The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business welcomed 35 first-year students this fall into the award-winning Integrity in Business Leadership (IBL) program. The cohort represents 13 states and 10 majors.
Students in the program will develop as principled, ethical and community-minded leaders through education, mentoring and hands-on learning.
“The IBL program creates a deeply connected community that these students can leverage for years to come,” said Rose Hull, associate director of the Teaching and Learning Center, who helps coordinate IBL. “Kicking off their college career alongside other passionate and determined peers provides a great foundation for continued learning. From the moments we’ve shared so far, I’d characterize this group as mature and focused leaders interested in making a real difference in the business world.”
Each student receives a $3,000 scholarship and customized academic and career support. In their first year, students take a course (BSAD 191) that examines ethical leadership and responsible business practices through both theory and practice. The course features guest speakers, peer mentoring and opportunities to connect with employers and local organizations.
“We were honored to have this program be recently recognized by the MidAmerican Business Deans Association Innovation in Business Education Award for Student Engagement,” Hull said. “Our program’s strength comes from consistent growth and support that sets up students for success. Through unique networking opportunities, elevated class projects and valuable mentoring from upperclassmen, this network of individuals is prepared to enter the working world and lead with integrity.”
Students engage in consulting projects with local businesses, team-building activities and case competitions. They conclude their freshman year with a capstone project addressing ethics and leadership challenges for program partners. Past projects have included evaluating individual employment plans for Nelnet, improving recruiting practices for Deloitte, developing in-house team-building strategies for Firespring and assessing communication policies at Lincoln Public Schools.
Mentorship is a hallmark of the IBL experience. Sophomore mentors help first-year students transition to college while developing leadership skills of their own.
“Mentors have expanded responsibilities within the classroom, such as leading discussions, providing feedback to students and deciding how to present topics,” said Kasey Linde, director of teaching, learning and accreditation. “Outside of class, they meet with their mentees, plan social and professional development opportunities, and connect students to campus resources.”
This year, IBL expanded its focus on career readiness for sophomores through a new semester-long course that helps students prepare for internships and jobs earlier in college. Students participate in job shadowing experiences with local companies, engage with dozens of employers through the college’s Employers in Residence program and work closely with career coaches to refine application materials. The program aims for students to complete multiple internships during their time at Nebraska, giving them the experience and insight to identify the right career fit and launch successfully into the workforce.
IBL applications for the fall 2026 are open and available at https://business.unl.edu/leaders. The priority deadline is Feb. 1, with a final deadline of March 1.
The 2025-26 Integrity in Business Leadership Program cohort, with their academic major(s) and listed by hometown, are:
NEBRASKA
Boys Town: Micah Capps, finance
Elkhorn: Fred Sample, finance
Elmwood: Isabelle Halferty, business and law
Gering: Haven Simmons, business administration
Grand Island: Mistica Ramos-Nunez, accounting and finance
Gretna: Allyson Votruba, marketing
Imperial: Conner Tyerman, business and law
Lexington: David Arevalo, accounting
Lincoln: Kevin Castro Portales, finance; Josue Chairez, marketing major; Daniel Florom, finance; Elijah Harris, accounting and finance; Natalie Meyer, marketing; Flor Rico Sevilla, marketing
Omaha: Jenna Cunningham, business and law; Bennett Deprez, supply chain management
West Point: Addison Toelle, finance
ELSEWHERE
Cave Creek, Arizona: Luke Wieseler, business administration
La Verne, California: Kennedy Martinez, finance
Aurora, Colorado: Kyle McCormick, business administration
Calumet City, Illinois: Jeremy Price, actuarial science
Chicago, Illinois: Caroline Verdon, marketing
Naperville, Illinois: Thomas Wick, accounting
Wadsworth, Illinois: Lauren Schilz, management
Winfield, Illinois: Emilia Lee, marketing
Overland Park, Kansas: Isaac Winkler, finance
Battle Creek, Michigan: Cara Smith, marketing
Mantorville, Minnesota: Jacey Heidt, marketing
Billings, Montana: Wyatt Maynard, accounting and finance
Rapid City, South Dakota: Lucy Daniel, management
Spring, Texas: Nathaniel Phillips, business administration
Mechanicsville, Virginia: Kayden Robins, business administration
Prescott, Wisconsin: Alissa Zerneke, marketing
