Forty high-achieving first-year freshmen have been selected to join the 11th cohort of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this fall. Hailing from nine states, two countries, and across the state of Nebraska, the new students join a strong network of successful alumni who challenged themselves in the rigorous program.

“Nebraska Business Honors Academy alumni have taken their talents to careers and graduate schools spanning 32 states and five countries with 25% of alumni heading straight into a graduate or professional degree program. The talented students in the 11th cohort will learn to 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 incoming cohort 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.

The new students will 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.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the next cohort to the Nebraska Business Honors Academy. Throughout the selection process, it was clear they each were eager to challenge themselves and find ways to positively impact the community at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. We on the academy team are honored to be able to have a front row seat as we help them learn, grow and realize their potential as they progress through their college career,” said Erin Burnette, director of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy.

Involved in 150-plus student organizations on campus, past academy students also served in a variety of leadership roles. This summer more than 60% of academy students participated in paid internships across 14 states and two countries. Since January 2023, 23% of current academy students studied abroad in eight countries.

The following students will join the fall 2023 cohort of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy (high school included in parentheses if differs from name of hometown):

NEBRASKA
Ashland: Ellie Whitehead, actuarial science (Ashland-Greenwood)
Atkinson: Madeline Rentschler, business and law (West Holt)
Denton: Justin Kerkman, actuarial science (Pius X)
Gering: Hunter Bohl, accounting
Grand Island: Taylor Mazour, actuarial science (Northwest)
Gretna: Liam Hodges, marketing
Hemingford: Rylie Wright, marketing
Kearney: Karson Walters, business administration
Lincoln: Graceyn Anderson, accounting (Lincoln Southeast); Will Blatchford, economics (Pius X); Will Brown, business administration (Lincoln North Star); Nicholas Loriaux, finance (Lincoln Southwest); Megan McCormick, international business (Lincoln Southwest); Jonah Mitchell, accounting (Lincoln Southwest); Caleb Sajevic, management (Lincoln Southwest)
Omaha: Cecilia Beckerbauer, business administration (Millard West); Evan Burns, actuarial science (Millard North); Charlie Cox, finance (Westside), Jacob Hyder, business administration (Millard North); Karyssa Johnson, international business (Millard North); Fletcher Kelly, business administration (Creighton Prep); Cassy Limley, business administration (Elkhorn); Sam Mullin, business administration (Creighton Prep); Ryan Tillotson, economics (Mount Michael)
Papillion: Sam Lockhart, finance (Papillion-La Vista); Brayan Valadez, business administration (Papillion-La Vista)
Plattsmouth: Jack Welch, business administration (Conestoga)

ELSEWHERE
Tuscon, Arizona: Daniel Sutherland, actuarial science (Catalina Foothills)
Albers, Illinois: Sophia Bretz, actuarial science (Central Community)
Geneva, Illinois: Brock Mason, actuarial science
South Elgin, Illinois: Peyton LaCroix, marketing (Saint Charles East)
Leawood, Kansas: JP Moore, actuarial science (Barstow School)
Overland Park, Kansas: John Jacobson, marketing (Saint James Academy); Miles Wirth, business administration (Blue Valley Southwest)
Pyeongtaek, South Korea: Katelyn Ganske, accounting (Osan American)
Elko New Market, Minnesota: Mia Monroe, business administration (New Prague)
Manchester, Missouri: Derrien Gatchel, business administration (Parkway West)
Round Rock, Texas: Faye Shrader, actuarial science (Gateway College Prep)
Franklin, Wisconsin: Jack Goelz, actuarial science (Wisconsin Lutheran)
Nashotah, Wisconsin: Charlie Kubik, accounting (Arrowhead Union North)