The University of Nebraska–Lincoln welcomes Tyler Quick as the newest Extension instructor with Rural Prosperity Nebraska, the community development arm of Nebraska Extension. Born and raised in Alliance, Quick feels rural Nebraska is part of who he is. As a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension instructor, Quick will work with communities in Blair, Burt, Douglas, Dodge, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties. Here’s a little bit about him.
Tell us a little about your family life.
I have two sisters, Ashley and Makenna. Ashley is a pharmacy tech in western Nebraska, and Makenna is a sophomore at Alliance High School. My father is a technical trainer for BNSF Railway, and my mother is a para-educator at a local Lutheran school.
What drew you to the position with Rural Prosperity Nebraska?
I am currently completing a Master of Applied Science in community development, and this position seemed like an opportunity that aligned well with my studies. The part of my studies and of this position that is my favorite is that I will be a resource for communities in various situations. I think it is really rewarding that I can help not one but several communities continue to thrive and develop as they face challenges. In community development one of my favorite concepts, or pieces of advice, is “don’t do for others what they can do for themselves.” I think that is really what this position is all about—not doing things for these communities but allowing them to receive the guidance and facilitation to help them realize their own potential, and make the changes and development they are truly capable of.
What aspect of working with community development are you looking forward to most?
I look forward to connecting with community leaders, and helping them grow and develop as leaders in order to build their capacity to implement positive changes in their communities. Specific programming ideas are still circulating in my head.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I consider my greatest achievement to be the completion of my undergraduate degree, which is a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership Education and Communication, with an emphasis in leadership studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Not only did I complete it in four years, but I found a passion for leadership and made great connections along the way in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and Nebraska Extension.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I worked as a congressional intern with Senator Deb Fischer’s office, where I gained invaluable experience in casework and constituent services. This position affected me in numerous ways. it not only gave me insight to the governmental practices that affect the way we live, but also the way we are able to conduct business as a Big 10 university. Personally, my biggest growth and change through this experience was the realization that I enjoy public service, but not in the field of policy. I realized that I will always want a position that keeps communities and constituents at the forefront of the work I do.
What is your life like outside of work?
Prior to taking this position, I had a part-time job serving at a local restaurant in Lincoln. After I make the move to Northwest Omaha, I look forward to establishing a hobby or two, and being able to volunteer and coach some local 4-H and FFA teams in that area. I am thinking about taking up woodworking, leather stamping, and getting back into a routine that includes nightly trips to the gym.