Lincoln, Neb. —
What is your background before coming to the University of Nebraska Lincoln?
I grew up in Mitchell and Scottsbluff before attending college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After college, I worked at KLDZ, an oldies station in Lincoln that is now non-existent. Before returning to Scottsbluff, I held various jobs, none in my major, but all had good life experiences in California, Kansas, Missouri, and Alaska. I returned to Scottsbluff in 2001 to be closer to family. I was a clerk and then reporter at the Star-Herald, owned a paper, “The Index” in Mitchell, was Farm Director at KNEB The Rural Radio Network, and then joined the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center (PREEC) in 2023.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the Communications Specialist I at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center at Scottsbluff. I am responsible for writing press releases, managing our social media, maintaining our website, and communicating information to the public, along with various tasks that present themselves.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I attended UNL for college, receiving a bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism. In the bigger picture, it helped shape my outlook on life and the world. When I applied for the position at the UNL PREEC in Scottsbluff. I knew I wanted to help grow the university’s footprint in the Panhandle. I want youth and others to know that the university is a wonderful college to get a degree, but PREEC is more than just an extension as a land grant college. We offer those in agriculture research opportunities, programs, workshops, training, and so much more.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I like learning about the research and activities at PREEC and then sharing the information with the public. Having people sign up for classes or talk to a specialist is very rewarding because of the information I have put on various media platforms.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m somewhat superstitious and believe in ghosts, but not Bigfoot.
What is your life like outside of work?
I enjoy getting together with family and friends. Going to restaurants, cafes, and local events. I’m an avid reader. I read news articles and other short articles online, and I use books for nonfiction.