Clarkson Institute Names 2026-27 Canedy Scholar

Omaha, NE — Clarkson Institute, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to make Nebraska the healthiest state, is pleased to announce that Dr. Daniel Pierce, CHCQM has been selected as the 2026–27 Canedy Scholar.

The Canedy Scholar Program awards one Omaha-area physician each year with full tuition support to enroll in the Health Administration Executive MBA (EMBA) program at the University of Colorado Denver—consistently ranked among the nation’s top health administration MBA programs. Graduates of the program gain critical business acumen, broader organizational perspective, and an enhanced capacity to address complex challenges within the healthcare system.

“We are proud to support Dr. Daniel Pierce as our next Canedy Scholar,” said Dr. Bill Lydiatt, EMBA, CEO of Clarkson Institute. “This program is designed to invest in physician leaders who are committed to advancing high-quality, accessible care across our region. Dr. Pierce brings a deep dedication to quality and patient safety, along with the kind of curiosity and leadership mindset that drives meaningful, system-level change. We are excited to partner with him as he continues to grow and to see the impact his leadership will have in helping Nebraska become the healthiest state in the nation.”

Dr. Pierce is an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center with clinical and leadership roles through Nebraska Medicine, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Omaha VA, and Bryan Health. His work focuses on healthcare quality and delivery, with particular emphasis on transitions of care for individuals with disabilities and other complex functional needs. He is actively involved in national and statewide health policy and advocacy efforts, including serving on the Board of the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska.

“The Canedy Scholarship offers a uniquely meaningful path to pursue an advanced leadership degree while supporting my career in quality and patient safety,” said Dr. Daniel Pierce. “Beyond a traditional EMBA experience, it provides the opportunity to engage directly with Clarkson Institute’s leadership and initiatives while applying what I learn in real time. I’m deeply aligned with Clarkson’s vision of making Nebraska the healthiest state in the nation and energized by its growing impact. The chance to learn from—and contribute to—a group of leaders focused on long-term, system-level improvement is exactly the environment in which I hope to grow my career.”

Clarkson Institute established the Canedy Scholar Program in 2012 in honor of James A. Canedy, who served for 36 years as administrator of Clarkson Hospital, a predecessor organization to Clarkson Institute and one of Nebraska’s earliest hospitals. Often described as the “unofficial dean” of healthcare management in Nebraska, Mr. Canedy championed high-quality patient care and strongly believed in ongoing education for healthcare leaders across both clinical and business disciplines.

As the 2026–27 Canedy Scholar, Dr. Pierce joins a distinguished network of physician leaders committed to addressing the region’s most pressing healthcare challenges. This group represents a broad cross-section of Nebraska’s healthcare community—including major health systems, independent and academic practices, and a wide range of specialties—and is united by a shared commitment to service, leadership, and continuous learning.

The Health Administration EMBA program at the University of Colorado Denver is designed for working healthcare professionals. The Canedy Scholarship, funded by Clarkson Institute, covers full tuition, travel for in-person sessions, and all required books and materials.

Applications for the 2027–28 Canedy Scholar Program are expected to open around October 1, 2026. To learn more, visit clarksoninstitute.org/canedy-scholar-program/.