As a third-generation Husker, Carlie Davis grew up with a deep connection to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. When it came time to choose a college, the Sandy, Utah, native followed in her parents’ footsteps and found her own place at the College of Business, where her experiences shaped both her personal growth and career path.

When Davis arrived on campus, she knew she wanted to be involved. What she did not know was just how transformational that involvement would be. She emerged as a campus leader by getting involved in the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN), New Student Enrollment, her sorority and the Clifton Strengths Institute.

“ASUN was my way to give back to the school that gave me so much,” Davis said. “I’m a ‘maximizer’ at heart. I love making great things even better.”

As chapter president of her 176-member sorority, Alpha Phi, she applied her human resource management training to build a stronger culture and focus on member retention and engagement.

“Leadership is everything when it comes to culture and retention, and I tried to lead with that in mind,” Davis said. “I saw my role as focused on retention: creating a space where people felt safe, valued and genuinely loved.”

She introduced recognition programs, created feedback channels and worked toward continuous improvement. “I also made a point to just be around, breaking down that ‘president’ wall and showing up as a friend first. I really think that helped build trust and connection, which made all the difference.”

Her academic path began with an interest in both business and psychology. She ultimately chose human resource management as a major and minored in psychology, discovering that human resources applied to both fields.

“Once I learned more, I realized it was the perfect mix of people-focused work and structure. It clicked right away, and I haven’t looked back,” she said.

Davis formed meaningful connections with faculty who helped guide her academic growth. She worked closely with Brett Neely, assistant professor of management, who taught Organizational Behavior (MNGT 360) and selected Davis as a learning assistant after recognizing her potential as a student.

“Dr. Neely saw my passion and invested in me, which I’ll always be grateful for,” she said. “He’s the most intentional teacher I’ve ever had. He's always looking for ways to improve the class and meet students where they are.”

Neely described Davis as a standout student whose leadership and commitment exemplify the mission of the college. He also nominated her for the College of Business Student of the Month award, which she received in September 2023, for her service in multiple roles on campus and as his learning assistant.

“In the time I’ve worked with Carlie she has embodied the college’s goal of our students being ready to lead the future of business,” Neely said. “As a learning assistant in my course, she was conscientious and reliable, but maybe more importantly, she was always a supportive and welcoming presence for the students in the classroom. Carlie has taken every opportunity available to her to grow her skills and to build on her strengths, and she will be greatly missed in the college.”

Davis also applied her classroom knowledge through internships that confirmed her passion for human resources and consulting. She interned with Ameritas as a talent acquisition intern and spent a summer in Florence, Italy, with consulting firm C-Your Culture.

While abroad, she contributed to a project for MSC Cruises, helping develop an updated employee value proposition based on employee interviews and culture analysis.

“Even the behind-the-scenes work gave me such a valuable look into the consulting world and how much thought goes into every piece of a client project,” she said.

After graduating this May, Davis will begin her full-time role with EY in Chicago as a people consultant, where she will help organizations improve culture, retention and employee experience.

“My years at Nebraska have truly been the best years of my life,” Davis said. “It won’t always be perfect, but when you reach senior year and look back at everything you’ve done and who you’ve become, you’ll be overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Although saying goodbye to Lincoln is bittersweet, Davis said she feels prepared and excited.

“My dad always says, ‘It would be a lot sadder if you weren’t graduating,’ and I get it now,” she said. “Lincoln gave me memories I’ll cherish forever and set me up for a future I’m genuinely excited about.”