Our team includes long time TRIO staff members, TRIO program alumni, with backgrounds in counseling, philosophy, art, education and psychology all of whom bring a wealth of experiences to help students succeed academically through high school and in life.
These experiences help us hone our participants math and science skills, explore avenues, create opportunities and help them pursue college and career in these disciplines. While our main office is located in the Canfield Administration Building at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we also have a strong presence in the Lincoln Public Schools we serve.
Reach Our Office
Professional Staff
Director of TRIO Programs
Cameron Woodard, M.Ed.
I am the Director of TRIO Programs at UNL. I oversee 4 TRIO programs including Student Support Services, Upward Bound & Upward Bound Math Science and Educational Talent Search. I am originally from Atlanta Georgia where I served professionally as an Academic Counselor at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Prior to becoming the TRIO Director for UNL, I served as the Program Director of TRIO Student Support Services program at Broward College. I developed 6 new TRIO SSS, to which all 6 programs met the grant goals and objectives. I am a proud graduate of Augusta University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology, and have also obtained a Masters of Education in Counseling/Psychology from Troy University. I have worked in K-12 and Higher Education for over 15 years. I love supporting, assisting, and serving students towards pursuing their academic dreams and completion of a college degree. I am a first-generation college graduate and understand the importance of college access programs that support and assist students in overcoming barriers that can be a challenge in continuing their education.
Project Director
Jamil Funnah
Hello! My name is Jamil Funnah. I am an alumni of two TRIO programs, ETS and Upward bound. I have worked with the programs since my undergraduate education. I wanted to continue to work with our programs because of how important the college preparation process is for students, and I would like to make a positive impact on that. I truly believe in that TRIO works and I hope that students working with our programs leave being positively impacted.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy with a minor in Psychology and Master’s in Educational Administration from UNL. I am currently working on my PhD in the Educational Administration department as well.
Education Specialist
Erica Leon
Born and raised in Lincoln, I am an alumnus of Upward Bound and a first-generation graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I received my bachelor's degree with distinction in May 2023, having double-majored in fine art and psychology, with an emphasis in painting and a minor in English. I work for Upward Bound to help students navigate the fears and obstacles that I also remember facing in high school as an aspiring college student, and because I am committed to inspiring the students in our Upward Bound family to overcome any obstacle to study what they love and pursue their dreams.
Senior Education Specialist
Zachary Short
I am the Education Specialist for the Upward Bound Math and Science program. Through this role, I offer both advisement and encouragement to students interested in pursuing post-secondary degrees within the STEM profession. As a student advocate, this means ensuring that my students are immersed in research experience that builds both their knowledgebase and their self-efficacy within STEM. Prior to joining Upward Bound, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and my Masters of Arts degree in Counseling in Educational Settings from Rowan University. Now, continuing on this path of graduate education, I am proud to say that I am a Doctoral Student within the Educational Psychology program here at UNL. Ultimately, it is the culmination of these experiences that assists me in pursuing my passion: creating educational environments that holistically promote individuality, curiosity, and wellness.