Welcome! Thank you for joining UNOPA in recognizing outstanding members across the University of Nebraska. Nominations will be accepted between December 1st and February 28th with an award presentation held in late spring. The available awards are detailed below, nomination forms can be accessed at the link below each staff award. These Floyd S. Oldt awards are made possible by an endowment left to the University Foundation by Floyd S. Oldt in 1991.
- Floyd S. Oldt Rose Frolik Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Boss of the Year Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award
If you have questions, please contact Jodie Barnes, UNOPA 2025-2026 President
Floyd S. Oldt Rose Frolik Award
This annual award was established in 1988 to recognize a member who demonstrates the attributes of UNOPA's founder and first president, Rose Frolik. Rose was an enthusiastic, energetic person who challenged life and felt that how you do your work may be a lot more important than what you do. Nominees must:
- have been a member of UNOPA for at least five consecutive years,
- be an active member (such as attending meetings and professional development offerings and participating in the parking lot fundraiser),
- be someone who champions Rose Frolik's initiatives - leadership characteristics and professionalism,
- and served on the UNOPA board within the last 5 years.
Any University employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.
Recipients of this annual, once-in-a lifetime award are presented with a personalized plaque commemorating their recognition, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a $1,500 stipend.
2025 Floyd S. Oldt Rose Frolik Award
Christina Franklin
Administrative Associate
Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication
Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff Award
Created to recognize an outstanding office/service employee, eligible nominees must:
- be a current office/service employee who has been employed at least one year at the University,
- current/active member in good standing (for at least one year) with UNOPA,
- contribute to the University mission that every interaction matters,
- have performance that is above expectations,
- and inspire other employees and encourage teamwork.
Any University employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a stipend of $1,000.
2025 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff Award
Melisia Bieber
Office Associate
Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design
Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award
Created in 2023, to recognize any UNOPA managerial/professional member, nominees must:
- be a current managerial/professional employee who has been employed at least one year at the University,
- a current/active member in good standing (at least one year) with UNOPA,
- contribute to the University mission that every interaction matters,
- have performance that is above expectations,
- and inspire other employees and encourage teamwork.
Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a stipend of $1,000.
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award Rubric
- Click here for nomination form
- View past recipients
2025 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award
Jodie Barnes
Administrative Associate
Agricultural Economics
Floyd S. Oldt Boss of the Year Award
In 1982, UNOPA established an annual award for excellence in personnel management. It recognizes University of Nebraska employees who demonstrate outstanding skills in employee supervision and interpersonal relations. Nominees must:
- be a full-time employee of the University of Nebraska,
- who has management/ supervisory responsibilities and has an active UNOPA member in their department,
- demonstrate outstanding skills in employee supervision and interpersonal relationships,
- and be supportive of employees being involved in professional organizations and professional development.
Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's Membership to UNOPA, and a $500 stipend.
2025 Boss of the Year Award Recipient
Robert Russell
Director, Center for Academic Success and
Transition
Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award
Created in 2023, the winner of this award will be chosen by the President, immediate Past President, President-Elect, and Treasurer. This award can be won multiple times by the same recipient but can only be awarded to the same person once every five years. Nominees must:
- be a current employee who has been employed at least one year at the University,
- current/active member in good standing (for at least one year) with UNOPA,
- shows support and dedication to UNOPA’s mission and objectives,
- thriving while working in tough situations,
- sparks meaningful conversations and actions,
- and advocates for others.
Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's Membership to UNOPA, and a $500 stipend.
2026 Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award Recipient
Do you know a fellow coworker or support staff who performs above expectations, inspires others and encourages teamwork? Do you have a boss or supervisor who is supportive of professional development and has outstanding supervisory and interpersonal relationship skills? Do you know a UNOPA member who shows up and is always ready to help out, who goes above and beyond to support UNOPA’s mission? Do you know someone that fits each of these categories? Nominate them all! Did I describe you? Nominate yourself or ask a coworker to nominate you. We want to recognize all the hard work and dedication so many staff put in to make their department, college and university succeed.