Ethan Carlson joined the Clifton Strengths Institute in Summer 2026. As one of the Assistant Directors, he champions the Strengths philosophy on campus and beyond. Through group presentations, collaborative strategic planning, and individual coaching, he partners with diverse groups and people to integrate a strengths-based approach. 

Ethan specifically oversees and manages the Clifton Builders Program experience. The Builders Program is a unique leadership and entrepreneurship development program. In his role, he works intentionally alongside students to connect them with meaningful future paths. He serves as the academic advisor for Builders, and he most enjoys guiding them through challenges, coaching them through obstacles, and cheering them on in their successes. As an alumnus of UNL and the CSI, he wants all students to maximize their college experience through a commitment to their academics and a deep investment in things outside the classroom. 

Prior to this role, Ethan was a high school business teacher for four years at Bay High Focus Program in Lincoln Public Schools. As a founding business teacher, he crafted curriculum, built and sustained community partnerships, and mentored diverse classes of creative, entrepreneurial-minded students. 

Leaning into this mix of experiences, Ethan is committed to promoting and establishing the next generation of wise business leaders. Outside work, Ethan can be found building community, getting outside, or exploring a new skill. If you ask him what his hobbies are, it’s probably something different than when you last asked (Learner and Achiever find themselves in his Top 10).