Hometown: Imperial, Nebraska Major: Agricultural Economics, Public Policy Option Minor: Engler Entrepreneurship Graduation Date: May 2017
Spencer HartmanWhy did you decide to come to UNL? I have known since the 6th grade that I wanted to come to UNL. It is the college that my mom attended and I grew up watching Husker football. Plus, I have an immense amount of pride in the idea of attending my own home state university. My decision was affirmed as I got older and began visiting campus for 4-H and FFA conferences and activities, and as I learned about the land grant system and what it means, I knew it was the place for me.
What is your favorite thing about UNL? As I travel the state and get to visit with students, I always promote UNL. Many times I am interacting with students from small towns across the state and some of them are very apprehensive about the idea of attending a huge University. However, I share with them my perspective that UNL is great because you can live on East Campus and get the culture of the small community that you grew up in, but travel to City Campus for the opportunities, networking, and prestige that a large university offers. That, along with the fact that the faculty genuinely cares about the students, as well as the administration, specifically the dean of my college, Dean Waller, is my favorite thing about UNL.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why? My favorite class by far was last semester, taught by Howard W. Buffet, and titled: From Global Systems to Local Solutions. This class encouraged me to think differently about things, specifically agriculture, philanthropy and the developing world. I was genuinely excited to attend class each week, and looked forward to being pushed to grow. Howard is an excellent teacher and invested instructor, at the end of the semester I told Dean Waller and Dr. Green, “We need to get him teaching here full time!”
What are your plans following graduation? I have a deep passion for agriculture and for people. I look forward to finding an role where I can serve both of those causes, and am very much open to the doors of life that will open between now and then. At this time I am planning to continue to grow my agricultural enterprises, specifically the hydroponic tomato business I started, as well as pursue a route of public service by way of elected office.
What is your life like outside of school? Living and loving life. I mean that, I am incredibly blessed with the people I am surrounded by and the work I get to be a part of. I am a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho professional agricultural fraternity and currently serve as the Treasurer. I am also involved with the ASUN student government, and was elected last spring to my second term on the Senate. I now serve as Speaker of the Senate. I look forward to working with the executive team to bring the Senate body together to better UNL. I am also a member of the Newman Center on campus and appreciate the worship atmosphere that is afforded to students of all faiths at UNL. Outside of that I enjoy the simple things; playing cards, watching movies, and most of all being with friends and having quality conversations.
