Jodi Holt, director of admissions at UNK, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award during last week’s meeting.
KUDOS awards recognize university staff for their professional expertise, service and “superior dedication” to UNK and the University of Nebraska. It is the university’s top staff award.
Since joining UNK in February 2021, Holt has overseen rapid change in the Admissions Office, particularly in the hiring and training of new recruiters, developing new strategies for campus visits and events and working closely with Communications and Marketing and the Office of Financial Aid to more effectively communicate and nurture relationships with prospective students. She has maintained a clear focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and prioritized transfer student enrollment and enrollment technology, and her energy and enthusiasm have ignited campuswide initiatives to improve experiences for prospective and continuing students and their families. Holt’s team has expanded access through bilingual tours, special events and materials for campus guests.
Last fall, UNK recorded the highest increase among Nebraska colleges in first-time freshmen – 16%, including a 70% increase in out-of-state freshmen.
Holt is originally from North Platte, where she graduated from St. Patrick’s High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan. Her commitment to the University of Nebraska System dates back to 2003, when she began working at UNL and later earned a master’s degree in educational psychology.
“I have been working in higher education for nearly two decades and can’t imagine doing anything else,” she says.
