The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has named George “Sam” Goodin as director of Services for Students with Disabilities. Goodin, director of Disability Support Services at Southern Illinois University, will start his new role April 3.

Goodin brings nearly 40 years of experience in disability services, including twenty years at the University of Michigan and six years at Indiana University. A leader in policy development and assessment, Goodin served in multiple capacities for the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), including as director at large in 2013 and president in 2001-2002.

Over the course of his career, Goodin served as a program evaluator at 11 universities, including Nebraska in 2002.

“I think my earlier opportunity to consult with UNL about support for students with disabilities is an asset,” says Goodin. “However, the profession is always in flux. New technologies come along. New groups of students with disabilities are attracted to higher education. Part of what it takes to be successful is to respond to changes.”

Goodin says Nebraska is in a good place when it comes to providing disability services for students, and that he looks forward to taking it to the next level.

“Going all the way back to childhood preparation is important. Anything we can do to help students prepare—and anything we can do to prepare ourselves will make a difference.”

As director of Services for Students with Disabilities, Goodin will lead coordination efforts between faculty and staff in accommodating students, assisting in students' transitions to the university environment and advocating for students’ needs.