Brian Kort, (UNK Communications, Courtesy)
KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Department of Educational Administration has selected Brian Kort of Grand Island Public Schools as the 2026 recipient of the UNKLES Award, recognizing exceptional leadership and service in education.
First presented in 1991, the UNKLES Award – University of Nebraska at Kearney Leaders in Education and Service – honors graduates of the educational administration program who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to educational leadership. Nominees are selected by department faculty and previous UNKLES recipients. Kort joins a distinguished group of about 60 educational leaders who have received the recognition.
Kort currently serves as recruitment and retention coordinator for Grand Island Public Schools, where he works to attract and support high-quality educators across the district. In addition to being a graduate of UNK’s educational administration program, he regularly collaborates with UNK faculty as a guest presenter and mentor, supporting students preparing to enter educational leadership.
“Having been blessed to serve in three outstanding school districts, Mr. Kort is known for his steady leadership, commitment to students and staff and deep belief in the power of education,” said Mike Teahon, chair of educational administration at UNK.
A first-generation college graduate, Kort earned a bachelor’s degree in math education from Hastings College, master’s degree in educational administration from UNK and educational specialist degree from Doane University.
During his career, he taught mathematics and coached at Humphrey St. Francis, Grand Island Central Catholic and Grand Island Public Schools. He also served for 14 years as principal of Barr Middle School in Grand Island.
“A huge supporter of UNK teacher education and educational leadership, Mr. Kort is a respected leader, passionate educator and mentor to many,” Teahon said. “Mr. Kort is a shining example of the values the UNKLES Award was created to honor.”
Kort and his wife of 34 years, Shelly, are the parents of Reghan, an attorney in Omaha, and Peyton, who works at Hudl in Lincoln.
