News Room | College of Business Administration | University of Nebraska Omaha

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CBA Mavericks and Omaha are making news. Follow the latest headlines to learn about our city and our university's dedication to students, our national recognition for community engagement, opportunities to excel in scholarship and research, and continuously improving the quality of life in Omaha. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are changing the landscape of our community every day.

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News ReleaseNoNoYesYes174538440000015259698000001525975200000For many young athletes, choosing between sports and academics is a difficult decision. But for Simon Latkoczy, junior hockey goaltender at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and a student in the College of Business Administration, that choice led him across the world—from Slovakia to the heart of the Midwest. /news/2025/04/simon-latkoczy.png

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1200800UNO Goalie and Business Student Simon Latkoczy poses in Baxter Arena/news/2025/04/simon-l.jpg

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For many young athletes, choosing between sports and academics is a difficult decision. But for Simon Latkoczy, junior hockey goaltender at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and a student in the College of Business Administration, that choice led him across the world—from Slovakia to the heart of the Midwest.

Chasing the Dream

At just 17 years old, Simon left his home country to pursue a dream: playing high-level hockey while earning a quality education. Unlike many other countries, the United States provides a unique opportunity for student-athletes to excel both on the ice and in the classroom.

“I wasn’t sure about college at first,” he admits. “My parents really encouraged me to get my education while playing hockey, and in the U.S., that’s possible.”

His journey began in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he played junior hockey in Madison, Wisconsin, and later in Chicago. Then came the life-changing call—UNO’s hockey team was interested.

Falling in Love with Omaha

After visiting Omaha and seeing the Baxter Arena facilities, the dorms, and the vibrant city, the decision became clear.

“Omaha felt a little like home. Some areas reminded me of Europe, especially Aksarben Village,” he says. “And the hockey facilities here are amazing. Once I visited, I knew this was the place for me.”

While hockey brought him to UNO, he quickly found another passion: business.

“Omaha’s Business School is top-tier, and every lesson I learn in my courses is shaping my future,” he said.

With concentrations in management and leadership and a marketing minor, he sees the value in preparing for life beyond hockey.

“Everything in life is about marketing,” he says. “You market yourself, your brand, your skills. I wanted to learn more about that.”

A Leader Between the Pipes

As a goalie, Simon thrives in a role that blends individuality with teamwork.

“Being a goalie is unique,” he explains. “It’s a team sport, but at the end of the day, I have to face some challenges alone. It’s prepared me for life—handling pressure, making quick decisions, and staying mentally strong.”

His hard work has paid off. Recently, he became the first UNO goalie to earn NCHC (National Collegiate Hockey Conference) Goaltender of the Year, a recognition he deeply appreciates. But for him, team success matters even more.

“If I could trade it for a championship, I would,” he says. “Hockey is a team sport. Individual awards are great, but winning with my teammates means everything.”

Looking Ahead

With one more year at UNO, Simon is excited for what’s next—both on and off the ice.

He dreams of signing an NHL contract but remains open to opportunities in European leagues as well. And when hockey eventually ends? Business is his backup plan.

“I know I won’t play forever. Maybe 15 more years, maybe more, maybe less. But the experiences I’m gaining now—on the ice and in the classroom—are preparing me for whatever comes next.”

No matter where his career takes him, one thing is certain: his time at UNO has been transformative.

“I wasn’t sure about college at first,” he says, “but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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Between the Pipes and the Books: Simon Latkoczy’s Journey

For many young athletes, choosing between sports and academics is a difficult decision. But for Simon Latkoczy, junior hockey goaltender at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and a student in the College of Business Administration, that choice led him across the world—from Slovakia to the heart of the Midwest.

hockey, business, professional, awardMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAFor many young athletes, choosing between sports and academics is a difficult decision. But for Simon Latkoczy, junior hockey goaltender at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and a student in the College of Business Administration, that choice led him across the world—from Slovakia to the heart of the Midwest.

Apr 23, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes174477960000015259698000001525975200000Kaleb Heckens’ research, presented at the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, challenges assumptions about how global experiences impact hiring./news/2025/04/kaleb-heckens.jpg

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1200800Kaleb Heckens presents his research at the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair///

UNO CBA graduate student Kaleb Heckens recently presented his research on employer perceptions of education abroad during the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF). His project sheds light on a little-studied area of global learning: how international experiences are viewed in the job market.

As more students engage in education-abroad programs, understanding how those experiences impact career opportunities is vital. Heckens’ research suggests that while a study abroad stint may not stand out on paper, it can become a game-changer during interviews—especially if the hiring professional has studied abroad themselves.

Heckens and Management Professor Dr. Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles conducted surveys and interviews with professionals to explore the role education abroad plays in hiring decisions. Key findings include:

The length of a study abroad trip doesn't significantly affect résumé reviews.
International experiences can be a differentiator—but often only during interviews.
Hiring professionals with their own global learning experience are more likely to value it in others.

“Most employers don’t consider the duration of study abroad experiences when reviewing résumés. But in interviews, these experiences can set a candidate apart—especially when the interviewer has studied abroad themselves,” said Kaleb Heckens, UNO CBA Graduate Student.

Heckens encourages fellow Mavericks to apply for UNO’s Graduate Research and Creative Activity (GRACA) grants, which offer up to $5,000 in funding for faculty-mentored projects. Applications open annually for enrolled graduate students pursuing original research or creative work.

Learn more about GRACA funding opportunities at https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-research-and-creative-activity/students/graca.php, and to learn more about presenting your research at RCAF, click here: https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-research-and-creative-activity/students/student-research-and-creative-activity-fair.php

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UNO CBA Grad Student Explores What Employers Really Think About Study Abroad

Kaleb Heckens’ research, presented at the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, challenges assumptions about how global experiences impact hiring.

rcaf, graca, research, studentsMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAKaleb Heckens’ research, presented at the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, challenges assumptions about how global experiences impact hiring.

Apr 16, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes174460680000015259698000001525975200000UNO FBLA-C sent a team of 11 individuals to the State Leadership Conference in Kearney, Nebraska March 29th-30th. /news/2025/04/fbla-state25.png

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UNO FBLA-C sent a team of 11 individuals to the State Leadership Conference in Kearney, Nebraska March 29th-30th. The team had a great time networking, competing, attending workshops, and meeting state-wide business professional volunteers. This event attendance was made possible largely through community (personal and business) donations made through Wear Black, Give Back, UNO’s annual giving day.

With 7 State Champion wins and 21 Top 5 Placements, with 7 individuals qualifying for competition at the National Leadership Conference happening in May in Dallas, Texas.

State Champions:

Savannah Boedigheimer: Future Business Facilitator

Aditi Rai: Technology and Computer Science Case Competition

Josh Varner: Retail Management, Project Management, Foundations of Finance, International Business, Foundations of Marketing

Top 5 Placements:

Aubrey Bailey*: 4th- Foundations of Management*, 5th- Foundations of Communication

Daniel Bargholz*: 4th- State of the Chapter (Team Representing UNO FBLA-C)

Savannah Boedigheimer*: 1st- Future Business Facilitator, 2nd- Entrepreneurship Pitch, 2nd- Community Service Project (Representing UNO FBLA-C), 3rd- Public Speaking, 3rd- Business Presentation

McCartney Fitzgerald*: 3rd- Accounting Case Competition

Sophia Kouba*: 3rd- Accounting Case Competition, 4th- State of the Chapter (Team Representing UNO FBLA-C), 5th- Business Ethics

Suker Mendoza-Calmo: 5th- Foundations of Accounting

Aditi Rai*: 1st- Technology and Computer Science Case Competition, 3rd- Future Business Executive, 3rd- Parliamentary Procedure

Bailey Skeahan: Parliamentary Procedure

Josh Varner*: 1st- Retail Management, 1st- Project Management, 1st- Foundations of Finance, 1st- International Business,1st- Foundations of Marketing, 2nd- Foundations of Entrepreneurship

(*National Qualifier)

Award Winners:

Savannah Boedigheimer: Nebraska FBLA-C Member of the Year, Chapter Representative- Nebraska Who’s Who Award

Isabel Soto-Luna: NE FBLA-C Business Person of the Year

UNO FBLA-C is extremely proud of their state champions, top 5 placement winners, national qualifiers, and NE FBLA-C award recipients. This success helps grow the chapter even further, and each team member is honored to be representing UNO at the National Leadership Conference in May.

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UNO's Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate (FBLA-C) Chapter wins big at the Nebraska FBLA-C State Leadership Conference

UNO's Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate (FBLA-C) Chapter Wins Big at the Nebraska FBLA-C State Leadership Conference

UNO FBLA-C sent a team of 11 individuals to the State Leadership Conference in Kearney, Nebraska, March 29th-30th.

FBLAC-C, state conference, leadershipMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAUNO FBLA-C sent a team of 11 individuals to the State Leadership Conference in Kearney, Nebraska, March 29th-30th.

Apr 14, 2025 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes174408840000015259698000001525975200000U.S. News & World Report ranks UNO’s College of Business Administration at No. 80 for Best Part-Time MBA Programs in 2025./news/2024/04/img/pt-mba25.jpg

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) College of Business Administration (CBA) is earning national recognition once again.

U.S. News & World Report ranked UNO’s part-time MBA program No. 80 in its 2025 list of Best Part-Time MBA Programs—placing it in the top tier of business schools across the country.

The College of Business Administration, including its MBA and Executive MBA, is AACSB-accredited in business and accounting, a standard earned by fewer than 200 universities worldwide.

UNO’s MBA program offers working professionals a flexible, high-quality path to career advancement without putting their lives on hold. The national ranking reflects the program’s academic rigor, student support, and growing reputation among peer institutions. With demand for MBA grads on the rise, UNO continues to deliver value that resonates across Nebraska’s business landscape and beyond.

Rankings are based on a combination of factors, including peer assessment, student quality, faculty resources, and program flexibility. UNO’s placement among the top 100 highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in graduate business education.

“Our part-time MBA program is designed to empower working professionals by offering a flexible, affordable, rigorous, and impactful educational experience,” said Kristi Lynch, Senior Director of the Graduate, Executive, & Professional Business Programs in the College of Business Administration. “Achieving an #80 ranking among national programs is a testament to the quality of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the success of our students.”

Key highlights of the UNO CBA Part-Time MBA program include:

Flexible Scheduling: Tailored online and in-person course offerings that enable students to balance career, personal commitments, and academic pursuits.
Expert Faculty: Courses taught by industry leaders and renowned academics, providing real-world insights and practical applications.
Career Advancement: A robust network of alumni and strategic partnerships that foster significant professional opportunities and industry connections.
Innovative Curriculum: A dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and experiential learning that prepares graduates to excel in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

The recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report reinforces UNO CBA’s position as a leader in providing top-tier business education. It further affirms the program’s role in equipping future business leaders with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s global marketplace.

Applications are open for Fall 2025. Interested professionals can explore flexible course options—including online and evening formats—and connect with program advisors to learn more.

For more information about the CBA Part-Time MBA program and to learn how it can enhance your professional journey, please visit mba.unomaha.edu.

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UNO’s Part-Time MBA Ranks Among Nation’s Best

U.S. News & World Report ranks UNO’s College of Business Administration at No. 80 for Best Part-Time MBA Programs in 2025.

US News and World Report, Part Time MBA, RankingsMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAU.S. News & World Report ranks UNO’s College of Business Administration at No. 80 for Best Part-Time MBA Programs in 2025.

Apr 8, 2025 12:00 AM

New & Noteworthy

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes173078640000015259698000001525975200000Students Dive into the Heart of Kansas City Federal Reserve. /news/2024/11/kc-fed.jpg

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1200800Dr. Wei Rowe and her FNBK3650 class at the KC Federal ReserveDr. Wei Rowe and her FNBK3650 class at the KC Federal Reserve///

Every year, students from the FNBK3650 Commercial Bank Management class and the Maverick Banking Association (MBA), a student club from the College of Business Administration, pack their bags for a trip to Kansas City. Led by Dr. Wei Rowe, a Finance, Banking, and Real Estate professor, also the NBA-endowed banking professor, and the club’s faculty advisor, the group visits the Federal Reserve Bank for an inside look at one of the country's most influential financial institutions.

Dr. Rowe, who has organized this trip for the past decade, says, “There’s nothing quite like seeing the Federal Reserve in action. It brings classroom lessons to life.” She’s already planning the next trip for spring 2025, so any student interested can email her at wrowe@unomaha.edu to get on the waitlist.

This year, twenty students joined the trip. They toured the Money Museum and observed cash operations, witnessing the scale and intensity of the Federal Reserve’s daily activities. “It was amazing to learn how the Fed operates on the inside. They even showed us the vaults (and cash operation), and gave us a rundown on the history of the U.S. monetary system,” said Mirsada Demirovic, a senior and president of the MBA.

Senior Alex Ellefson shared his excitement, saying, “It was cool to see just how massive the money supply is in Kansas City. (The KC Fed handles $15 billion dollars.) You read about these things, but seeing it firsthand is something else.”

Many students found the experience eye-opening. “I know we have these Federal Reserve banks across the country, but I never realized how large they are or how critical their operations are until I saw it for myself,” said Jaden Beaugard, a senior in the program.

Jacob Atchinson, another senior, added, “My family has been in the banking industry for a while, so I grew up hearing about this stuff, but to see the Fed’s security measures and watch the whole process unfold was really interesting. It’s so much bigger and more complex than I imagined.”

Along with their tour of the Federal Reserve, the group spent time at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. This museum, located in downtown Kansas City, is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to World War I. “The WWI Museum was incredibly touching,” shared Nick Merlo, a senior. “Seeing artifacts and learning about the experiences of people who lived through that time made history feel very real.”

Beaugard echoed this sentiment. “The museum gave me a much deeper understanding of WWI. We cover these topics in class, but to actually stand there and see the artifacts—that was something I’ll remember for a long time.”

Atchinson agreed, adding, “Seeing those exhibits really brings to life everything we’ve only read about in textbooks. It was a moving experience.”

The day ended on a delicious note with a barbecue dinner at Jack Stack Restaurant in Kansas City’s popular Country Club Plaza. “You can’t go to KC without trying the barbecue,” laughed Ellefson.

Overall, the students loved the chance to get out of the classroom and connect with the banking world in real-time. “It’s so different from reading about it. Being there with classmates made it an even more memorable experience,” said Atchinson.

This hands-on learning trip is one that students look forward to each year, and it’s clear that for these future bankers, the impact will stick with them far beyond their college days.

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From Books to Bank Vaults

Kansas City, Federal Reserve, BankingMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAEvery year, students from the FNBK3650 Commercial Bank Management class and the Maverick Banking Association (MBA), a student club from the College of Business Administration, pack their bags for a trip to Kansas City.

Nov 5, 2024 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes172836360000015259698000001525975200000UNO faculty and staff offer workshops to help Omaha artists and UNO art students learn how to market and monetize their work. /news/2024/10/img/business-of-art.jpg

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1200800Business of Art at the Benson Theatre///

For the past three years, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Business Librarian Isabel Soto-Luna, UNO Creative Production Lab Supervisor Charles Fisher, and CBA Marketing and Entrepreneurship Professor Zhihao (Max) Yu, Ph.D., have led UNO art students through free workshops designed to help them market and monetize their work.

This year, the group was invited to host the workshop at the Benson Theatre where they helped artists from the Omaha community start a business plan, with the assistance of the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) housed at UNO.

Ten local artists came to the event to learn how to market their products and create a business plan. Soto-Luna and Fisher spoke about the different things the UNO Criss Library can help artists do, while Yu explained the different ways they could market their products. The group has even presented these workshops at art industry conferences.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the community and to make business and marketing tools accessible to artists,” Yu said.

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Taking the “Business of Art” to the Community

UNO faculty and staff offer workshops to help Omaha artists and UNO art students learn how to market and monetize their work.

magazineMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAUNO faculty and staff offer workshops to help Omaha artists and UNO art students learn how to market and monetize their work.

Oct 8, 2024 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesNo172801800000015259698000001525975200000The 2024-25 edition of UNO Business, CBA's Annual Report is out today. Check out stories about the incredible things our students, faculty, and staff are doing./news/2024/10/cba-mag24.jpg

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Dean Michelle Trawick said it best:

"The stories you read in this year's CBA Magazine remind us of a guiding principle as we continue to this journey to be "the business school of choice for hard-working learners of all backgrounds." That principle is excellence. We strive for excellence in all we, and as you read, you will notice many stories of excellence."

Read the magazine here: https://issuu.com/cba_uno/docs/mag_cba_fall_24-singlepage

Enjoy this year's magazine and please let us know if there are stories that we should be featuring! Email editior Melissa Lindell Kozak at melissalindell@unomaha.edu

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Check Out The New Edition of UNO Business, CBA's Magazine!

The 2024-25 edition of UNO Business, CBA's Annual Report is out today. Check out stories about the incredible things our students, faculty, and staff are doing.

magazineMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAThe 2024-25 edition of UNO Business, CBA's Annual Report is out today. Check out stories about the incredible things our students, faculty, and staff are doing.

Oct 4, 2024 12:00 AM

Spotlights

News ReleaseNoNoYesNo1707890400000SupplyChainGuide.org recently released their annual rankings and UNO’s College of Business Administration’s Logistics & Supply Chain concentration was ranked number 5 for the nation’s best online Bachelor’s in Logistics programs in 2024. /news/2024/02/img/supply-chain-badge.png

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SupplyChainGuide.org recently released their annual rankings and UNO’s College of Business Administration’s Logistics & Supply Chain concentration was ranked number 5 for the nation’s best online Bachelor’s in Logistics programs in 2024.

The rankings are determined by a scoring system designed around program affordability, quality, outcomes, and reputation. This includes meticulous research into program costs, outside awards, admissions selectivity, graduation rates, student debt and earnings, and more. Our methodology prioritizes well-rounded excellence over school size or prominence, and the final rankings represent the nation's best online Bachelor's in Logistics degrees in 2024.

The company says the program has a “remarkably comprehensive curriculum that explores logistics, procurement, effective resource management, and sustainability. Choose UNO’s program and you’ll cultivate a wide skill set and deep knowledge base that may be particularly appealing to small or mid-sized companies.

“Since the beginning of our program, our mission has been to produce employable graduates. Input from our Industry Advisory Board has been instrumental in guiding the development of our curriculum,” said Steve Schulz, Lucas Diamond Professor of Management.

CBA has developed a range of academic pathways for logistics students. For instance, anyone interested in broadening their training can select one of the 14 other BSBA concentrations and easily add Logistics and Supply Chain Management as a secondary concentration. We also offer an Accelerated MBA program, which allows you to apply 9 credit hours to both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

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CBA’s Logistics & Supply Chain Concentration Earns Top 5 Ranking

rankings, logistics, supply chainMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBASupplyChainGuide.org recently released their annual rankings and UNO’s College of Business Administration’s Logistics & Supply Chain concentration was ranked number 5 for the nation’s best online Bachelor’s in Logistics programs in 2024.

Feb 14, 2024 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesNo1712725200000How a CBA Sophomore May Influence Your Weekend Plans. Chances are, you’ve already read or seen Madison Wajda’s work, but you may not know it. /news/2024/04/img/madison-wejda.jpg

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1200800Madison Wajda///

Chances are, you’ve already read or seen Madison Wajda’s work, but you may not know it.

The sophomore, who is working towards her BSBA with a concentration in marketing, has been one of the voices behind the Instagram account, “Omaha Places” since 2022. The account is run by the agency 402 Social and highlights small businesses and events in Omaha for people to check out. Omaha Places also consists of a TikTok account, a blog, and a newsletter.

“Originally, Cahner (Olson, Founder of Omaha Places and 402 Social) was making different posts to just get more information out for tourists and people from Omaha that want a way to find things to do in Omaha, and it grew really fast because there is not really any other account like us in the market around here,” Wajda said.

Wajda started with the company as an intern during her freshman year of college at UNO.

“It was just supposed to be a semester-long internship, but then I just kept working there. We worked really well together and the company and the account were growing really fast and so Cahner said, ‘just stay on,’ so I ended up becoming a part-time employee,” Wajda said.

Throughout her two years with the company, Wajda has been getting hands-on learning experiences across the marketing field.

“I started out writing captions for posts for the Instagram account about small businesses in Aksarben, and then when I moved from my internship to working part-time, I began doing copywriting work, so I became the face behind all the captions on our Instagram and Facebook accounts on Omaha Places. Now I work as an account manager where I do the actual posting of the posts and I make sure that everything goes out on time. I also run our blog and occasionally help with filming content,” she said.

For Wajda, there is a lot to love about what she is doing right now. As a sophomore in college, she already has real-world job experience that she is getting paid for, and the position is very flexible.

“It doesn’t really feel like a job, especially when I’m in school. It is also mostly remote. I only go into the office when I want to, we can all just work from our phones if we want to. As long as we get our stuff done, it doesn’t matter. I have always been into social media, so it doesn’t feel real—getting to do it for a job, especially how young I am,” she said. “I found out that I truly enjoy writing. I always thought that I didn’t like to write because I never enjoyed writing essays, but I do all the writing for Omaha Places and that’s awesome to me. And I have fun doing it,” Wajda said.

She has also balanced having a marketing and sales internship while continuing to work part-time for Omaha Places. “It was completely different from what I do at Omaha Places, but it was such a great experience for me. I do want to stay with smaller companies because I feel like I am making a difference. For example, we started 2023 with just 35k followers on Instagram, and we just hit over 80k followers, so we are growing very quickly,” Wajda said.

Working a part-time job while attending college full-time can be hard for some students, but not for Madison.

“UNO is a great university for aspiring marketers. The College of Business Administration is full of so many different opportunities like the amazing career fairs, the different student clubs and activities, and my colleague told me there is a digital marketing class that she took that inspired her, so I know I am in the right place for me,” she said.

If you are looking for something to do in Omaha, or are curious about a local business or event, make sure you check out Omaha Places on Instagram, Facebook, or online at www.omahaplaces.com

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Unveiling Omaha’s Hidden Gems

How a CBA Sophomore May Influence Your Weekend Plans. Chances are, you’ve already read or seen Madison Wajda’s work, but you may not know it.

marketing, Omaha PlacesMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAChances are, you’ve already read or seen Madison Wajda’s work, but you may not know it. The sophomore, who is working towards her BSBA with a concentration in marketing, has been one of the voices behind the Instagram account, “Omaha Places” since 2022. The account is run by the agency 402 Social and highlights small businesses and events in Omaha for people to check out. Omaha Places also consists of a TikTok account, a blog, and a newsletter.

Apr 10, 2024 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesNo1712811600000The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s part-time MBA is included among the top programs in the nation, according to the new 2024 “Best Graduate Schools Rankings” from U.S. News and World Report. /news/2024/04/img/pt-mba.jpg

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s part-time MBA is included among the top programs in the nation, according to the new 2024 “Best Graduate Schools Rankings” from U.S. News and World Report.

The new rankings list UNO’s part-time MBA as No. 87 in the country, placing it above similar programs at Creighton University, The University of Denver, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“The MBA program has grown significantly over the last five years, and it’s fantastic to receive this acknowledgement. It’s a true testament to the quality of our degree and the value we provide for students across the world,” noted Kristi Lynch, Senior Director of Graduate, Executive, and Professional Business Programs at UNO.

“Our part-time MBA program attracts talented students and high-quality faculty. It is our mission to offer accessible, affordable, and excellent business education to a wide audience. I’m proud of our team and their efforts and I am pleased to see the program getting the recognition it deserves,” said Dr. Michelle W. Trawick, John Becker Dean of the College of Business Administration.

UNO’s College of Business Administration offers four graduate degrees, dual degree options, graduate certificates, and executive education programs. 

The College of Business Administration, including its MBA and Executive MBA, is AACSB-accredited in business and accounting, a standard earned by fewer than 200 universities worldwide.

For more information, visit mba.unomaha.edu 

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U.S. News Ranks UNO’s Part-Time MBA in Nation’s Top 90

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s part-time MBA is included among the top programs in the nation, according to the new 2024 “Best Graduate Schools Rankings” from U.S. News and World Report.

US News and World Report, Part Time MBA, RankingsMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAThe University of Nebraska at Omaha’s part-time MBA is included among the top programs in the nation, according to the new 2024 “Best Graduate Schools Rankings” from U.S. News and World Report.

Apr 11, 2024 12:00 AM

CBA in the News/Silicon Prairie News: UNO’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Franchisinghttp://siliconprairienews.com/2018/02/spn-spaces-unos-center-innovation-entrepreneurship-franchising//CNN: Why Super Bowl ads still matterhttps://money.cnn.com/2018/02/01/news/companies/super-bowl-commercials/index.html/Omaha World-Herald: UNO business dean says pairing with UNMC is good for both schools, health care industryhttp://www.omaha.com/money/uno-business-dean-says-pairing-with-unmc-is-good-for/article_9c94a639-ab3f-514e-a551-f6af9888a545.html/Gina Scott Ligon: Move to Division I enhanced UNO’s brand http://www.omaha.com/opinion/gina-scott-ligon-move-to-division-i-enhanced-uno-s/article_5277cdf5-bed5-5a44-8cc3-43124a245ed2.html/View more CBA media mentions...http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-business-administration/news/media-mentions.php//////Students/The Bullseyehttp://www.unomaha.edu/news/maverick-weekly/student-involvement/student-organizations

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CBA Student Organizations

CBA Student OrganizationsMeet others who share common interests, expand your horizons, and build your resume, all while putting what you learn in the classroom to practice. Faculty & Staff/Maverick Dailyhttp://www.unomaha.edu/news/maverick-daily/CBA Intranethttps://unomaha.box.com/s/yf93x19qjutwcdbp5g86q02wghp0ppcmMore CBA News/CBA Connect email newsletter http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-business-administration/about-us/pubs.php/UNO Business magazinehttp://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-business-administration/about-us/pubs.php/news/media-mentions

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CBA Media MentionsCBA in the media.

Sep 30, 2016 12:00 AM

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News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1553058000000UNO EMBA Alumnus Justin Rediger reflects on his time in the program and how the capstone’s real-world experiences differentiate it from all the rest.//news/2019/04/embaresizefinal.jpg

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801534Rediger and team during their EMBA excursion to Chile./news/2019/04/img/embaresize2.jpg

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801535Rediger visited, worked in, and took in the sights of the Patagonia region during his EMBA experience in Chile./

The UNO College of Business Administration (CBA) stands apart from other business schools. It offers an executive-level, hands-on, and experiential approach to professionals that can be a struggle to find from other programs.

The UNO Executive MBA (EMBA) program is one such example of the uniquely valuable offerings that CBA provides. Students join a cohort-based program and participate in an international business consulting project, considered a major highlight of the experience.

The EMBA’s 17-month, alternating-weekend program is a perfect choice for working professionals with responsibilities who still want to enhance their business knowledge and confidence. It’s an investment in oneself that can positively impact a graduate’s entire personal and professional future.

A Program That Gets Results

UNO EMBA alumnus Justin Rediger recently blogged about the program’s distinctive ability to develop professionals through methods that other MBA programs simply don’t offer:

“Prior to choosing the EMBA program at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, I considered a few other online programs and traditional MBA tracks. What ultimately made me choose the EMBA program was the real-world international experience that I would receive through the Capstone project. This was a chance to solve real problems for real companies through the application of the academic concepts taught in the classroom. The experience I had in Chile fulfilled this expectation entirely.

Before we landed in Chile, we spent hours researching the culture, government, industry, regulations, etc. for our client. After reading hundreds of articles, reports and papers on a country’s education system, which was the focus of our client’s business, you feel well-versed on the industry climate. But then we started talking to real people in Chile.

Within the first 48 hours of landing, our team had completely changed our position on our recommendation to our client for the entry strategy into Chile. This made the trip both exciting and stressful, as we scrambled to adjust course and talk to the right people. By the end of the 10-day trip, we managed to schedule and meet key influencers for the new entry strategy to be effective. One of those meetings required a last-minute flight to a city 6 hours away the day before we left. It was unplanned and unbudgeted, but we were able to make the call, book the flight and acquired some critical information as well as made a key contact for our client.

This kind of experience could not have been obtained through an online classroom or a week-long tour of local companies. That is what other MBA programs offer. Through the EMBA program at UNO, we weren’t tourists in Chile, we were consultants. And we got results.”

Discover The Difference For Yourself

Every EMBA student has the opportunity to participate in experiences similar to Rediger’s. You’ll be set up from day one to succeed, and UNO CBA provides a concierge approach that allows you to balance your education, job duties, and personal life without hassle.

There’s sure to be many more EMBA success stories like Rediger’s in the program’s coming years. Perhaps you’ll be one of them?

If you’d like to discover the UNO EMBA difference for yourself, visit the UNO EMBA website. You’ll find coursework, tuition, information on the student experience, and more.

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The UNO EMBA Program Is Different – And Gets Results

UNO EMBA Alumnus Justin Rediger reflects on his time in the program and how the capstone’s real-world experiences differentiate it from all the rest.

emba, graduate education, executive, alumniRachael Smith - CBA Marketing DepartmentUNO EMBA Alumnus Justin Rediger reflects on his time in the program and how the capstone’s real-world experiences differentiate it from all the rest.

Mar 20, 2019 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1553058000000The UNO CBA Assistant Professor of Marketing recently wrote about the Weight Watchers rebranding, with his insightful comments picked up by BBC News./news/2019/04/img/yanhui-f.jpg

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UNO CBA Assistant Professor of Marketing Dr. Yanhui Zhao recently published an executive summary of his new study, titled Is Rebranding Worthwhile?, on the CBA website. Dr. Zhao’s full study is forthcoming in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and emerges from his interest in marketing strategy, particularly brand management.

As Weight Watchers announced a rebranding of their company name and image in September 2018, global news outlets engaged in heated discussions about the merits of these changes. BBC News is one of the recent sites tackling the Weight Watchers story and asserts that the company’s new name of WW puts them on a “crash diet”¹in their recent article “What’s gone wrong at Weight Watchers?”

In the article, BBC News cites Dr. Zhao’s research and references his quotes on risky rebranding practices, the implementation of new brand strategy, and shareholder reactions.

BBC news reached nearly 17 million viewers in third quarter 2018², now offering well-deserved visibility for Dr. Zhao’s research and for UNO CBA!

UNO CBA is always proud of our talented professors like Dr. Zhao who consistently offer important contributions to local and global business discussions each year. Show your support for CBA faculty research by checking out the articles linked within this story.

Notes

Jordan, Dearbail. "What's Gone Wrong at Weight Watchers?" March 1, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47392730.
BARB. Quarterly reach of BBC News in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1st quarter 2012 to 3rd quarter 2018 (in 1,000 viewers). https://www.statista.com/statistics/290866/bbc-news-viewers-reached-quarterly-uk/ (accessed 3/22/19, 2:01 PM).

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UNO CBA’s Dr. Yanhui Zhao Quoted by BBC News

The UNO CBA Assistant Professor of Marketing recently wrote about the Weight Watchers rebranding, with his insightful comments picked up by BBC News.

rebranding, professor, marketing, weight watchersRachael Smith - CBA Marketing DepartmentThe UNO CBA Assistant Professor of Marketing recently wrote about the Weight Watchers rebranding, with his insightful comments picked up by BBC News.

Mar 20, 2019 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1553058000000The UNO CBA Capstone Cup, a mandatory semester-long competition for all graduating seniors, is a unique critical thinking opportunity unequaled by other area business colleges./news/2019/04/img/cbacapstonecup.jpg

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The UNO CBA Capstone Cup is a semester-long competition compulsory for every student enrolled in the undergraduate capstone strategy course, Corporate & Business Strategy. More than 300 students each year take part in the challenge, where they are asked to evaluate a complex business situation, develop a creative solution, and build a presentation that communicates their analyses to a panel of judges. As of April 2019, more than 1,000 students have tackled the contest.

The competition challenges students to think critically surrounding strategic issues they will encounter in their careers. It demands direct application of their entire undergraduate business curriculum, allowing students to explore real-world uses of what they’ve learned.

The Capstone Cup was born at UNO CBA and is unique to the school. It offers an unprecedented growth and exposure opportunity for students unequaled by other area business colleges. Capstone Cup directors Dr. Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles and Dr. Erin Bass have grown the event to what it is today, and they’ve seen firsthand its role in differentiating both the college and its business graduates.

Developing Young Professionals

The Capstone Cup serves an essential role in allowing students to transition into young professionals. Students develop confidence and experience with challenging team dynamics by solving real-world problems and presenting their solutions to Omaha-area business leaders.

“Students are paired up with students from another expertise – a different concentration than their own,” says Miles. “This introduces challenges as students are confronted with overcoming biases while undertaking a professional development experience.”

Students also learn how to sell both their ideas and themselves by providing strategic recommendations to local employers. Employers then question and challenge the strategies suggested to them, giving students a glimpse into the demands of the professional workplace. They emerge prepared to defend, adjust, and analyze their ideas for efficacy while establishing their place as competent and knowledgeable contributors.

The Capstone Cup also allows students to tailor the tournament to their areas of expertise and pain points. On the first day of class, students complete a questionnaire involving their expectations for the competition.

“For students who are competitive, it’s an outlet, something more than a class project,” says Miles. “Conversely, some teams of students conduct interviews with the case company or competitors to provide support for their recommendations. They embody the role of the consultant.”

By adopting varied strategies and collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds, Capstone Cup participants can try out different communication styles, business strategies, and leadership roles. They graduate with useful discoveries on where they will fit best in their future career.

Students In Action

Local employers also use the Capstone Cup to witness UNO CBA students in action. It provides a venue in which employers can evaluate students for potential hires while showcasing the skills of CBA graduates. During their final presentations, students clearly demonstrate the value of their education.

Miles and Bass recall success stories in which students have been approached by employers after the Capstone Cup finals. One student was interviewed the same day as their final presentation and was offered a position at the respective company less than 6 months after their graduation.

“The employer later told me that they don’t typically interview or hire newly minted graduates, but she was impressed by this student,” says Miles.

Success stories like this have unfolded from many semesters of the Capstone Cup. Another student shares a story in which, during an interview, he cited the competition as a challenging experience he had to overcome. The employer was so interested in the program that they discussed it for the remainder of their meeting. Not only did the student get the job, but the employer became a Capstone Cup judge.

“The Capstone Cup has become a unifying experience among our CBA graduates,” says Bass. “Area employers have caught on, and we often get phone calls from recruiters or managers saying they’ve heard so much about this event, they want to know more about it and how to get involved.”

Setting Students Apart

The Capstone Cup’s primary benefit is that it sets students apart from the rest. UNO CBA is the only university in the area to offer a senior experience like it, in which every student is given the opportunity to excel. This differentiates the program from larger case competitions in which only select teams are sent to participate.

“We are not creating ‘elite’ teams and sending them off to compete,” says Miles. “The Capstone Cup gives all of our students the opportunity to develop unique experience and furthermore shows off the skills of all of our students to local employers.”

For Miles and Bass, this also sets UNO CBA apart. Creating an inclusive environment that fosters universal success isn’t business school as usual, and they’re proud of it.

“While students graduating from UNO CBA have always been in demand, the Capstone Cup is giving them a bigger edge over the competition and letting students see the opportunities they have beyond their graduation,” says Bass. “We’ve managed to combine classroom learning, knowledge application, and community engagement all into one unique, semester-long event.”

Growing Omaha’s Future Business Leaders

Every round of the Capstone Cup requires judging from a panel, which offers plenty of opportunities for alumni and local businesses to get involved. The event also requires sponsorship for prizes, materials, food, and promotional items.

“We enjoy having alumni – both recent and more seasoned – come back and judge,” says Dr. Miles. “We are also always looking for additional sponsors for the program.”

If you or your business would like to contribute to the Capstone Cup and facilitate the development of Omaha’s future business leaders, please contact program directors Dr. Erin Miles at erinpmiles@unomaha.edu or Dr. Erin Bass at aebass@unomaha.edu. You can also learn more by visiting the UNO CBA Capstone Cup website.

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The Capstone Cup: UNO CBA’s Unparalleled Senior Experience

The UNO CBA Capstone Cup, a mandatory semester-long competition for all graduating seniors, is a unique critical thinking opportunity unequaled by other area business colleges.

capstone, unique, seniors, competition, not business school as usualRachael Smith - CBA Marketing DepartmentThe UNO CBA Capstone Cup, a mandatory semester-long competition for all graduating seniors, is a unique critical thinking opportunity unequaled by other area business colleges.

Mar 20, 2019 12:00 AM

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Check Out The New Edition of UNO Business, CBA's Magazine!

The 2024-25 edition of UNO Business, CBA's Annual Report is out today. Check out stories about the incredible things our students, faculty, and staff are doing.

CBA students are doing amazing things.

College of Business Administration News

A Program That Gets Results

Discover The Difference For Yourself

Notes

Developing Young Professionals

Students In Action

Setting Students Apart

Growing Omaha’s Future Business Leaders

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UNO CBA Grad Student Explores What Employers Really Think About Study Abroad

UNO's Future Business Leaders of America - Collegiate (FBLA-C) Chapter Wins Big at the Nebraska FBLA-C State Leadership Conference

UNO’s Part-Time MBA Ranks Among Nation’s Best

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From Books to Bank Vaults

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Check Out The New Edition of UNO Business, CBA's Magazine!

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CBA’s Logistics & Supply Chain Concentration Earns Top 5 Ranking

Unveiling Omaha’s Hidden Gems

U.S. News Ranks UNO’s Part-Time MBA in Nation’s Top 90

CBA in the News

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