Tim Holman has dedicated his entire life to serving others.
The Lincoln native served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps mechanized infantry from 1991 to 2003 and as a combat heavy equipment operator and supply noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2004 to 2022. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during this time.
Holman joined UNK Police in April 2016, serving campus as a community service officer.
“I had spent almost 31 years wearing a uniform and protecting this country. I thought this would be the next best thing as my military career wound down,” he explained.
Holman received an associate degree in criminal justice from Southeast Community College and is currently completing the final class to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UNK. He walked during the spring 2024 commencement ceremony.
Why did you decide to get your bachelor’s degree?
I wanted to better myself and complete the education I avoided out of high school. I also wanted to be qualified for senior positions within UNK PD.
Do you plan to continue your education?
I have applied for the master’s program in criminal justice at UNO, but I have not ruled out UNK’s counseling and psychology programs. I just want a feeling of accomplishment. A degree is something that no one can take away.
Describe your role as a community service officer:
As a community service officer, I interact with the students, staff and faculty daily and provide them with security and a friendly person to talk to if needed during a crisis.
I work at most events held on campus and some in the surrounding community. For example, UNK PD works hand in hand with the Kearney Police Department at community events like National Night Out and Coffee with a Cop.
I also provide support for the officers in our department. I manage our equipment and evidence and work as an armorer.
Has your military experience influenced your work?
Having worked in a supply management role in the military, I was responsible for millions of dollars of equipment. That has allowed me to do the same thing here, just on a smaller scale.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The interactions with everyone on campus and the friendships made. The thing I love most about UNK is that we are small enough to maintain that hometown quality.
Share something about yourself that people on campus may not know:
I have survived two bouts of cancer. After the second bout, I lost my tongue and had to learn to speak again.
