Staff Spotlight: Nicole Smith

East Campus pillars at enterance
Staff Spotlight: Nicole Smith
In her free time, CASNR Student Development Coordinator Nicole Smith enjoys spending time with her niece and five nephews.

What is your position at UNL?
Student development coordinator within the dean’s office in CASNR. I coordinate our CASNR Cares program and am responsible for the college’s retention as well as ensure transition to the university for students. I also facilitate the  Dean’s Scholars in Experiential Leadership program with Dean Waller. 


What drew you to UNL?
UNL being a land-grant institution is what initially drew me here. I like the fact that UNL is a larger institution but is still able to achieve a community feel for students. The values and mission aligned with my personal and professional goals as well. 


What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with students and seeing the changes they go through. Often times I work with students when they are at a low point in their lives and seeing them excel and persevere through these challenging times is inspiring. I enjoy being able to celebrate in student successes and be the go to person when they are in need. 


What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is being a young professional and already finding what I am so passionate about. I love my job and am beyond blessed to be able to do what I do every single day. Not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their career or find it as quickly as I did. 


What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I am a huge prankster and will do just about anything to make people laugh. When I am around my friends and family, I am pretty loud and obnoxious. I love to make my little nephews laugh and be crazy no matter where we are. 


What is your life like outside of work?
Right now my life outside of work is fairly dominated by classes of my own. I am currently finishing up coursework for my Ph.D. program. I will begin research next semester and I couldn’t be more excited to be a step closer to graduation. I spend a lot of time with my niece and five nephews. In the summers I love being at our family's lake house. I try to travel as much as possible and am a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.

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