Kari Blomberg and Lisa Mosier Bunn have been recognized with two of the University of Iowa College of Education’s staff honors for 2026, celebrating their outstanding service, dedication, and impact across the college community.
These two staff members were honored during the 2026 College of Education’s Staff Appreciation Lunch Celebration Wednesday, April 22.
Blomberg received the Bettina “Tina” Hass Staff Excellence in Commitment and Dedication Award, which recognizes a current staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment and dedication to their department and/or the college. The award is named for Bettina “Tina” Hass, a longtime staff member and executive assistant to numerous deans who retired in 2023 after more than four decades of dedicated service. Blomberg is the administrative services coordinator for the Department of Counselor Education and the Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations.
Mosier Bunn, who is the Baker Teacher Leader Center administrative services specialist, received the College of Education Staff Council Early Impact Award, which honors a current staff member who demonstrates exceptional dedication and a tangible impact within the first four years of employment in the college.
Blomberg, who joined the college in 2016, is praised by colleagues for her professionalism, reliability, and steady support of faculty, staff, and students.
Nomination materials highlighted her leadership in HR processing, her ability to manage complex administrative responsibilities with accuracy and care, and her role in supporting the rapid growth of both Psychological and Quantitative Foundations and Counselor Education. Her work also helps support major developments, including the launch of the Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Behavioral Health Services undergraduate major and the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
“Kari has been an extraordinary asset to the College of Education since joining in 2016, and her work exemplifies the dedication, kindness, and service honored by the Bettina ‘Tina’ Hass Award,” Dean Daniel Clay says. “Her professionalism, reliability, and calm presence have made her a trusted colleague to faculty, staff, and students alike.”
Support letters also emphasize the way Blomberg approaches her work. Colleagues describe her as proactive, thoughtful, and attentive, with a rare combination of technical excellence and interpersonal grace. In addition to managing a high volume of HR-related work, she mentors new staff, builds strong relationships across departments, and helps strengthen operations throughout the college.
Mosier Bunn is recognized for the immediate and meaningful impact she has made in less than three years with the Baker Teacher Leader Center. Nomination materials describe her as a key member of the BTLC team whose work is both highly organized and deeply relational, supporting faculty, staff, students, and PK–12 educators across Iowa.
Among her many contributions, Mosier Bunn plays a central role in onboarding and monitoring progress for Teacher Education Program students completing the Teacher Leader Certificate. Colleagues also highlight her work developing wellness programming for students and staff, serving on the college’s SoWell Committee and Staff Council, and improving operations through projects involving Salesforce, registration systems, and BTLC scheduling processes.
“Lisa embodies the very spirit of this recognition, demonstrating unwavering commitment, integrity, and care in her service to our college community,” BTLC Director Kari L. Vogelgesang says of Mosier Bunn. “What distinguishes Lisa most, however, is the manner in which she carries out her work. She consistently engages colleagues, students, and partners with respect, civility, and encouragement.”
Mosier Bunn is recognized for her “immediate positive impact on the college.”
Together, the two awards reflect the many ways staff members strengthen the College of Education through service, innovation, and care for others. Whether through years of sustained dedication or strong early impact, Blomberg and Mosier Bunn exemplify the commitment that helps move the college forward.
Additionally, 12 staff members were honored for their longevity in the college:
30 Years:
Brian Douglas – Belin-Blank Center
10 Years:
Kelsey Friday – UI REACH
Lois Gray – Strategic Communications and Marketing
Jenny McGinn – UI REACH
Michael Petkewec – UI REACH
Five Years:
Kendal Anderson – UI REACH
Carter Burks – Academic Advising
Mariana Colombo – Scanlan Center for School Mental Health
Betsy Justis – Office of Student Services
Katie Schabilion – Belin-Blank Center
Paul Waas – Office of Student Services
Ben Walizer – Office of the Dean
Wellness Hero Award Recipients from University Staff Council
Michelle Hayes and Elizabeth Holm
Read more staff news and staff spotlights on the College of Education's Celebrating College of Education Staff webpage.