About the Kingfisher Institute

Integrating the Liberal Arts and the Professions

The Kingfisher Institute was established through Creighton’s university-wide strategic planning process and was approved in 2018—after more than two years of foundational work by faculty and administrators. The Institute was formally inaugurated in January 2019. 

Our offices are in the School of Dentistry building, a location that symbolizes our purpose: bridging the liberal arts and sciences with the professions at Creighton. We will continue to expand as an institute of excellence that connects every corner of the university.

Our Namesake

The Kingfisher Institute's name is inspired by the Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," which Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, highlighted in his inaugural presidential address. In doing so, Father Hendrickson challenged all members of the Creighton community to exemplify their own humanity by seeking magis, or more, and doing justice.

Annual Reports: Tracing Our Growth and Impact

Since the Institute’s founding, we have deepened and expanded its role in advancing Creighton’s mission and vision while articulating and working toward our own. Through initiatives that enhance engagement, innovation and collaboration, the Institute provides opportunities that enrich the Creighton community and beyond. Our annual reports offer a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished so far and what we plan to achieve in the future.

Bridget Keegan
Acting Director
402.280.4015

Charise Alexander Adams
Program Manager
402.280.5169

We’re thankful to the members of the Kingfisher Advisory Council for their insights and guidance. Their thoughtful perspectives help us move in the direction of our mission.

Patrick Murray, PhD
Professor of Philosophy, John C. Kenefick Faculty Chair in the Humanities

Rachel Mindrup, MFA
Associate Professor, Fine and Performing Arts, Richard L. Deming Endowed Chair in Medical Humanities

Fr. Kevin FitzGerald, SJ, PhD
John A. Creighton Chair, School of Medicine

Christine Keith, DDS
Assistant Professor, General Dentistry, School of Dentistry

Ayushi Kaul
Creighton University School of Medicine student

Sarah Singletary Walker, PhD
Professor of Management, Heider College of Business

Candace Bloomquist, PhD
Associate Professor, Program Director, Interdisciplinary EdD in Leadership program, Graduate School

Margo Minnich, DNP
Associate Professor, College of Nursing

Gintaras Duda, PhD
Professor and Chair, Physics; A.F. Jacobson Chair in Communications

Nicole Piemonte, PhD
Assistant Professor; Assistant Dean, School of Medicine (Phoenix)

Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT, CERP
Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions

Lizzy Curran
Director, Global and Community Engaged Learning, Global Engagement Office

Joy Doll, OT, OTD
Program Director, Health Information Systems

The Kingfisher Award: Recognizing a Commitment to the Humanities

In 2019, Creighton University President Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, inaugurated the annual Kingfisher Award in partnership with the Kingfisher Institute. The award recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the values, principles and practices of the humanities.

Recipients

2022: Patrick Murray, PhD, professor of philosophy and the John C. Kenefick Faculty Chair in the Humanities

2021: Nicole Piemonte, PhD, School of Medicine – Phoenix Campus

2020: Omofolasade (Sade) Kosoko-Lasaki, MD, Director, Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs

2019: John O’Keefe, PhD, Theology Professor and Documentary Filmmaker

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