UNK professor Tim Obermier, center, receives the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award during Friday’s winter commencement ceremony. He’s pictured with Chancellor Neal Schnoor and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Julie Shaffer. (Photo by Erika Pritchard, UNK Communications)
By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Tim Obermier’s career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney has been defined by connection – between theory and practice, campus and community, and students and the careers they pursue after graduation.
That commitment was recognized Friday when he received the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award, the university’s most prestigious faculty honor. The award, named after UNK alumnus Leland Holdt, is presented annually during winter commencement to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, research and service. It includes a $5,000 stipend.
Obermier is a professor and chair of the UNK Department of Cyber Systems who’s served the institution for more than 30 years, dating back to his time with Kearney State College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial education in 1983 and master’s degree in vocational education in 1986, both from Kearney State, followed by a doctorate in vocational administration with an emphasis in management from Colorado State University in 1991.
By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Tim Obermier’s career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney has been defined by connection – between theory and practice, campus and community, and students and the careers they pursue after graduation.
That commitment was recognized Friday when he received the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award, the university’s most prestigious faculty honor. The award, named after UNK alumnus Leland Holdt, is presented annually during winter commencement to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, research and service. It includes a $5,000 stipend.
Obermier is a professor and chair of the UNK Department of Cyber Systems who’s served the institution for more than 30 years, dating back to his time with Kearney State College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial education in 1983 and master’s degree in vocational education in 1986, both from Kearney State, followed by a doctorate in vocational administration with an emphasis in management from Colorado State University in 1991.
Purpose-driven career
In nomination materials, Obermier wrote that his professional purpose has been to bridge academia, industry and community throughout his career at UNK.
“From developing experiential learning models that immerse students in real-world enterprise-level networks, to engaging in research that informs state and federal broadband policy, to serving on boards that strengthen Nebraska’s economic and technological infrastructure, I have sought to build impactful experiences and partnerships for the benefit of students, the community and the university,” he stated.
That approach has shaped his work as an educator, scholar and leader, with a focus on ensuring students are prepared to thrive beyond the classroom.
Since rejoining his alma mater as a UNK faculty member in 1996, Obermier has taught 10 different courses across the industrial technology, cyber systems and management departments, along with 44 sections of general education courses. His teaching philosophy centers on active learning and student engagement through experiential models that connect academic concepts to industry practice.
One of his most distinctive contributions is the Information Networking Preceptorial, a course modeled after medical training programs. In the class, students visit industry-specific companies and work closely with professionals – referred to as preceptors – to analyze complex enterprise-level voice, video and data networks. Students complete detailed team-based projects that examine network design, security protocols and risk mitigation, then translate those technical systems into language accessible to nontechnical audiences.
Obermier noted that while students often describe the course as intense, many have also called it the most valuable experience of their academic program.
Student evaluations echo that sentiment. One student wrote that Obermier was “one of the best teachers I have had,” noting his ability to balance rigorous instruction with approachability. Another described him as “without a doubt one of the best instructors UNK has,” praising his enthusiasm, real-world examples and professional experience.
“Overall, I’ve truly enjoyed this class and feel like Dr. Obermier is setting up the entire class to be successful in life.”
Statewide impact
Obermier’s scholarship has also had far-reaching impact, particularly in the area of rural broadband access. His research philosophy is rooted in solving real-world problems through collaboration among academia, industry and community partners.
He has completed 42 refereed journal articles, conference proceedings and presentations, along with 47 invited presentations and seminars. His expertise has led to personal invitations from Nebraska lawmakers to provide testimony and share information on rural broadband issues at both the state and federal levels.
Much of that work has been driven by the Rural Measures project, which Obermier co-developed with UNK colleague Angela Hollman to collect broadband speed data directly at rural user locations. The project produced a broadband testing device and methodology that performed better than existing federal tools. Data from the project helped Nebraska Public Power District apply for federal grants to enhance broadband access and speed in rural areas.
Obermier has been recognized with UNK’s Innovation, Development and Entrepreneurship Award and College of Business and Technology Outstanding Scholarship Award, and he was featured in UNK’s New Frontiers publication for his research contributions.
Service has been another defining element of Obermier’s career. He has served on numerous university committees, helped coordinate academic program reviews and led multiple successful accreditation efforts, including ATMAE and ABET accreditations for cyber systems programs.
Obermier played a key role in the creation of UNK’s Cyber Systems Department in 2018, helping merge several programs into a unified department. He later led efforts to refocus and rebuild the department, advising more than 100 majors, mentoring new faculty and developing new advising processes aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates.
“Regardless of any awards or recognition, this is my crowning achievement at UNK that will likely impact hundreds of students in the future,” he stated.
Obermier has served a total of 12 years as a department chair, including leadership roles in both industrial technology and cyber systems.
Beyond campus, he serves as chair of the board of directors for Aurora Boardworks, an electronics manufacturing company, and he’s helped secure more than $1 million in grant funding for the Aurora Technology Center, a nonprofit organization supporting startup and developing companies.
Respected colleague
“Dr. Obermier exemplifies the spirit of the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award – a teacher who transforms students’ lives, a scholar whose work advances knowledge and policy, and a servant-leader who elevates institutions and communities alike,” she wrote. “His record of innovation, mentorship and impact brings great distinction to UNK and embodies the ideals this award seeks to honor.”
Envick also highlighted Obermier’s experiential teaching methods, his early adoption of flipped classroom models and his ability to translate complex and evolving technological concepts into meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.
“His courses consistently receive exceptional evaluations,” she wrote, “and student feedback describes his teaching as both demanding and deeply rewarding.”
Recently recognized with the College of Business and Technology’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Obermier’s work has always been guided by a commitment to serving students, the university and the state.
“Bridging academia, industry and community has been my calling and purpose,” he stated. “As I reflect on my professional career, I am proud to be a Loper and to have made a meaningful contribution to the mission, vision and values of UNK.”
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