Meredith DeHaven receives KUDOS award from University of Nebraska Board of Regents

Meredith DeHaven, employment specialist in UNK Human Resources, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award during today’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.

DeHaven has been a valued member of the UNK community since September 2014. In her time with human resources, she has excelled in her role and taken on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing workers’ compensation and POET testing, following staff consolidations.

She is deeply committed to recruiting top talent for all areas of UNK. DeHaven has kept pace with the evolving employment landscape, making it her mission to advertise positions in high-visibility outlets while remaining mindful of cost-effectiveness.

In July 2024, human resources began the process of sunsetting the previous recruiting system and implementing SuccessFactors, including the addition of onboarding and performance and goals modules. The system officially launched in June 2025. DeHaven not only led the implementation for the UNK campus, but she was also selected to serve as a co-system administrator – an acknowledgment of her expertise and leadership.

Successfully integrating a system of this complexity is no small feat. Over the course of 11 months, DeHaven dedicated hundreds of hours to meetings, participated in system design, facilitated multiple town hall sessions to educate stakeholders, and led User Acceptance Testing phases 1 and 2. She also engaged in knowledge transfer training, developed comprehensive training materials for the campus, and coordinated implementation and training for all end users at UNK.

Remarkably, she managed these extensive responsibilities while continuing to perform her regular duties. Her commitment often extended to nights and weekends to ensure continuity and progress.

DeHaven is a valued team member whose contributions extend beyond her job description. She regularly steps in to assist with any HR task, and she is a source of encouragement and support for every member of the HR team.

“Meredith rises to every challenge with determination and grace,” her nomination stated. “Her commitment to UNK, passion for learning and dedication to excellence continue to impress colleagues across campus. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, leadership and service, and we are proud to call her a Loper.”