Scholars Academy: Kaleb Heckens

The UNO College of Business Administration Scholars Academy is a close-knit community of ambitious, high-achieving business students who want to challenge themselves while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

During this four-year program, Scholars are mentored by Omaha-area business professionals, take special business courses taught by award-winning faculty, and gain real-world experience through community engagement and international travel. They also receive generous scholarships.

Scholars are selected the spring of their senior year in high school after a rigorous and competitive application process.

Meet new member Kaleb Heckens of Omaha, Nebraska.

Why did you choose UNO?

I never considered attending UNO until one of my closest friends told me about its prestigious business program. While taking a tour of the campus, I fell in love with the state of the art dorms and facilities. The proximity to my family and the large number of my friends attending UNO were also factors in my decision. Finally, the city of Omaha itself is a big reason why I chose UNO. I love Omaha because it is a one of a kind city with numerous opportunities and a phenomenal quality of life.

Why did you choose business as a major?

When I was a sophomore in high school, I visited a woman who specializes in helping students find the occupations that best fit their skills and personality. After we sat down and talked, she felt that I could be successful in a business career. Since then, I have taken various surveys and strength finders that agree with her evaluation of me. I believe a degree in business will provide me with the best career options and opportunities for advancement. In addition, I feel that a career in business will allow me to provide a comfortable life style for the family I hope to start some day.

What business concentration are you planning to pursue? Why?

At the moment, marketing seems like the perfect fit for me. I took a sports marketing class my junior year and loved it. I have always been a very persuasive, collaborative and imaginative person. I feel that a concentration in marketing will allow me to hone these skills and turn them into a successful career.

What aspect of the Scholars Academy are you most looking forward to?

Being involved in a cohort of 20 students and having a trusted group of friends to collaborate with and rely on is what I am most looking forward to as a member of the Scholars Academy. It will be exciting to attend classes and retreats and to travel overseas with this group of individuals. I have already made friends with a few of the students who will be part of my cohort. In addition, I was exited to find out that one of my best friends of over 15 years has also made it into the scholars academy.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy singing and playing the guitar. Leading worship music at church is one of my greatest passions. Besides music, I am a huge sports fan. I really enjoy playing sports such as ping pong, spike ball, golf, sand volleyball, and basketball with my family and friends. But, my favorite sport is baseball. Over the past few years, I have fell in love with the science and statistics behind this amazing game.

What is one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

Trying new foods and beverages is a fear of mine that surprises numerous people. Until the end of my seventh grade year, I had never tried a hamburger. I was a sophomore in high school before I ate lettuce, and I was 18 years old when I drank chocolate milk for the first time. My friends are amazed by the foods I haven't tried and are always trying to expand my food horizons. I have tried several new things this past year, but as God as my witness, they'll never get me to try mayonnaise.