2025 All Staff Conference

Hawks Hall 2

 

This two-day event will be held in the College of Business Howard L. Hawks Hall.  The objective of the conference is to provide professional development, encourage cross-campus dialogue and provide support for the University staff at every level.  The conference is designed to foster engagement among participants, cultivating a supportive, inclusive and dynamic community where every individual can thrive.  Breakout sessions will feature staff presentations in a variety of areas. We are excited to announce that based on feedback, a virtual conference option will be available for those who are unable to attend in-person.

Dates: Tuesday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Location: Howard L. Hawks Hall

Conference registration will open June 2025. More information to come!

Thank you to the colleges, departments units, and organization that provided sponsorship for the 2025 All-Staff Conference. Visit the sponsorship page to find out more

2025 All-Staff Conference Sponsors

2025 Keynote

Keri Mesropov Headshot

Keynote Title

Feedback Fluency: Mastering the Language of Growth

Session Description 

We all have our unique tolerance and talent for feedback, but hands down, giving and receiving feedback is perhaps the hardest skill to develop, be it in the workplace or personal life. It’s uncomfortable, it’s vulnerable. But done with care, it’s an unparalleled propeller to growth and advancement. In our current day, when the promise (or threat?!) of technology and AI further removes humans from day-to-day tasks, the imperative of being a super communicator is the differentiator for organizations who grow both bigger and more resilient. The ability to effectively take on feedback as a provider or recipient is at the heart of any developmental plan.

Keynote Objectives

1. To learn the data behind the effectiveness of mastering giving and receiving feedback...and acting on it.
2. To provide a simple, elegant and easy framework for giving feedback.
3. To illuminate the common mistakes we all make when giving feedback and to provide clear and easy ways to ignite your practice of feedback through asking for it.

Professional Biography

Keri Mesropov is the Founder of Spring, a talent development agency launching young careerists and cultivating multi-generational workforces. Data, research and results driven in its practice, Spring exists to help organizations optimize the generational diversity of their teams toward not-yet imagined future success. Delivering culture assessments and consulting, one-on-one advisories and skill-building workshops, Spring’s work today spans the business landscape of corporations, hospitality, entertainment and social non-profits. Her expertise has been featured in such publications as Newsweek and SHRM’s podcast, Honest HR. 

Prior to launching Spring, Keri was the Chief Talent Officer for TRG Arts, one of the world’s most influential consulting firms dedicated to the arts, where she created unique organizational culture initiatives that optimized productivity and creativity while motivating and retaining top talent. Before becoming TRG’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer, Keri served as Vice President of Client Service and as a senior consultant for TRG, leading teams for consulting, database management and business intelligence services. As consultant and VP, she advised theater, ballet, orchestral and Broadway producing organizations on how to build resiliency through data-driven strategies in consumer relationships, financial stability, organizational frameworks and people-centric teams. She led a VIP portfolio that included New York City Ballet, the Chicago Symphony, Toronto International Film Festival, Boston Ballet and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. 

Known for her expertise in developing Gen Z professionals, Keri was a Professional in Residence at her alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ new Experience Lab, where she worked with students to build their leadership skills. She currently serves as an Advisory Council member for the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network as well as on the board of The Dance Archive at the University of Denver. In 2022 she received the prestigious Woman of Courage, Character and Commitment award from UNL’s Women’s Center. Keri’s thirty years of experience in administration has included executive leadership roles at Colorado Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Washington Performing Arts and the Trey McIntyre Project.

 

N2025 Strategic Plan

The Staff Conference aligns with the aim: "Prioritize participation and professional development for all Nebraska students, staff, and faculty."

We believe in the power of every person. The most important asset at the University of Nebraska is its people — students, staff, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty. It is critical to provide access to individualized professional development and effective mentorship for all members of the university community

Professional development opportunities integrating inclusive excellence and fostering a culture of participative decision-making enhances the richness of the university experience. A comprehensive approach to professional development will result in a vibrant and supportive climate characterized by excellence in all mission areas of our institution

Meaningful and impactful professional development for all reinforces that every person and every interaction matters.

 

Find Out More About N2025

 

Upcoming Events

2025 Planning Committee

Hasnat Aslam, School of Natural Resources

Nandhini Bala, Animal Science

Rhea Barfield, B&F Business Center

Michael Bergland-Riese, Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education

Lisa Craig, University Television

Annalisa Davenport, Campus Recreation

Jill Flagel, Institutional Equity and Compliance

Zack Franzen, College of Journalism and Mass Communications

Jennifer Frasier-Davison, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Jerri Harner, Business and Finance

Brittany Kruckman, B&F Business Center

Ranelle Maltas, Human Resources

Hanna Peterson, Nebraska Alumni Associations

Joann Ross, Office of the Chancellor

Kathrine Schwartman, Pound Business Cooperative

Caitlin Smith, College of Business

Celeste Spier, Human Resources

Jannah Vanie, University Libraries

Jess Weaver, Nebraska Center for Virology

Madeline Yeatts, Office of Sustainability

If you are interested in volunteering during the 2025 All-Staff Conference please email staff.conference@unl.edu