Nebraska Business Honors Academy Selects 44 High-Achieving Students as Class of 2029

Incoming Cohort Includes Students from Nine States and Nine Business Majors

Forty-four high-achieving students from nine states will arrive at Hawks Hall this fall as the newest cohort of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy.

Forty-four first-year students will join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this fall as members of the Class of 2029. This marks the 13th cohort since the academy’s founding in 2013.

"These exceptional students represent the future of business. Through the Nebraska Business Honors Academy, they will sharpen their skills and grow into the kind of leaders our world needs: curious, collaborative and ready to make a difference,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance.

Students in the incoming class represent nine states and intend to pursue nine academic majors within the College of Business. They will complete much of their core and foundation business curriculum together using an action-based learning approach designed to build critical thinking, technical and communication skills.

The program also emphasizes real-world learning through leadership activities, national competitions, internships and global study opportunities. Academy students are currently completing paid internships in 10 states and two countries. Since January 2025, nearly one-third of current academy students have studied abroad in seven countries.

Academy alumni—now totaling nine graduating cohorts—have launched careers or pursued graduate education in 35 states and five countries. About 25% enrolled directly in a graduate or professional degree program.

On campus, academy students actively participate in more than 150 student organizations and serve in key leadership roles.

“Cohort 13 is such an exciting addition to the academy. They are coming in with outstanding leadership experiences in their home communities and will undoubtedly bring that energy to Lincoln as they transition to campus this fall. Our team is really looking forward to working with this dynamic group and can’t wait to help them learn, grow and develop over these next four years,” said Erin Burnette, director of the academy.

The following students will join the Class of 2029 cohort of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy (student’s high school is included in parentheses if it differs from the hometown):

NEBRASKA

Cortland: Nicholas Boon, business administration (Norris)

Elkhorn: Ridley Austin, business and law (Millard West); Davis Eickman, finance (Elkhorn South); Kelly Knutson, business administration (Elkhorn); Ben Marquis, finance (Creighton Prep); Mason Newman, international business (Elkhorn South)

Gretna: Kinsley McMahon, international business

Lincoln: Trevin Anderson, actuarial science (Lincoln Northeast); Brooks Brummond, business analytics (Lincoln East); Jackson Figard, business administration (Lincoln Southeast); Easton Gubbels, accounting (Pius X); Jacob Lester, marketing (Lincoln Northwest); Ronin Millwood, accounting (Lincoln Southwest); Morgan Sobotka, finance (Norris); Jack Soukup, economics (Lincoln East); Jonathan Thompson, accounting (Lincoln Christian)

Milford: Kellen Kubicek, actuarial science

Omaha: Gabby Birkel, business administration (Marian); Shane Borman, accounting (Creighton Prep); Tyler Devereaux, economics (Elkhorn South); Jeevan James, actuarial science (Omaha Christian); Addie McGee, accounting (Elkhorn South); Jack Moore, business analytics (Creighton Prep); Julie Ottens, business and law (Westview); Harrison Ryba, actuarial science (Millard North); Peter Rygg, finance (Elkhorn South); Joe Simon, finance (Westside); Bethany Taylor, actuarial science (Skutt Catholic); Emma Welsch, business and law (Mercy)

Rockville: Hope McDonald, marketing (Centura)

Scottsbluff: Maci Dorshorst, accounting