LINCOLN, Neb. — Martha Mamo, John E. Weaver Professor of Soil Science and head of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, has received the 2026 James O’Hanlon Academic Leader Award. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln annually awards this honor to a full-time faculty or staff member who demonstrates exceptional abilities to lead, serve, inspire and collaborate on the academic goals of the university.
Since joining the department in 2000 and becoming department head in 2019, Mamo has led collaborative efforts in advancing research innovation and deepening the department’s connection to Nebraska agricultural producers.
“I feel truly privileged to serve in agriculture, a noble and enduring enterprise that touches every life,” Mamo said.
“Every day, I have the joy of witnessing the passion, expertise and dedication that our faculty, staff and students bring to serve Nebraska and beyond; they not only invest their knowledge, but their hearts and hands in Nebraska. This recognition reflects their work!”
On course for success
Amit Jhala, professor and associate department head, says it takes a strong leader to position a university department for long-term success, and Mamo’s ability to establish direction and build enduring systems is a defining strength of her leadership.
Strategic visioning, achieved collaboratively, has been central to Mamo’s approach. She led the development and implementation of two five-year strategic plans focusing on advancing the department’s mission and building long-term success. Additionally, she led the 2023 Academic Program Review — an inclusive, industry-informed self-study — to align departmental priorities with the strategic goals of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the broader university.
“Few leaders possess the ability to translate complex evaluation processes into momentum for lasting change,” Jhala said. “Mamo does so with precision and purpose.”
Michael J. Boehm, professor of plant pathology, says her leadership is reflected not only in her strategic mindset, but also in how she brings practical solutions to complex challenges.
“She’s led major curriculum updates, including redesigning legacy undergraduate programs into the Plant and Landscapes degree program,” said Boehm, a former IANR vice chancellor. “She’s also positioned the department as a leader in precision agriculture education by co-developing the Digital Agriculture minor. These are only a few examples of how Mamo has transformed the curriculum to stay relevant with student and stakeholder needs.”
The department’s curriculum adjustments have expanded instructional opportunities at the same time they provide greater flexibility to students to match their individual needs.
Leading by example
Mamo is a nationally and internationally renowned scholar and educator who is committed not only to others’ leadership development as well as her own. She remains active in high-level leadership programs like LEAD21, the Food Systems Leadership Institute, the Big Ten Academic Leadership Program, and the university’s Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders Program, using those experiences to mentor faculty, staff and students. The approach, she said, builds a culture rooted in shared accountability, professional growth and trust.
Ronald E. Yoder, professor emeritus of biological systems, was mentored by James O’Hanlon when Yoder was head of the Biological Systems Engineering Department.
“O’Hanlon was an outstanding person who led by example and fostered a strong and collegial working relationship with his team; he was a kind, warm, caring and an outstanding leader,” said Yoder, who retired in 2023 as a senior associate vice chancellor. “Mamo represents these same qualities and couldn’t be more deserving of this award.”
Advancing academic innovation
Since 2018, a 45% increase in Mamo’s research citations have shaped the rest of her department into a competitive research enterprise. Approximately 200 research proposals from the department are submitted on an annual basis with more than 150 receiving funding — nearly 70% of that funding comes from federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Fund and the Department of Energy.
“Thanks to Mamo’s tireless advocacy and proactive leadership, department faculty have received five times more awards in the last five years than in the preceding period,” Jhala said. “She consistently encourages faculty members to identify appropriate internal, national and international awards and provides thoughtful guidance throughout the nomination process.”
