KEARNEY – After serving as interim dean since August 2025, Megan Adkins has been selected as dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The appointment is pending approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
“Megan brings significant experience in graduate education, online learning and academic innovation,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Julie Shaffer. “Graduate education and online learning are important components of UNK’s mission, and her familiarity with the division and understanding of its priorities will help us continue expanding opportunities for students.”
A UNK faculty member since 2008, Adkins previously served as associate dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation. In those leadership roles, she has overseen graduate education, online learning and academic innovation initiatives serving more than 1,800 graduate students, approximately 3,300 online students and more than 5,000 non-credit learners annually.
Under her leadership, UNK expanded graduate and online offerings, developed workforce-aligned credentials and strengthened academic innovation initiatives focused on student success and workforce needs. She has also served on multiple University of Nebraska systemwide committees related to graduate education, online learning and artificial intelligence.
“I’m honored to serve in this role and contribute to UNK and the NU System by advancing programs that support graduate student success and expand opportunities in online education,” Adkins said. “As graduate and online education continue to evolve, we have an opportunity to use technology thoughtfully to expand access, strengthen learning and prepare students with the skills they need for the workforce of the future.”
A native of Laurel, she earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 health and physical education and community health from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a master’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in special populations from UNK and a doctorate in teacher education and instructional technology from UNL.
Before joining UNK, Adkins taught in public schools for six years.
She also serves as a professor of health and physical education and is active in professional organizations, university service and scholarly activities. Her research interests include pedagogy, teacher preparation, XR technology, online educational practices and STEM education.
As dean, Adkins will continue overseeing graduate studies, online education and academic innovation initiatives. UNK offers more than 30 graduate programs encompassing over 50 areas of study, along with more than 20 fully online degree programs.