by Eric Buck | Nebraska Animal Science
Lincoln, Neb. —Brent Johnson, the Livestock & Building Operations Manager in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has received a Kudos Award from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Johnson was recognized during the Board of Regents meeting on June 22.
Johnson has been involved in the department since he was a student, starting as a student worker in 2002, before becoming a full-time assistant in 2004. He continued in that position until being named Livestock and Building Operations Manager in 2018. Johnson oversees the care and management of all livestock used for teaching and extension programming, in addition to building maintenance issues and facility use for events. While his role is behind-the-scenes, his hard work and effort play an integral part in the education of students and the reputation of the department.
"While Brent does not hold any type of teaching appointment, he values teaching and providing experiential learning opportunities for students," said Dr. Bryan Reiling, Associate Professor and Livestock Production & Management Extension Specialist. "He assisted me in developing hands-on activities for our Animal Production Skills course, including fence building activities, skid-steer training, tractor and loader operation, and trailering. None of this is written into Brent's job description, but he does it because he genuinely cares about providing students with hands-on experience that will benefit them in their future careers."
He also oversees a group of student workers in the building, helping them learn the ins-and-outs of operations while on the job.
"I have had the opportunity to work under the supervision of Brent Johnson as an Animal Science student worker for the past three years," said Sarah Dilley, a student worker in the department. "While some supervisors would be hesitant to take a chance on an inexperienced first-year student, Brent was willing to hire me and begin teaching me valuable skills. Not only has Brent been a superior manager, but he also has been instrumental in helping me further my career goals and aspirations."
The Kudos award was established by the President and the Board of Regents to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding employees from across the four University of Nebraska campuses. The awards are particularly intended to spotlight employees that deserve special recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty.