University of Nebraska at Kearney Appoints New Chairs for Early Childhood Education
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has announced the appointments of Paula Thompson and Philip Lai as the new Cille and Ron Williams Community Chairs for Early Childhood Education. This distinguished role not only highlights their expertise but also underscores UNK’s commitment to addressing a vital area of need in Nebraska’s educational landscape.
In their new positions, which also come with concurrent appointments as Buffett Early Childhood Institute Community Chairs, Thompson and Lai will spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing early care and education across the state. As Nebraska currently faces a significant shortage in child care services—with an estimated need for 17,500 additional child care spaces—these appointments are timely and critical. Notably, ten rural counties in Nebraska lack any licensed child care providers, exacerbating accessibility issues for families in those areas.
Thompson, an associate professor in teacher education, will take on the role of chair for the endowed position. Her research focuses on early childhood workforce preparation, emphasizing well-being and professional development for educators serving rural communities. Furthermore, Thompson explores family engagement strategies, early STEM education initiatives, and advocacy in special education. Such insights are particularly valuable in a state where approximately two-thirds of children live in households with working adults.
Lai, who serves as an associate professor of communication disorders, has been named the assistant chair. His research interests encompass social development and cognitive growth in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. He is also involved in teaching various graduate and undergraduate courses, further contributing to the academic environment at UNK.
Mark Reid, dean of UNK’s College of Education, expressed confidence in the new chairs, stating that Thompson and Lai bring “exceptional expertise, passion, and leadership” to their roles. Their work is expected to strengthen collaboration between UNK faculty, community professionals, and families, creating stronger support systems for children aged birth to eight years.
In Nebraska, where employment rates are low, the provision of quality child care services is paramount. The collaborative efforts led by Thompson and Lai aim to enhance early learning opportunities, ensuring that families can access the resources they need. The Cille and Ron Williams Community Chair program, backed by an annual salary stipend and support for research initiatives, fosters an environment where faculty can lead meaningful change in early childhood education.
As the chairs extend their outreach through partnerships with the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, their ongoing efforts will help address systemic gaps in early childhood services. Walter Gilliam, executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, remarked, “Nebraska’s future depends on ensuring every child has access to quality early learning opportunities,” highlighting the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and community organizations.
In summary, the appointments of Paula Thompson and Philip Lai as community chairs reflect UNK’s dedication to improving early childhood education in Nebraska, addressing critical needs, and facilitating pathways for enhanced learning experiences for young children statewide.
