Lincoln, Neb.--The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts has announced the 2026 recipients of the Hixson-Lied Faculty and Staff Awards.
The annual awards program for faculty and staff recognizes outstanding performance and accomplishments in the areas of teaching; research and creative activity; service, outreach and engagement; and staff service.
The following faculty and staff awards will be presented at the college’s Honors Day celebration on April 24:
• College Distinguished Teaching Award:
Carlie Antes, School of Art, Art History & Design
The College Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a professor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and a selfless dedication to students. Antes is assistant professor of practice in the School of Art, Art History & Design and 3-D foundations coordinator.
• Senior Faculty Research and Creative Activity Award:
Margaret Bohls, School of Art, Art History & Design
The Senior Faculty Research and Creative Activity Award recognizes a senior faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in research or creative activity. Bohls is Professor of Art (Ceramics). Her work is marked by a profound dedication to material knowledge, deep historical awareness and technical excellence.
• Junior Faculty Research and Creative Activity Award:
Mark Adams, Glenn Korff School of Music
The Junior Faculty Research and Creative Activity Award recognizes a junior faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in research or creative activity. Adams is assistant professor of instrumental music education. His research centers on songwriting pedagogy, classroom community, vernacular musicianship and creative agency in school music contexts.
• Outreach, Engagement or Service Award:
Wendy Katz, School of Art, Art History & Design
The Outreach, Engagement or Service Award is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in outreach, engagement or service. Katz is professor of art history. She has secured and administered significant funding for the art history program through her well-established relationship with donors Stuart and Lynn Embury.
• Student Success Award:
Santiago Cal, School of Art, Art History & Design
The Student Success Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary support of student success through advising, mentorship and/or other activities. Cal is professor of art (sculpture). In addition to his teaching load, he serves as the graduate committee chair, mentors the student sculpture club and works closely with numerous undergraduate and graduate students.
• Curriculum Development Award:
Jen Landis, School of Art, Art History & Design
The Curriculum Development Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in curricular or programmatic development. Landis is assistant professor of practice in graphic design and has played an integral role in reshaping the curriculum across all levels of the program.
• Junior Faculty Teaching Award:
Josh Lowe, School of Art, Art History & Design
The Junior Faculty Teaching Award recognizes a junior faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in teaching. Lowe is assistant professor of graphic design who maintains consistent excellence in studio teaching, meaningful curriculum upgrades and dedication to student success.
• Outstanding Lecturer Award:
Amy Guevara, Glenn Korff School of Music
The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes a lecturer who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in teaching. Guevara is committed to student learning, artistic growth and professional development.
• Outstanding Staff Award:
David Bagby, Dean’s Office
The Outstanding Staff Award is given to a staff member whose overall performance has regularly and consistently exceeded expectations and has reflected a high level of service throughout their years of service. Bagby is the information technology services manager in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.
• Staff Award for Exemplary Service:
Christy Aggens, School of Art, Art History & Design
The Staff Award for Exemplary Service is given to a staff member who has demonstrated exemplary service to the college or academic unit over the preceding 12-month calendar year. Aggens is operations specialist in the School of Art, Art History & Design.
• M.V.P. Award:
Sara Fedderson, Dean’s Office
The M.V.P. Award is given to staff members who have provided support to the college or academic unit behind the scenes. Fedderson is assistant director of academic planning and processes in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.
In addition to the Hixson-Lied Faculty and Staff Awards, the following recognitions are also announced:
Hixson-Lied Professorships, which recognize outstanding faculty in the Hixson-Lied College who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in teaching, research/creative activity and service. They offer a stipend of $5,000 per year for a nonrenewable two-year term. There are three professorships awarded—one each at the Professor, Associate and Assistant Levels:
• Jen Landis, Assistant Professor of Practice in Graphic Design, School of Art, Art History & Design
• Jacqueline Mattingly, Associate Professor of Practice in Music, Glenn Korff School of Music
• Wendy Katz, Professor of Art History, School of Art, Art History & Design.
In addition, Aggens also received the inaugural Hixson-Lied Staff Professional Development Award, which honors an exceptional staff member who has shown dedication, innovation and impact in supporting the college’s mission and offers a $5,000 stipend per year for a nonrenewable two-year term.
