Highlights of achievements by faculty, staff and students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business in September 2026 include awards, milestones research publications, leadership, service, media and news appearances, and notable involvement in the college and university.
Milestones
- This fall, the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship celebrates 40 years of helping University of Nebraska–Lincoln students turn ideas into action. Read Dean Kathy Farrell's message.
Honors and Awards
- The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred 600 degrees, including more than 100 business degrees, during its August commencement ceremony. Read the College of Business story.
- Rob Campbell, associate professor in management, received the 2026 Best Reviewer Award from the Academy of Management Journal, one of the leading business journals. The Academy of Management presents the annual award to editorial board members and peer reviewers who provide exceptionally insightful, developmental and timely evaluations of submitted papers. Campbell received the honor at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting in August in Philadelphia.
- Atirath Roy, senior economics and PGA golf management major from New Delhi, India, was named a Chancellor's Scholar, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's highest undergraduate academic honor. Read his story.
- The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, a recognized student organization for students interested in actuarial science, insurance and risk management, was named a distinguished chapter for 2025-26. It is one of five chapters nationwide under consideration for the Edison L. Bowers Award, which will be announced in October.
Research and Publications
- Geoffrey C. Friesen, professor of business ethics and associate professor in finance, co-authored “Firm Narratives and the Formation of Persons: Ownership Structure and Moral Ecology,” which was accepted for publication in the International Review of Economics. Read the research.
- Research by Ling Lin Harris, associate professor of accountancy, and Bret Sheeley, '24 Ph.D. alum, will be published in the December issue of Accounting, Organizations and Society. Their study, “Investor Judgments of Human Capital Initiatives: The Role of Initiative Type, Investor Orientation and Financial Performance,” examined how nonprofessional investors evaluate companies that pursue diversity, equity and inclusion human capital initiatives compared with other human capital initiatives. Read the research.
- Rebecca Jack, Ph.D. student in economics, was named a 2026-27 Buffett Early Childhood Institute Graduate Scholar for the project, "Afterschool Care and Maternal Labor Force Participation." Brenden Timpe, Van Horne Chair and associate professor in economics, serves as her mentor. During the Graduate Scholars program’s 11-year history, the Buffett Institute has invested more than $800,000 in research by doctoral students at University of Nebraska campuses. The program awards one-year fellowships of up to $25,000 to four NU doctoral students annually.
Notable Involvement
- Sam Nelson, Bauermeister Family Presidential Chair in Entrepreneurship, director of the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship and professor of practice in management, participated in a panel moderated by University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold at the third annual “Unlocking University Innovation” event in August. Nelson joined leaders from Nebraska’s innovation, workforce and economic development sectors to discuss how universities can use research funding, workforce development and entrepreneurial support systems to drive innovation and economic growth across the state.
- Fifty students were selected for the Undergraduate Certificate in Sales Excellence Program, in which they will sharpen communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills sought by employers. Read the story.
- Twenty-one students were selected to participate in the 2026-27 Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy, where they will develop leadership skills, build connections with industry professionals and explore challenges facing the insurance industry. Read the story.
- Three new recognized student organizations launched so far this year in the College of Business: the Husker Consulting Club, Nebraska Commercial Real Estate Club and Quantitative Finance Club. The Husker Consulting Club welcomed more than 65 students to its first meeting in September. Learn more about the clubs.
- About 190 business majors are among the 830 new students selected for the University Honors Program this academic year. Read the Nebraska Today story.
- Eight business majors were selected to perform with the Cornhusker Marching Band this year. Read the story and list of students.
In The News
- Jennifer A. Davidson, Nebraska Council on Economic Education president, Nebraska Bankers Association Faculty Fellow and associate professor of practice in economics, shared tips for making social connections on a budget during a in a 10/11 Now news segment. See the video.
- Matthew Pierson, associate director of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education, was featured in an article by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit education news organization. “As More Teen Boys Turn to Sports Betting, Financial Literacy Teachers Rush to Show Gambling’s Real Odds” highlighted the council’s Economics of Gambling curriculum. Read the article.
- Rob Simon, associate professor of practice in marketing, spoke with Nebraska Public Media for the article “Food Influencer Videos Are Bringing in Big Bucks for Nebraska Restaurants." Read the article.
- Eric Thompson, director of Bureau of Business Research and K.H. Nelson College Professor of Economics, teaches a macroeconomics class at Lincoln's Standing Bear High School as part of its business focus program. Lincoln Public Schools featured the class in September. Read the LPS article.
- Thompson also appeared on the Grow Lincoln radio show on Aug. 22 to discuss a survey of employer attitudes in Nebraska. Listen to the podcast recording.
- Brenden Timpe, Van Horne Chair and associate professor of economics, was interviewed for a Nebraska Public Media story about the Child Care Modernization Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska. The legislation aims to address the shortage of affordable child care in the United States. Timpe said the bill could help improve access but emphasized that higher wages and employee retention would be essential to increasing the supply of child care. Read the article.
