Sarah Frankel-Russell, director of Student Advocacy and Support, has earned the University of Nebraska Board of Regents’ Kudos Award for helping students navigate personal and financial challenges.
Presented Dec. 5, the systemwide honor celebrates staff employees who go above and beyond in service to the university and its mission.
Frankel-Russell oversees a four-person team that supports students facing non-academic issues such as food and housing insecurity, medical withdrawals, extended absences and other unexpected hardships. In the 2024-25 academic year, the Student Advocacy and Support assisted 942 Huskers.
Her team’s recent successes include assisting Fulbright Scholars after funding was abruptly cut. Their coordination with Husker Hub, University Housing and Academic Navigators helped the students remain enrolled.
Frankel-Russell also strengthened partnerships with Graduate Studies and the International Student and Scholar Office to support students confronting visa complications and federal funding reductions. Her office connected affected students with resources and emergency aid to ensure their academic progress.
“Sarah and the Student Advocacy and Support team are great ambassadors for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln belief that every person and every interaction matters,” said Dee Dee Anderson, vice chancellor for Student Life. “She makes the university a better place for students.”
