Retirement reception for Dr. Larsen set for June 26

In celebration of her decades of remarkable service, Jennifer Larsen, MD, Louise and Morton Degen Professor of Internal Medicine, will be honored at a retirement reception on Wednesday, June 26, in the Wigton Heritage Center. The event will be from 3-5 p.m., with remarks from UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, set for 4 p.m.

“Dr. Larsen’s extraordinary leadership at UNMC cannot be overstated,” said Ken Bayles, PhD, UNMC’s vice chancellor for research. “During her tenure, she championed transformational programs in both clinical and basic science research, and led us through the pandemic, all while more than doubling grants supporting our faculty. She has definitely left big shoes to fill.”

Dr. Larsen’s tenure as UNMC’s second vice chancellor for research was marked by unprecedented growth and innovation. Under her guidance, UNMC’s research enterprise flourished, with sponsored program awards reaching a record $228.5 million in fiscal year 2021.

“Dr. Larsen is a pioneer and fierce advocate of research,” said Tess Kuenstling, PhD, assistant vice chancellor for research resources. “Her strategic vision has driven her to build people, programs and resources to serve the campus community. Her passion for mentorship and the development of hundreds of researchers and professionals is truly inspiring. Her encouragement to ‘stay curious’ to her many mentees embodies the spirit of discovery and excellence.”

Dr. Larsen’s visionary leadership was instrumental in developing numerous initiatives, including the Global Center for Health Security, the National Strategic Research Institute and UNeHealth, which have positioned UNMC at the forefront of groundbreaking research and health care solutions.

“Dr. Larsen’s strong leadership and support of initiatives such as the Global Center for Health Security and UNeHealth exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking that has facilitated UNMC’s tremendous growth in research,” said Chis Kratochvil, MD, UNMC’s vice chancellor for external relations. “She laid a solid foundation for continued opportunities to excel for years to come.”

Beyond her administrative roles, Dr. Larsen has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism. As the Degen Professor of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism since 1987, she has conducted extensive research on the metabolic consequences of organ transplantation and collaborated on strategies to prevent diabetes in Native American communities. Her work has earned her national recognition and invitations to serve on various task forces, editorial boards and leadership positions in prestigious organizations.

“Dr. Larsen’s experience in clinical research served her well as she developed and strengthened the clinical research infrastructure here at UNMC,” Dr. Bayles said. “The foundation she laid is strong and ready to support even more growth. Her impact on UNMC will be long-lasting.”

In bidding farewell to Dr. Larsen, the UNMC community is invited to celebrate her remarkable career and lasting impact. Colleagues and friends are invited to share their thoughts, memories and stories about Dr. Larsen’s impact through this form. The comments will be compiled and presented to her as a testament to her lasting influence.