Shaun Grammer, DMSc, chair of the UNMC Department of Medical Sciences, director of the physician assistant program and associate professor in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, is UNMC’s Varner Educator Laureate for 2024-25.
The Varner Educator Laureate Award is UNMC’s highest honor bestowed on its educators.
The award recognizes a UNMC faculty member with sustained achievement in education who has significantly improved the UNMC learning environment through the provision of outstanding educational experiences.
Dr. Grammer joined UNMC in 2018 as associate professor in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, became director of the UNMC Division of Physician Assistant Education in 2019, then advanced to chair of the UNMC Department of Medical Sciences in 2020.
Dr. Grammer, who is a certified physician assistant, said he is truly humbled and appreciative to receive the award.
“This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals,” he said. “I am deeply grateful to the physician assistant faculty, staff and students, as well as the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions administration, for their unwavering support and commitment to creating an exceptional learning environment.
“The needs of our students in the classroom are continuously evolving, and I am excited to continue embracing innovation and support in education to ensure their success.”
Dr. Grammer and six other UNMC Impact in Education Award winners will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, March 14, at 4 p.m. in the Durham Research Center Auditorium (DRC 1002). Attendees can register at this link. A reception will follow the awards ceremony.
“It is inspiring to see such a remarkable group of faculty members being recognized for their dedication to innovation and excellence in education,” Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC’s interim vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Their exemplary work not only enriches the learning experience for our students but also inspires their fellow educators to strive for excellence.”
The other 2024-25 Impact in Education Award winners are:
- Emerging Educator: Leah Stade, OTD, assistant professor, UNMC Division of Occupational Therapy Education, College of Allied Health Professions. The award recognizes an emerging health science educator who demonstrates excellence, dedication and perseverance in teaching and education early in their career.
- Excellence in Educational Service: Russell Buzalko, PhD, UNMC Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine/Children’s Nebraska. The award recognizes a UNMC volunteer, emeritus or adjunct faculty member who exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching and whose contributions are significant and lasting to the advancement of health care learners, health care education or health care professions.
- Excellence in Educational Service: Anthony Griess, MD, UNMC Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine. The award recognizes a UNMC volunteer, emeritus or adjunct faculty member who exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching and whose contributions are significant and lasting to the advancement of health care learners, health care education or health care professions.
- Innovative Practices in Education: Analisa McMillan, PhD, director of educational design and development, UNMC College of Public Health. The award recognizes an individual or team that demonstrates ingenuity, courage and creativity in teaching, including innovations in use of educational technology, experiential learning, adoption of simulation and/or creative use of the classroom.
- Inspirational Mentor of Educators: Ka-Chun (Joseph) Siu, PhD, professor, UNMC Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Professions. The award recognizes an individual who has mentored junior faculty or trainees in developing as health professions educators.
- Visionary Leadership in Education: Kelly Gonzales, PhD, associate professor, UNMC College of Nursing-Omaha Division. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the ability to skillfully establish or administer an educational initiative or role at UNMC or nationally.