For his leadership and commitment to supporting military-connected students, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Joe Brownell has received the Kudos Award from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
The award, an NU system honor that recognizes employees who go above and beyond in serving the university and its community, was presented during the board’s Aug. 14 meeting.
Brownell, executive director of the Military and Veteran Success Center, joined the university in 2018. Under his direction, the center has expanded partnerships with the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska National Guard, Offutt Air Force Base and the Lincoln Community Foundation — efforts that have improved access to vital services and scholarships.
“Joe is a proven leader who is continually developing new ideas and strategies for supporting the needs of military, veteran and military-dependent students,” Brownell’s nominator wrote. “He is also a highly collegial and collaborative member of the Student Success Leadership Team, contributing his expertise and time to support the success of other UNL units.”
Recent accomplishments include a 10% increase in benefits certifications and the establishment of a Veteran Welcome Center at Offutt, reinforcing the university’s land-grant mission to serve all Nebraskans. In the 2024–25 academic year, the center recorded more than 4,300 student visits and certified 1,500 records for educational benefits.
Since being named executive director in 2023, Brownell has also strengthened coordination with UNL’s three ROTC programs, resulting in improved student retention, graduation outcomes and greater integration across campus.
