Suzanne Exstrom, senior academic adviser for UNK Academic Advising and Career Development, 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.
Exstrom is a Loper through and through. Over the past 29 years, she has served UNK with dedication, enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Her journey at UNK has taken her through multiple roles, beginning in the Management and Marketing Department, then the Teacher Certification Office, Alumni Association and Social Work Department before finding her home in Academic Advising and Career Development. She’s served as an academic adviser since fall 2020 and was promoted to senior advising specialist in 2023.
Exstrom is known for her student-first mindset and remarkable ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. In her current role, she has made substantial contributions that have positively impacted both students and fellow advisers. She developed comprehensive training materials to support new faculty in becoming confident, effective advisers and collaborated with UNK Global to create a process that helps international students transition smoothly to campus life. She also advises students who are changing majors or pursuing a bachelor’s degree in general studies, providing them with encouragement, clarity and direction.
Her contagious positivity and welcoming personality make her a pillar of support for students and colleagues alike. She lives by the message of the “Starfish Story,” reminding others that making a difference, no matter how small, matters deeply.
Her strong interpersonal skills and extensive institutional knowledge set her apart. Exstrom has a remarkable ability to build trust and foster comfort, which allows her to address student and adviser needs effectively. She is instrumental in keeping advisers informed and engaged through a monthly newsletter that includes professional development resources, timely updates and thoughtfully written template communications, always tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.
She is always the first to volunteer when help is needed and consistently follows up to ensure tasks are completed with excellence. Her reliability, dedication and high standards make her an invaluable member of the team.
Her pursuit of a master’s degree, to be completed in 2026, further exemplifies her commitment to lifelong learning and passion for empowering student success.