What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am an Advisor and Student Success Coordinator in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. My main responsibility is academic advising of students majoring in Biological Systems Engineering, but I also am involved in many retention and student success efforts in the department. I also teach a section of the first-year student seminar for the College of Engineering students out on East Campus that includes many of our students majoring in Biological Systems Engineering and Agricultural Engineering.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I have two degrees from UNL. I have a Bachelor’s in agricultural education, and a Master of Applied Science degree. I started working at the university in 2020 after finishing graduate school. I started as a recruiter in the CASNR Dean’s office and moved into my current position over a year ago. During my six years of being a student, I always had UNL staff, advisors, and professors in my classes that looked out for me and supported me. I was very clueless at times and was lucky that the right people were there to help. What drew me to work at UNL after I graduated was the desire to be a person who makes a positive impact on students. I can look back and see how significant individuals in my college experience were to me as a student, and I hope that my role can contribute to a great experience at UNL for current and future students.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
My position in the department allows me to connect with students and help them navigate their college journey. I enjoy the day-to-day interactions with students where we can celebrate their successes, or I can support them through challenges. I really enjoy collaborating with other staff and faculty members in the department on new retention strategies and increasing a sense of community and belonging in the department. Usually, these community building events include good food too, which is always a great benefit!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I was recently accepted into the Nebraska LEAD program’s Class 42. I’m excited to spend time over these next two years growing and developing my leadership skills, learning about issues Nebraskan’s face now and in the future, and finding how I can contribute my abilities to strengthening Nebraska’s agriculture industry.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
With very little understanding of football beyond the basics, I’ve found myself somehow drafted into a NFL fantasy football league. A fourth person was needed to make a league, so I suppose that’s how I ended up here. I make up for not knowing much about football with being super competitive. It might not be the best for my stress levels on game days, but so far, it’s been more fun than I expected.
What is your life like outside of work?
I’m a big bookworm and in a book club with friends that live in multiple states. My boyfriend and I make frequent trips back to my hometown to visit family on the weekends. I’m involved in the Junior League of Lincoln and spend time giving back to the community here in Lincoln through this organization.