The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy launched its inaugural cohort in September, featuring 17 students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business. Funded through a grant from Ameritas, the seven-month experiential learning program aims to equip advanced undergraduate students with essential skills to succeed in today’s fast-changing global environment.

"The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy offers an experience that complements and enriches the great education Nebraska provides," said Bob Jurgensmeier, chief executive officer of Ameritas. "Supporting programs that enhance the academic environment is a top priority for Ameritas."

Students engage in professional development sessions one day a month in Howard L. Hawks Hall, working closely with the university faculty and industry experts to build their leadership potential. They also gain insights into the insurance industry, with the final two months dedicated to developing prototype solutions for challenges facing the sector.

“Through the academy, students have an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain problem-solving experience and better understand their own strengths,” Jurgensmeier added. “These will be tremendous assets as they prepare for successful careers.”

The first session kicked off in September with Jurgensmeier; Liz Ring Carlson, vice president of corporate communications at Ameritas; and Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance, welcoming the students to the program. Ring Carlson also shared insight about Ameritas and why the academy was established.

Madalynn Janousek, a junior economics major from Papillion, Nebraska, shared, "Ameritas' unwavering commitment to volunteering and making a positive impact in the community is particularly inspiring to me, as I value organizations that prioritize giving back. I also recognize the pivotal role that insurance plays in safeguarding individuals and businesses, and I am excited to learn more about how Ameritas supports its clients through innovative and reliable solutions."

Timothy Hodges, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management, taught the first session about positive and strengths-based leadership. The cohort gained a better understanding of their CliftonStrengths® and how to best leverage them for personal growth and effective leadership.

"I was inspired to step outside my comfort zone and pursue new challenges, as growth often comes from taking risks. As a third-year undergraduate student, I was seeking more hands-on experience," said Braeden Culbertson, junior actuarial science major from Aurora, Illinois. "Understanding the social dynamics within a work environment is essential to becoming a successful employee and leader. This program excites me because it allows me to grow as a communicator, leader and aspiring actuary while fostering personal development."

In May, the cohort will present their final projects to senior leadership at Ameritas, further expanding their professional network. By providing access to leadership training and real-world industry projects, the program helps students prepare for future challenges, building a bridge between academic excellence and career readiness.

"We are grateful to Ameritas for their continued support of the College of Business. Establishing the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy for our students is a testament to their continued commitment to helping us build business leaders like only Nebraska can," Farrell said.

The students selected for the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy are listed below by hometown, with their current class standing based on credit hours earned in school and academic major(s).

NEBRASKA

Elkhorn: Megan Thiebauth, senior finance

Greenwood: Briana Sulentic, senior economics

Lincoln: Ryan Mackenzie Cooney, senior actuarial science and finance; Jacob Dodge, freshman finance; Jaden Tchalassi, junior actuarial science

Omaha: Sam Brym, senior management; Guy Hunt, senior finance; Brandon Monarrez Granillo, senior finance

Papillion: Madalynn Janousek, junior economics; Thomas Stultz, sophomore marketing; Abby Veiman, junior actuarial science and data science

ELSEWHERE

Enterprise, Alabama: Jacob Snider, senior mathematics and actuarial science

Aurora, Illinois: Braeden Culbertson, junior actuarial science

Macomb, Michigan: Joseph Buk, sophomore finance

Rochester, Minnesota: Radhika Damle, senior actuarial science, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management

Xi'an, China: Pengyu Wang, freshman actuarial science

Cali Valle del Cauca, Colombia: Oscar Tello, sophomore actuarial science and finance