Nebraska Business Honors Academy Selects Class of 2028

Nearly 40 Freshmen to Challenge Themselves in Cohort-Based Program

Thirty-eight high-achieving students join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy this fall as part of the 12th cohort. They complete most of their core and foundation business curriculum together as a cohort using an action-based learning style focused on the development of critical thinking, technical and communication skills.

Thirty-eight incoming first-year students have been selected to join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this fall. This group will be the 12th cohort to join the academy since its founding in 2013.

"These talented, high-ability students will challenge themselves in new and different ways from day one. They will stretch their strengths both in and out of the classroom and hone their academic, interpersonal and leadership skills as they prepare to lead the future of business," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance.

The cohort hails from seven states and 13 cities across Nebraska and plans to study in nine academic majors within the College of Business. They will complete most of their core and foundation business curriculum together as a cohort using an action-based learning style focused on the development of critical thinking, technical and communication skills.

“We’re very excited to welcome these students to the academy. This group is keenly poised to find unique and impactful ways to positively contribute to the university's community, and I have no doubt they will raise the bar for the academy, the College of Business and the university at large," said Erin Burnette, director of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy. "Our team feels very honored to be able to have a front row seat as we help this phenomenal group of students to learn, grow and achieve their potential as they progress through their college career."

The new students have the opportunity to participate in leadership activities and compete in student competitions across the country to enhance their professional communication. Additionally, they partake in internships and study abroad experiences to learn valuable lessons and prepare them to make an impact in the business world after graduation.

"Currently, our students are involved in 150-plus student organizations and serve in a variety of prominent leadership roles. This summer, over half of academy students are participating in paid internships across 10 states and two countries," Burnette said. "Eight alumni cohorts have taken their talents to careers and graduate schools spanning 33 states and five countries, with 25% of alumni heading straight into a graduate or professional degree program. Similarly, we look forward to helping this new cohort succeed professionally and personally."

The following students will join the fall 2024 cohort of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy (the student's high school is included in parentheses if it differs from the hometown):

Nebraska

Ames: Isabella Ruda, agribusiness (Logan View)

Fremont: Maris Dahl, finance

Gretna: Bennett Stock, finance

Hastings: Emmery Huyser, accounting (Adams Central)

Hemingford: Aiden Benda, finance

Kearney: Margaret Haarberg, actuarial science (Kearney Catholic)

Lincoln: Mason Chandler, economics (Lincoln East); Will Hansen, finance (Lincoln Southeast); Samantha Hobelman, marketing (Lincoln Southwest), Darian Kauk, business administration (Lincoln East); Kenna Kramer, finance (Pius X); Cole Mickells, business administration (Lincoln East); Elizeh Tarkian, economics (Lincoln Southeast); Stella Tidball, marketing (Lincoln East)

McCook: Abby Boner, business and law

Milford: Gavin Dunlap, finance

North Platte: Ellie Blakely, business and law

Omaha: Dylan Asmus, actuarial science (Elkhorn North); Courtney Carlson, business administration (Skutt Catholic); Mary Claire Dougherty, actuarial science (Duchesne); Ava Fowler, business administration (Elkhorn South); Preston Gordman, finance (Elkhorn North); Grant Meisgeier, accounting (Elkhorn South); Carson Peters, accounting (Elkhorn South)

Papillion: Vincent Timberlake, accounting (Papillion-La Vista)

Wallace: Reagan Pelster, agribusiness

Wayne: Mason Ley, business and law