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Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund: Second Round of Proposals Funded

From innovation in aviation flight training to faculty development initiatives, the latest funded projects showcase Mavericks at work.

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➡️ What’s new: The Office of Academic Affairs coordinated the second round of Weitz Innovation and Excellence funding submissions, receiving 31 applications totaling $11,465,560, with an average budget of $359,857. Selected initiatives focus on educating all learners; community engagement, development and partnerships; and/or workforce and economic development.

Chancellor Li and Senior Vice Chancellor He are thrilled to announce the second round of funded projects.

  • Maverick Peak Performance Program
    • Project Lead: Samuel Wilkins, Ph.D., ATC, Assistant Professor, School of Health and Kinesiology
  • The Coaching Collaborative
    • Project Lead: Connie Schaffer, Ed.D., Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence
  • Innovation in Aviation Flight Training
    • Project Lead: Hunter Pehrson, Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Aviation Institute, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
  • Pioneering Excellence: Advancing Clinical Expertise in Academia
    • Project Lead: Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles, Ph.D., Professor of Management, College of Business Administration
  • Pathways for Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    • Project Lead: Brent Clark, Ph.D., Professor of Management, College of Business Administration, Associate Director of the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Franchising (CIEF), Site Director of NSF I-Corps

💡 Why it matters: The latest round of Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund projects reinforces UNO’s commitment to education, workforce development, and community impact. These initiatives—ranging from expanding clinical expertise to advancing student learning opportunities —directly align with UNO’s mission to drive innovation and opportunity. By investing in forward-thinking solutions, UNO is not only shaping the future of learning but also strengthening 51社区’s economy and creating lasting change for the communities we serve.

⚡ What’s next: Applications for the next round open August 1, 2025 in NuRamp. Unfunded applications are encouraged to resubmit with revisions for a future funding cycle.