About Lola
My name is Lola Young, and I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Following my father’s construction accident, we moved to McCool Junction, Nebraska where I spent most of my school years (minus one year at Centennial High School in Utica). Following high school, I received a scholarship and attended Floral Technology and Design School in Kansas City. With low wages in the field, once I was married and living in Lincoln, I started working at UNL in a clerical position at Abel Hall. Before coming to the Nebraska Forest Service, I worked for 32 years in four different positions for University Housing including a number of years as the housing director’s secretary. I didn’t think I could ever have a supervisor better than Doug Zatechka until I found myself in Forestry Hall working for John Erixson, who is truly humble and treats all NFS employees with nothing but kindness. I’ve now been with NFS for the past eight years.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
My current position is business office associate, and in this position I do a number of things including supervising and working with our all of our staff members including our NRBC contacts. Much of what I do is working with our foresters throughout the state on the financial portion of supplying Nebraska landowners with cost-share grant funds to reduce risk of wildland fires. Additionally, I prepare financial reports including the financial section of our annual reports.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I was quite young when I first started working at UNL and was thrilled to have a job that provided benefits. Having been here for 40 years is living proof that I love the atmosphere, the people I have had the opportunity to work with over the years and the students I had the pleasure of supervising during my years in housing, many of which I am still in contact with.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy listening to our student workers when they tell us about their classwork and their hopes for the future. I also love Husker football and volleyball! Admittedly, I’ve missed a family event or two attending some very exciting football games.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Aside from my family (love them dearly), I have had the honor of serving as President of the University of Nebraska Office Professionals Association (UNOPA), the Nebraska Educational Office Professionals Association (NEOPA), and the National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP). I have received numerous awards from all three including NAEOP’s Educational Office Professional of the Year Award.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I was a born introvert and have spent years playing the part of extrovert. I’ve been told I’m pretty convincing in that role.
What is life like outside of work?
My husband and I live on an acreage just outside of town making it easier to take walks and reach my 10,000 steps a day goal. Typically, you will find me inside and once my “chores” are completed (or sometimes not), I may be reading, crafting or binge watching my favorite streamed TV shows. We love to spend time with our family including two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, my mother and my husband’s grandfather.