What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the CASNR and LPS Early College and Career Pathways Coordinator. I coordinate an agriculture and natural resources focus program at Lincoln Northeast High School.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
As a past educator, I always envisioned working in higher education. UNL is very innovative and the folks on East Campus are supportive and caring. Those are the characteristics that drew me in and continue to make working at UNL a rewarding experience.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I am energized by the creativity, community connections, and individual pathways educational settings create for people. Lifelong learning is very important to me so working in an environment where education is the key to someone’s future or the next step in their life journey, or just a pathway to explore their interests is very enjoyable!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement would be whenever I push myself out of my comfort zone and do something I never thought I could do or was afraid to do. For example, last April and May, I ran an election campaign for Lincoln City Council. It was tough putting myself out there and losing the election, but I found it to be a very rewarding experience and I enjoyed learning about our city and listening to constituents.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Most people don’t know that I can juggle – not in the metaphorical sense – but quite literally, I can juggle balls, rings, and clubs. I learned in elementary school when we had an afterschool juggling club.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors, whether that is gardening, biking, hiking, skiing, or walking my three dogs with my husband. I am also a Teammates mentor, a jazzercise instructor, involved in the Spring Creek Prairie Stewardship Board, play rec volleyball, and I am a city and county planning commissioner.