Donald Lloyd Greer

Donald L. Greer, born in Bristow, Oklahoma, on January 15, 1948, died peacefully at his home on May 21 after a battle with brain cancer. Don was an asssociate professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha; a longtime participant, board member, and officer of the American Association of University Professors; and a national leader in the urban trails movement and a leading researcher on its impacts. He was the loving son of his mother, Myrtice, and the devoted husband of Robin Welch Greer, both of whom survive him. He also was a supportive step-parent to Robin’s daughter and her husband, Rachel and Brian Hartley of Papillion, and an enthusiastic grandpa to their children, Cole and Lily. He will be greatly missed by all. Don watched as the trail movement grew in popularity in the late 1980s and 90s -- and cringed as an anti-trail movement emerged both publicly and politically. He saw that trail opponents based their arguments on unfounded assertions that were easy to make, but difficult to disprove. Don recognized that for the trail movement to become successful, serious academic research on the impact of trails was required. Don’s work was exhaustive and comprehensive. He spread his passion for legitimate trail research to his UNO students, and worked with such various agencies as the National Park Service, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, Back to the River, and the city of Omaha. Don’s vision and scholarly expertise enabled him to secure grants that allowed him to hire top students to interview trail users, as well as opponents. They surveyed real estate professionals and politicians, as well as residents along existing trails and those living where trails were planned. Eventually he released his findings, and numerous speaking invitations followed. The Internet enabled the results of his research to go global. At a major regional trail conference, former Omaha city planning director Marty Shukert was heard to say: "Thank God that now, when you want to find actual studies on trail impacts, you can simply google it - and up pops the work of UNO Professor Don Greer." Don’s interest in trails, and his ability to seed this interest to his students, led to a progression of projects that continued throughout his tenure at UNO. He led his students in the evaluation of trail-use demographics, usage patterns and many other elements. It is safe to say that across the country, Don’s work has had an incredible impact for many controversial trails. Don also realized that UNO was positioned to make an impact on future leaders in both the public and private Park and Recreation field. By hiring adjunct professors with realworld experience in Parks and Recreation, he helped his students to grow. As a result of his leadership, outstanding professionals were educated at UNO; many have since become leaders in this field. Their success is a direct reflection on UNO, and most specifically, on the vision of Don Greer. A stalwart advocate of academic freedom and faculty rights, Don served for decades on the Executive Committee of the UNO chapter of the American Association of University Professors, the national union for college faculty. He attended the national meeting several times and was especially involved with the Collective Bargaining Congress, the activist wing of the AAUP. Don never shied from a righteous fight in the name of freedom and labor equity. As Treasurer, he ensured that the union remained solvent and at the ready for the rare legal battle to enforce the workers’ contract. Don’s love of trails, biking, and the out-of-doors placed him in the right place -- at the right time. In many ways, his research is his legacy. A Celebration of his life will be held at 3:00-5pm on June 7th at the UNO Alumni Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the scholarship fund created in his name through the AAUP. Donations may be sent to the UNO-AAUP - Greer, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182-0175.