On behalf of the Board of Regents, I am honored to present the KUDOS Award to Travis Reynolds, Director of Sponsored Programs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Travis joined the UNK community in September 2017, when his wife became an Assistant Professor in the Physician Assistant program for UNMC at UNK. His first role was as a Library Access Services Associate. He became known for his willingness to help others and his thoughtful attention to every task.
With a degree in Business Administration, his background in business operations, and exceptional organizational skills, he was appointed in 2019 as Contract and Grant Specialist in the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Development. After the Assistant Vice Chancellor departed in 2021, Travis stepped in as Interim Director and was named Director of Sponsored Programs in October of 2023.
Travis led a significant expansion of UNK’s portfolio of funded grants and contracts. In February 2025, UNK was classified as a Research College and University by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation. UNK is one of only 216 institutions nationwide, and just 127 public universities, to receive this recognition. Requiring research expenditures of at least $2.5 million annually, this achievement was surpassed under Travis’s guidance and continues to this day. This is even more impressive as the Office of Sponsored Programs consists of Travis himself, one full-time staff, and two part-time people who support post-awards and grant accounting.
He reviews every grant announcement and all contracts while assisting faculty with proposal development and budgeting. He edits nearly every grant proposal before submission. He was awarded his own NIH funded grant to support training for the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Division of Research and Creative Activity.
Colleagues describe him as approachable, humble, and always ready to lend a hand, with a touch of good humor and a positive attitude. He is a leader and collaborator, who embodies Loper pride, exemplifying the spirit of UNK. Meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment make him an invaluable member of the UNK community.
Please congratulate Travis for his dedication and outstanding contributions to our campus and community. With Travis today are his wife, Jannelle and seven-year-old triplets; Austin, Zeke and Evie, along with his supervisor, Dr. Kim Carlson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity.