Mark Shriver, Ph.D., has been named the next director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Dr. Shriver, who first came to MMI as a psychology intern in 1993 and joined the staff in 1994, will begin on July 1, taking over from current director Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D.
“The UCEDD has always represented exactly what MMI is all about in terms of its mission: to train people at both pre-service and in-service levels, to work with individuals with disabilities, to advocate for individuals with disabilities, to conduct research, provide clinical services, and to work across the state to help individuals with disabilities become more successfully included in their communities,” Dr. Shriver said.
“I’m looking forward to getting more involved and working with everyone to continue to build on the great work that has been done.”
Dr. Stuberg, who has been the UCEDD director for five years, said he is pleased to be leaving the UCEDD in Dr. Shriver’s hands.
“Given Dr. Shriver’s background and the work he’s done at MMI, he has very strong skills to take over this position,” he said. “With the new building, there will be room for more collaborations with state and other agencies, a chance to bring on staff, and opportunities to take on new projects. I’m excited to see the UCEDD continue to positively impact lives under Dr. Shriver’s leadership.”
When Dr. Stuberg took over the UCEDD directorship in 2015, he emphasized involvement in transition services, in going from pediatrics to adulthood, and adult services, including moving toward independent living and employment. Some of the UCEDD projects he oversaw included:
- Family Care Enhancement Project
- Collecting the National Core Indicator Survey information for Nebraska Medicaid and the Nebraska Division of Developmental Disabilities
- The ThinkCollege program at UNO
- Project SEARCH at MMI and UNMC
“With Wayne in charge, the UCEDD has really taken off,” Dr. Shriver said. “It’s become more visible throughout the state. There are projects in place to help individuals across the state and across the lifespan that we didn’t have before, and they’ve got great relationships developed with state and community partners.
“If I can help maintain and build on that, it seems like a solid place to start.”
MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., said he expects the UCEDD to continue to expand under Dr. Shriver’s leadership.
“The UCEDD is a key factor in MMI’s transformational efforts, due in large part to the tireless work of Dr. Stuberg, for which we are grateful,” Dr. Mirnics said. “There are many exciting things on the horizon for MMI, and under the new leadership of Dr. Shriver, I am confident the UCEDD will continue to grow, innovate, and help us break barriers and supply much-needed services.”