As Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, the University of Nebraska Omaha is committed to the needs of the community through teaching, research and service. Theresa Barron-McKeagney is the Associate Dean for the College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of Nebraska Omaha (http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/).
Why do people choose you and your business; what sets you apart from others? – CPACS is a very special college. We offer a diverse range of opportunities to students who are entering college for the first time as 18-year-olds to returning students who are finishing their degree at 70 years old. The capacity we have in the college to accommodate these outstanding students and attract quality faculty and staff speaks volumes to the commitment we have toward higher education.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve been at UNO since 1989, beginning as an instructor through the tenure process to full professor with administrative opportunities in the Grace Abbott School of Social Work as the director, and now as the Associate Dean in CPACS.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – It would have to be second guessing decisions that I’ve made. I ask myself, “Did I listen carefully enough?” and “Was I as ‘present’ with people who needed my undivided attention?”
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – At this point in my career at UNO, my most important professional achievement is to be welcomed by our university and communities at large as having leadership abilities. I fully realize that my success comes from the numerous people in my life who have mentored and advocated for me. I am eternally grateful to them.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am the youngest of 11 children. My parents were immigrants from Mexico. I’ve been married to a great guy for 33 years! He has put up with all of my educational endeavors since I was a senior in college at the University of Iowa. We have one adult son, daughter-in-law and two gorgeous grandsons.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I became a grandmother.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I like Johnny Cash and his song, “Folsom Prison Blues.”
What are you most proud of? – My entire familia, all 300 hundred.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Be careful what you pray for.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loving.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – To make people laugh more, I think I’m funny… (others may not think so!)
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Psychiatry, which means I’d have to be a doctor and pass chemistry.
Do you have a favorite non-profit organization that you support? – The Boys & Girls’ Club (in South Omaha and Council Bluffs).
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Mi Riconcito en el Cielo (2015) by Theresa Barron-McKeagney!
What is your favorite movie? – Wuthering Heights.
What is your favorite television show? – Scandal.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Primo’s in Council Bluffs.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Anthony Hopkins.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at tbarronm@unomaha.edu or visit http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/.