After a 35 year career, Dr. Les Carlson, ’80 and ’85, professor of marketing and Nathan J. Gold Distinguished Professor, converted to remote learning just five weeks prior to his retirement. With two weeks to transition his courses due to COVID-19, he asked for help from the instructional design team at the College of Business.

“I didn’t even know what questions to ask, but Jillian Manzer (instructional design tech specialist) helped me create learning modules and links to communicate with my students,” said Carlson, who began remote teaching after spring break.

He created videos with assignments twice a week. He also invited speakers from across the nation to discuss papers his Ph.D. students analyzed.

“Technology created opportunities and showed how we can create relationships outside of face-to-face meetings,” he said.

Manzer recognized Carlson’s strengths due to his ability to look at the daunting situation as an opportunity.

“I was shocked when he told me he was retiring because most wouldn’t put in that level of work at the end of their career,” Manzer said. “He’s a life-long learner and flexible. When his students saw him adapting, they were more likely to do the same. He’s a great communicator and cares about his students,” she said.

Carlson, who received his Ph.D. from Nebraska, grew up in Oakland, Nebraska. Named an American Academy of Advertising Fellow in 2017, he taught at other institutions before returning to Lincoln 15 years ago.

“Nebraska students are responsible and hardworking. I’ve seen our graduates build their careers and impact the marketing field in a positive way,” said Carlson. “I never wanted to just be good at research, teaching or providing service. My overriding goal was to be good at all three.”