Jana Wardian, PhD, named new IAE associate director

Within UNMC’s Division of Hospital Medicine, Jana Wardian, PhD, holds a unique position as an academic coach and a catalyst to spark others’ research.

In the Interprofessional Academy of Educators, Dr. Wardian has built a network across UNMC and used her strengths in connecting people.

Now, Dr. Wardian will apply her skills in building up others’ work as the IAE’s new associate director. She will succeed Beth Culross, PhD, who after four years as an associate director will transition off the leadership team.

Brian Boerner, MD, director of the Interprofessional Academy of Educators and an associate professor in the UNMC Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, said IAE leaders are excited for Dr. Wardian to join the leadership team. Dr. Boerner said she brings an extensive background in education and scholarship with “forward-thinking ideas that will further grow the mission of the IAE in supporting educators and education scholars at UNMC.”

Said Dr. Boerner, “Dr. Wardian’s ability to bring teams together and help them visualize and successfully work towards a goal is one of the many strengths that she displayed as an IAE member and will be of great benefit to the academy in her leadership role.”

Dr. Wardian, who also holds a master’s degree in social work, said it’s an honor to work with the IAE as its newest associate director.

“The IAE has expanded at an impressive rate over the two years that I have been involved,” she said. “I want to be certain that new members will be received with open arms, and they will experience growth as they invest in all that the academy has to offer.”

Dr. Boerner commended Dr. Culross for her work with the IAE. Dr. Culross is an assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and director of the college’s Learning Resource Center.

“Dr. Culross provided incredible leadership, serving to build connections while developing IAE programming and initiatives,” Dr. Boerner said. “Her work was instrumental to the academy furthering its mission of connecting and supporting educators.”

Dr. Wardian joined UNMC in 2020 and became an IAE member in 2021. As an assistant professor in the division of hospital medicine, she is tasked with increasing scholarly activity. She characterizes her own research as, “Reducing the work of being a patient.”

Dr. Wardian said she offers three strengths as an IAE associate director. She enjoys networking and hearing about others’ ideas, which often leads to connecting people who share a passion. She’s a strong communicator. And she loves to see others grow and succeed.

“I genuinely enjoy interacting with a diversity of people and nurturing their interests,” Dr. Wardian said. “I look forward to meeting health professions faculty and students on all Nebraska University campuses and hearing your ideas about how the IAE can best meet your needs.”