts Payable Manager Carrie Stithem and Director of Business Services Jon Watts.
Open for Business Magazine recently published two of Kaskie’s business development articles: “Do the Homework” and “Planning Your Business’s Perfect Location.” He also was recognized recently by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Financial Services Champion of the Year 2014 in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District.
Kaskie serves on the University of Nebraska Entrepreneurship Team (UNET), and since the formation of the Rural Futures Institute in 2012 has collaborated on several innovative rural development projects and played a key role in three institute-funded seed grants.
Kaskie was also credited for working closely with ENACTUS student leaders in supporting “Experiential and Deep Learning.” ENACTUS partners with businesses and higher education to provide students opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching principles of free enterprise.
His career also includes work with the Peace Corps. in Papua New Guinea and Gallup’s Entrepreneur Acceleration System, which gives small business owners tools they need to grow their businesses.
Kaskie is involved with a number of campus and community committees, boards and events such as: Nebraska Economic Developers Association, Biz Kidz Entrepreneurship Camp, Central Nebraska Business Idea Contest, Central Nebraska Development Network, The Lemonade Stand, Connecting Young Nebraskans and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee.
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Writer: Todd Gottula, Director of Communications, 308.865.8454, gottulatm@unk.edu
