Rebecca Dobry, financial aid counselor, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award June 1.
KUDOS awards recognize university staff for their professional expertise, service and “superior dedication” to UNK and University of Nebraska. It is the university’s top staff award.
Dobry has been a member of the UNK staff since 2008. Her responsibilities include managing UNK’s Federal College Work Study program, including facilitating job searches in the community service work program.
Under her leadership, the program provides students much needed financial support through work. Equally as important, she has developed opportunities within the community for work with nonprofit agencies. These on-the-job experiences bolster student resumes and open doors.
Her employment job fairs, hosted during the first week of classes, allow students and employers the opportunity to meet each other, interview and hire – all at an efficient, one-stop event.
Dobry also is responsible for coordinating numerous aid programs for the College of Education and managing aid for students in UNK’s clinical health science programs and students studying abroad.
“She’s our all-purpose counselor,” says supervisor Mary Sommers, Director of the Office of Financial Aid.
Dobry recently received the Nebraska Association of Financial Aid Administrators Distinguished Service award for her work to advance professional credentialing. She led an initiative to offer a series of training events via distance learning across Nebraska that elevated the knowledge base and expertise of many of her colleagues.
She also received the eight-state regional association’s Rookie of the Year Award.
An active member of campus and professional organizations, her nomination form said she is a “highly valued, go-to colleague who brings humor to the office and daily earns the trust of students.”
Dobry was recognized and given the KUDOS award at the Board of Regents meeting, which was attended by UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen, NU President Hank Bounds and Rebecca’s mother, Martha Dobry.
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