Forty-one incoming first-year students have been selected to join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this fall. The group will become the 14th cohort since the academy was founded in 2013.
“These students have already demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership and curiosity in their schools and communities,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance. “The Nebraska Business Honors Academy will challenge them to think critically, collaborate across disciplines and apply their talents through hands-on experiences that prepare them to lead in a rapidly changing business world.”
Students in the incoming cohort represent eight states and plan to pursue nine academic majors within the College of Business. As part of the academy, they will complete much of their core business curriculum together using an action-based learning approach designed to strengthen critical thinking, technical and communication skills.
The program emphasizes experiential learning through leadership activities, national competitions, internships and global study opportunities. This summer, more than 100 current academy students are completing paid internships across 13 states, while more than 30 students are studying abroad. Eighteen students are participating in the academy’s first study abroad program in Kenya.
On campus, academy students participate in more than 150 student organizations and hold a variety of leadership roles. Since the academy’s founding, 10 cohorts have graduated and pursued careers or graduate education across 35 states and six countries. About 25% of academy alumni enrolled directly in graduate or professional degree programs.
“Cohort 14 is such an exciting addition to the academy,” said Erin Burnette, director of the academy. “They are bringing unique perspectives and strong leadership experiences from their schools and communities, and we are excited to help them learn, grow and develop during their time at Nebraska. We have no doubt they will leave a lasting impact on campus.”
The following students will join the fall 2026 cohort of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy (student’s high school is included in parentheses if it differs from the hometown):
NEBRASKA
Bennington: Zoe Nelson, finance; Carson Kortan, finance
Craig: Madeline Pearson, business administration (Oakland-Craig)
Elkhorn: Anvitha Dudipala, business administration (Millard North); Eli Schuchman, business analytics (Elkhorn South); Brayden Siebler, business and law (Elkhorn South); Noah White, finance (Concordia)
Gretna: Will Mattox, management (Millard West)
Hastings: Jenna Tran, accounting (Saint Cecilia)
Hemingford: Cody Penaluna, accounting
Laurel: Holly Patefield, accounting (Laurel-Concord-Coleridge)
Leigh: Liz Hoffman, marketing
Lincoln: Susana Becher, finance (Lincoln Christian); Ian Brown, accounting (Lincoln Southeast); Joshua McGrew, finance (Lincoln East); Frances Nebel, business administration (Pius X); Jeffrey Ogbonnaya, business administration (Lincoln Southeast); Josh Sajevic, finance (Lincoln Southwest); Lyla Spires, actuarial science (Lincoln East); Brady Watson, finance (Lincoln Christian)
Malcolm: LJ Lefler, business and law
Marquette: Karter Negus, finance and PGA Golf Management (Central City)
Milford: Gage Dunlap, accounting
Omaha: Sam Clatterbuck, business and law (Creighton Prep); Akshara Panchumarthi, economics (Elkhorn South); Cannon Smeal, finance (Creighton Prep)
Ord: Deegan Nebesniak, actuarial science
Springfield: Tommy Hollinger, finance (Creighton Prep)
Syracuse: Mayson Sprague, finance (Syracuse Dunbar Avoca)
Waverly: Braxton Jelinek, economics
ELSEWHERE
Phoenix, Arizona: Dominic Heil, actuarial science (Veritas Preparatory Academy)
Monument, Colorado: Campbell Lloyd, accounting (Palmer Ridge)
Naperville, Illinois: Emily Aylsworth, accounting (Plainfield North)
Bettendorf, Iowa: Hannah Highberger, accounting (Pleasant Valley)
Leawood, Kansas: Ava James, accounting (Blue Valley North)
Marysville, Kansas: Grant Haefele, finance
Overland Park, Kansas: Carter Strnad, finance (Blue Valley)
Hopkins, Minnesota: Sadie Longo, international business (Minnetonka)
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Maddie Smith, finance (Spring Lake Park)
Spearfish, South Dakota: Mathilde Matsuda, business administration
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Callaway Weeks, economics (Lincoln)
