A retirement reception to celebrate the career of Nebraska’s Craig Chandler is 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts’ Lied Commons.
The event is free and open to the campus community. Remarks are scheduled for 4 p.m.
Chandler has worked for 16 years as director of photography in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Office of University Communication and Marketing. His dedication to capturing and editing images of campus life and the successes of students, faculty and staff has directly contributed to expanding the positive public perception of Nebraska’s land-grant, flagship university.
Exemplary work as a visual storyteller earned Chandler a Kudos award from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. The honor, presented during the board’s Aug. 8 meeting, is reserved for NU system staff employees who go above and beyond in their service to the university and its community.
Nationally, Chandler has been frequently ranked among the top 10 photographers in higher education by the University Photographers Association of America. And, more than a handful of his photographs have been honored, including fifth and ninth in national competitions.
Recent honors include a silver in the 2024 CASE awards and first place in the 2024 University Photographers Association of America competition, both for a “Space Corn” photo.
His impacts go beyond the lens as Chandler has mentored multiple students, helping develop their photography talents. He was also honored in fall 2018 after leading a visual storytelling course offered by UNL’s Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication program.
Prior to coming to Nebraska U, the Kansas State University alumnus worked at the Morning Sun in Pittsburg, Kansas; Hutchinson News in Hutchinson, Kansas; Salina Journal in Salina, Kansas; San Antonio Express-News; Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa; and the Omaha World-Herald.
Chandler’s final task for the university is taking photos of Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett’s investiture and undergraduate commencement on Dec. 21. It will be the 71st Husker graduation ceremony that Chandler has captured from behind the lens.
Husker Nation can explore Chandler’s favorite campus photos here and send well wishes via email to cchandler2@unl.edu.
