Freshman Sam Meier Embraces the CBA Business Learning Community

UNL College of Business Administration freshman Sam Meier has a contagious enthusiasm for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Originally from Hartland, Wis., Meier came to Nebraska while he was touring colleges in the area. He had no intention of touring UNL, but his plans changed when a friend suggested he make a visit.

“I was with my best friend and our moms and we dug our heels in. I loved the campus. As much as I fought it, it was everything that I wanted: fantastic business school, gorgeous campus, really nice dorms,” Meier said. “I saw myself here and it was really the only school that I saw myself attending.”

After he made his decision to come to UNL Meier jokes about being disowned by his dad, who is an alum of the University of Wisconsin, a rival school in the Big Ten conference. Much of Meier’s high school class also ended up at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota, but he wanted something different.

“I love Nebraska, because there isn’t this massive machine-feel to the school. It’s very homey. My friends are telling me horror stories about some of their class sizes. My biggest class is 200 and that’s only one class. It’s a close-knit feel, but at the same time very open.”

Sam Meier studies with BLC students in Abel Hall

A business management major, Meier is part of the CBA Business Learning Community (BLC), which is a group of business students who live together, take the same courses and participate in events planned specifically for the group. These students enjoy the advantage of living among others who are going through similar experiences.

“The CBA Business Learning Community has opened doors for me at UNL that I didn’t know existed and provided unique experiences within the College of Business. These include trips to businesses, such as Koch Industries, and in-house networking events with companies like The Buckle,” Meier said.

All students in the BLC live on the fifth floor of Abel Hall, where Meier is floor president. He is also on the intramural soccer team and the ballroom dance team.

“The Learning Community is for any student that immediately wants an edge in the College of Business. The commercial world is very competitive and the BLC gives students the strong start they need. Also, Abel 5 has become my family,” Meier said.

With a great love for music and penchant for business, Meier’s future goal is to start a record company for independent artists. He also has plans to study abroad and start a hip hop group while at UNL. He says his excitement is hard to explain.

“It’s being with a group of people you love and feeling like I have a family on campus. It’s also being in a place full of opportunities where there are constantly activities going on. It’s feeling like the world is open to you,” Meier said.