Dorn Wins Excellence in Teaching Award

In March, Tom Dorn, extension educator with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County, received one of four senior faculty Holling Family Awards for Teaching Excellence presented by UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Holling Family Awards are given annually for outstanding teaching in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Holling Family Award Program was made possible by a gift from the Holling family to honor their pioneer parents.

Over the past 15 years, Tom has provided Computerized Farm Financial Recordkeeping workshops to 940 people. Surveys indicate participants keep more complete and accurate financial records as a result of the five-hour workshop. Tom has provided statewide leadership in updating teaching materials to stay current with software advances.

A Lancaster County producer commented, "Tom's teaching style is down to earth and presented in a way in which we could understand it." From Tekamah, Dorn received his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanized Agriculture from UNL. He began his extension career in 1980 as an Extension Technologist in Biological Systems Engineering. He also served in Holt and Filmore counties before coming to Lancaster County 10 years ago.

Last year, Barb Ogg, extension educator with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County received this award.

Photo: UNL Extension Dean Elbert Dickey (left) and Extension Educator Tom Dorn (right).