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College of Business Administration News

Wednesday, February 04, 2026
  1. UNO
  2. College of Business Administration
  3. News
indextrue177013899785821253571News RoomCBA 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.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.News Room/news/indexCBAsite://CBA/news/indexscasey13945604137962125357117701389887011767895200000
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1770098400000UNO’s College of Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community (ELLC) empowers students to explore, create and lead through a transformative blend of community, mentorship and real-world experience.//news/2025/12/ellc-group.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/ellc-group.jpgCBAellc-group.jpg2525791200920A group of nine young adults pose together in an indoor garden or conservatory filled with lush green plants and vines. Some are standing while others are sitting or leaning on a low stone ledge. Everyone is smiling and dressed casually in t-shirts, athletic wear, and shorts. One person in the center wears a bright red soccer jersey, which stands out against the greenery. The space is well-lit with natural light, and the overall mood feels friendly, relaxed, and social./news/2025/12/ellc-1.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/ellc-1.jpgCBAellc-1.jpg4286941200800A group of seven young adults take a close-up group selfie outdoors in a large, modern plaza. They are smiling and standing close together. Behind them are wide stairs and escalators leading upward, with green accents and a large circular sign that reads “Celtics” with a shamrock symbol. Storefronts and signage surround the area. A few other people are visible in the background walking through the space. The lighting is bright daylight, and the overall mood is upbeat and social./news/2025/12/ellc-2.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/ellc-2.jpgCBAellc-2.jpg2344291200800A close-up view of the exterior of a modern office building labeled “Salesforce Tower.” In the foreground is a white sign featuring the blue Salesforce cloud logo with the word “salesforce” inside it, and the Accenture logo below. Behind the sign, the building’s curved glass façade and multiple floors are visible, reflecting daylight. The image is taken from a low angle, emphasizing the height and sleek, contemporary design of the building./news/2025/12/ellc-3.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/ellc-3.jpgCBAellc-3.jpg4175191200800Two young women stand together on a coastal overlook, posing with their arms around each other. They are smiling and dressed casually in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Behind them is a rocky shoreline with waves breaking along the coast, and the ocean stretches into the distance. The Golden Gate Bridge is visible in the background to the right, partially framed by coastal hills. The sky is clear and blue, and the scene feels bright, breezy, and scenic./news/2025/12/ellc-4.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/ellc-4.jpgCBAellc-4.jpg3548481200800A group of seven young adults pose outdoors at a waterfront museum, standing in front of the historic ship USS Constitution. Some stand on either side of a large, freestanding white frame designed to resemble a social media photo post, while others pose inside it, smiling. The ship’s tall masts, rigging, and dark hull fill much of the background. A city skyline and harbor are visible behind the ship. Everyone is dressed casually, and the scene is brightly lit by sunlight, giving it a fun, tourist-spot feel.YouTube

This story was orginally published in the UNO Magazine. Read the full issue here: https://stories.unoalumni.org/fall-2025/

When students arrive at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a spark of curiosity, the Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community — or ELLC — fans it into a flame. For more than a decade, this unique program has provided Mavericks with the tools, mentors and community they need to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures.

Housed in Scott Village, the ELLC brings together first- and second-year students who live, learn and collaborate alongside peers who share their entrepreneurial spirit. Upperclassmen often return as mentors, guiding the next wave of innovators. Together, they explore what it means to think like an entrepreneur — not just in business, but in life.

“It’s about surrounding yourself with people who are just as curious and motivated as you are,” said Nate White, a current member. “We build on each other’s ideas and push each other to improve.”

Second-year member Moto Hiro Tsuchiya agrees. “We can exchange ideas. The group supports my ideas and ventures.”

That sense of community is central to the program’s design. Weekly meetings feature visits to startups, guest speakers and hands-on workshops. Students get a behind-the-scenes look at Omaha’s growing innovation ecosystem — touring coworking hubs like Elevator and Millwork Commons, learning from founders of companies like Viva Fit Kitchen and Appsky, and even serving as “sharks” in pitch competitions with local high schoolers.

“Curiosity is built into everything we do,” said Alex Wewel, assistant director of UNO’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising, which oversees the program. “Students bring their ideas — whether it’s a new restaurant concept, an app or a small business they’ve already launched — and we work through frameworks like the Lean Canvas to test, refine and pivot. It’s a safe space to experiment, fail fast and grow.”

For some, like sophomore Bobby Snodgrass, the ELLC provides fuel for an already-running venture. His mobile detailing company, Detail Omaha, continues to grow thanks to the connections and mentorship he’s gained. Others, like first-year Lesly Sanchez, find the structure gives them the time and encouragement to move an idea from the “someday” list to the priority list.

Perhaps most transformative are the experiences outside the classroom. Each spring, the ELLC takes students to a national hub for startups. Last year’s trip to New York City gave participants a glimpse into the fast-paced world of Wall Street, venture capital and innovation at scale.

“It was like a playground for entrepreneurship,” said junior Brady Faltys, who balances projects in real estate with a composting startup. “You see just how many different paths there are, and it makes you want to take your own ideas further."

ALUMNI REFLECTIONS

Alumni say the program’s impact lasts long after graduation.

“ELLC had one of the greatest impacts on my college experience,” said Yolvin Aguirre, who still keeps in touch with mentors and peers he met through the program. “It connected me with CEOs, business owners and opportunities I never would have had otherwise. The community fueled my ambitions and gave me the skills to keep building beyond UNO.”

For Samantha Barrett, the ELLC was both a launchpad and a lifeline.

“The ELLC is full of different opportunities,” she said. “Not only are you able to meet a wide variety of people throughout the community, but you can also fully immerse yourself in entrepreneurship. It allowed me to ask every question I had directly to business owners and mentors — and those answers shaped the way I think about business today.”

Barrett said the friendships and mentorship she gained were equally life-changing.

“Being a freshman, it was scary coming into a new environment with no friends. ELLC gave me a solid group I could rely on. My mentor helped me navigate not only college, but life and work.”

Bailey Kaisershot echoed that sentiment, crediting the ELLC with shaping both her academic and professional path.

“The experiences I had and people I met through the ELLC, I will forever cherish and remember,” she said. “Our cohort went on multiple entrepreneurship-based trips to San Francisco, Denver and Boston, where we toured startups and businesses while also exploring new cities together. Living in Scott Village made our cohort feel more like a family than classmates.”

Now pursuing optometry, Kaisershot said her mentor connections were invaluable.

“I was paired with Dr. Lindsey Behrendt, an optometrist at Exclusively Eyecare, and that opened the door to shadowing, volunteering and even my current job as an optometric technician. If it wasn’t for the ELLC, I wouldn’t have these opportunities or experiences that are now directly preparing me for optometry school.”

At its core, the ELLC reflects UNO’s commitment to innovation — empowering students to explore, create and lead.

As Wewel put it: “It’s a simple concept with a huge impact. When you put curious people together, ideas ignite — and entrepreneurs grow.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

  • Detail Omaha: Sophomore Bobby Snodgrass runs a mobile detailing business that thrives on word-of-mouth and connections built through the ELLC.

  • Real Estate & Composting: Brady Faltys is learning how to scale ventures from sustainable composting to property flips, inspired by the mentorship he’s found in Omaha’s startup community.

  • Pushing Ideas Forward: First-year member Lesly Sanchez says the ELLC gave her the structure to prioritize her entrepreneurial idea rather than letting it linger.
////No/news/2026/02/igniting-ideasdepartmentUNO CBAphoneemailmelissalindell@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CBA/news/2026/02/igniting-ideasCBAigniting-ideasIgniting IdeasIgniting IdeasUNO’s College of Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community (ELLC) empowers students to explore, create and lead through a transformative blend of community, mentorship and real-world experience.UNO’s College of Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community (ELLC) empowers students to explore, create and lead through a transformative blend of community, mentorship and real-world experience.ELLC, living learning community, experienceMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAUNO’s College of Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community (ELLC) empowers students to explore, create and lead through a transformative blend of community, mentorship and real-world experience.Feb 3, 2026 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1764568500000Dhillon is a globally recognized scholar with more than 20 years of academic leadership experience. /news/2025/12/img/gurpreet-dhillon-headshot.jpgnavigationYessite://Academic Affairs/news/2025/12/img/gurpreet-dhillon-headshot.jpgAcademic Affairsgurpreet-dhillon-headshot.jpg1861481200800Gurpreet Dhillon, incoming College of Business Administration dean.Gurpreet Dhillon headshot photo///YouTube

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has named Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., the next dean of the College of Business Administration (CBA), effective Jan. 12, 2026, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Dhillon, who currently serves as the G. Brint Ryan Endowed Chair of AI and Cybersecurity at the University of North Texas, brings more than two decades of international leadership and research experience to UNO.

  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “Dr. Dhillon brings a rare blend of scholarly distinction, innovative vision, and global leadership. His work at the intersection of business, technology, and society, combined with his commitment to community and workforce development, positions him exceptionally well to advance UNO’s metropolitan mission.”
  • Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., Incoming UNO CBA Dean: “UNO’s metropolitan mission and its commitments to access, innovation, and community engagement align deeply with my professional values. Business education must prepare students to lead in an era defined by digital transformation, global interdependence, and rapid technological change. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to create opportunities that elevate both the region and our graduates.”

Over the past two decades, Dhillon has held academic appointments and leadership roles across the United States, Europe, and Asia, building a distinguished record in business education, research leadership, and multidisciplinary innovation.

Career highlights:

  • Earned a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the London School of Economics and an Honorary Doctorate from Örebro University, Sweden.
  • Author of more than a dozen books, including a best-selling graduate textbook on cybersecurity.
  • Published over 100 research papers across top-tier academic journals.
  • Research featured in national and international media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, NBC News, and NPR.
  • Recognized among the top 2% of researchers in his discipline by Stanford University.
  • Ranked in the top 0.05% of global scholars by Scholar GPS.
  • Holds the No. 29 global ranking in Information Security for career-long scholarly impact.

Dhillon succeeds Interim Dean Steve Schulz, Ph.D., who has led the college for the past year.

////No/news/2025/12/cba-dean-appointeddepartmentphoneemailacademic.affairs@unomaha.educategoryAcademic Affairslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://Academic Affairs/news/2025/12/cba-dean-appointedAcademic Affairscba-dean-appointedFirst-Year Experience Seminars Strengthen College Transitions at UNOGurpreet S. Dhillon Named College of Business Administration DeanThe University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has named Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., the next dean of the College of Business Administration (CBA), effective Jan. 12, 2026, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. New initiative aims to boost student belonging, retention, and success through embedded college seminars.CBA DeanAcademic AffairsDhillon is a globally recognized scholar with more than 20 years of academic leadership experience. Nov 30, 2025 11:55 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1765951200000Glenda Bricko, Matt Nourie, and Logan Groesser represented UNO at a national gathering of future accounting leaders, thanks to the IMA MEF (Memorial Education Funds) grant awarded to the School of Accounting./news/2025/12/ima-mef2.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/ima-mef2.jpgCBAima-mef2.jpg1689641200800Logan Groesser, Matt Nourie, IMA CEO Mike DePrisco, and Glenda BrickoFour individuals stand in front of a blue backdrop with repeated “IMA” logos at a professional conference. Two men in light blue shirts stand on the left, a man in a navy blazer stands third, and a woman in a black suit stands on the right. All are wearing name badges and smiling at the camera.///YouTube

Three students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) School of Accounting—Glenda Bricko, Matt Norrie, and Logan Groesser—were selected to receive the prestigious IMA Memorial Education Fund (MEF) Grant to attend the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Leadership Conference in November 2025.

The grant was awarded to UNO as an IMA Endorsed School, reflecting the university’s highest standards in accounting education and preparing students for a variety of accounting career paths, including management accounting careers.

Held in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, the three-day conference brought together accounting and finance students from across the country to engage with industry leaders, develop professional competencies, and build meaningful connections with peers and practitioners.

For Glenda Bricko, who is one of the School of Accounting PCAOB Scholarship awardees, attending the conference was “one of the highlights” of her undergraduate journey.

“Hearing from industry leaders—people who have truly been there and done that—was incredibly valuable,” Bricko said. “IMA members and officers genuinely want students to build successful and meaningful careers, and they openly share their experiences to help us avoid unnecessary difficulties.”

She was grateful for the chance to attend the conference. “The SOA has given me many opportunities to succeed,” she said.

Fellow grant recipient Matt Norrie, Beta Alpha Psi Vice President of Records, also expressed his appreciation to UNO’s School of Accounting:
“The conference treated students as the professionals we are soon to be. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope future students can benefit as much as I did.”

A particularly memorable moment for Norrie occurred during a casual morning coffee break.
“Someone asked to join my table, and I soon realized I was talking with keynote speaker Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas,” Norrie said. “We talked about everything from baseball to accounting.”

That conversation led to a valuable professional connection in Nebraska—an unexpected outcome Norrie described with amusement:
“I wouldn’t have guessed that I had to go to Cleveland, talk with someone involved in a Georgia baseball team, to be introduced to someone in Nebraska.”

Conference sessions featured professionals from Johnson & Johnson, leaders in data analytics, and an accomplished panel including IMA Chair Pete Dolan, IMA Controller Cynthia Laughlin, Former Chair Steve McNally, and financial reporting manager Matt Stradiot.
“The ability to sit and listen to these individuals—who have worked in Big Four firms, Fortune 500 companies, and major corporations—provided valuable insight into the field I will soon be entering,” Norrie said.

School of Accounting faculty say it is important to be able to send students to events like these and give them a head start on their career paths.

“The UNO School of Accounting is committed to providing students with a strong accounting education while providing opportunities for them to explore diverse career paths in the profession. The support from the MEF grant for our students to attend the IMA SLC gives our students the chance to engage with the accounting community beyond the classroom and discover opportunities in Nebraska and across the nation,” said Dr. Roopa Venkatesh, Director of the CBA School of Accounting and Union Pacific Professor of Accounting.

////No/news/2025/12/ima-conference-25departmentUNO CBAphoneemailmelissalindell@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CBA/news/2025/12/ima-conference-25CBAima-conference-25Three UNO Accounting Students Selected for National IMA Student Leadership ConferenceThree UNO Accounting Students Selected for National IMA Student Leadership ConferenceGlenda Bricko, Matt Nourie, and Logan Groesser represented UNO at a national gathering of future accounting leaders, thanks to the IMA MEF (Memorial Education Funds) grant awarded to the School of Accounting.Glenda Bricko, Matt Nourie, and Logan Groesser represented UNO at a national gathering of future accounting leaders, thanks to the IMA MEF (Memorial Education Funds) grant awarded to the School of Accounting.IMA, Conference, Student LeadershipMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & MarketingGlenda Bricko, Matt Nourie, and Logan Groesser represented UNO at a national gathering of future accounting leaders, thanks to the IMA MEF (Memorial Education Funds) grant awarded to the School of Accounting.Dec 17, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1765173600000Student teams go head-to-head in UNO’s premier business pitch competition, bringing big ideas, bold strategy, and Maverick spirit to the finals.//news/2025/12/img/capstone-cup251.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/img/capstone-cup251.jpgCBAcapstone-cup251.jpg5256101200800A team of three young professionals stands presenting in a conference room. A woman in a brown blazer speaks in the foreground while holding a small remote. Behind her, a man in a suit holds a microphone, and another woman in a black suit stands to the side. All three wear name badges and appear engaged in a formal presentation.Capstone Cup Finals 2025/news/2025/12/capstone-cup25-2.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/capstone-cup25-2.jpgCBAcapstone-cup25-2.jpg6967441200800Four people stand smiling in front of a University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration backdrop. They hold up a large trophy labeled “Capstone Cup,” wearing medals around their necks as they pose together in celebration.Capstone Cup Fall 2025 Winners. Team 4: Evergreen Strategy Group: Cally Nguyen - Marketing, Cooper Bornhoft - Investment Science and Portfolio Management, Vivian Nguyen – Marketing, and KC DeFilipps - Accounting/news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-3.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA - Nebraska Business Development Center/news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-3.jpgCBA - Nebraska Business Development Centercapstone-cup-25-3.jpg7361871200800Four students stand in front of a University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration backdrop, each holding a framed certificate. They are dressed in formal attire with red medals around their necks, smiling for the photo.2nd Place Winners: Team 7: 24/7 Consulting. Hailey Condreay - Management & Leadership, Teresa Ursino – Accounting, Jackson Herbert - Business Finance, and Daniel Gutierrez - Business Analytics./news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-4.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA - Nebraska Business Development Center/news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-4.jpgCBA - Nebraska Business Development Centercapstone-cup-25-4.jpg7085111200800Four students stand in front of a University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration backdrop, each holding a framed certificate and wearing medals around their necks. They are dressed in formal attire and smiling at the camera.3rd Place, Team 2: California Expansion Group. Thang Truong - Banking and Financial Markets, Jaxson Harding - Marketing, Leilou Guerrero - Management & Leadership, and Emily Yowell – Accounting./news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-5.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA - Nebraska Business Development Center/news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-5.jpgCBA - Nebraska Business Development Centercapstone-cup-25-5.jpg9139081200800Four students in formal attire stand at the front of a lecture hall giving a presentation. A large screen behind them displays a slide that says “Thank You — Questions?” Audience members sit in tiered seating on the left, and presentation equipment and trophies are visible near the front of the room./news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-62.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/12/capstone-cup-25-62.jpgCBAcapstone-cup-25-62.jpg1929551200800A young man in a suit and red tie carries a large Nespresso Vertuo Plus coffee maker box along with other prizes, including a Blokus game and a mesh bag containing a yellow ball. He appears to be at an event or awards gathering, with people and displays visible in the background.YouTube

Five teams. One stage. Countless hours of preparation. The UNO Capstone Cup Finals delivered high-stakes strategy, strong storytelling, and serious Maverick innovation.

➡️ What’s new:
The Fall 2025 Capstone Cup Finals, hosted by the UNO College of Business Administration (CBA), took place Dec. 5 in Mammel Hall. The biannual business case competition featured senior business students presenting solutions to a real-world challenge—this semester’s case partner is Verdis Group, an Omaha-based sustainability consultancy and Certified B Corporation that helps organizations plan and implement climate action efforts. The company is committed to building a thriving, resilient world and is eager to see how UNO students’ strategies can support that goal.

Finalists had 20 minutes to pitch their strategies to a panel of judges composed of business professionals, alumni, and faculty. The winning team? Evergreen Strategy Group, which took home the top prize with its creative and data-driven pitch.

💡 Why it matters:
The Capstone Cup is a highlight for graduating seniors, offering them the chance to work directly with local businesses in the Omaha-Metro area.

Integrated within the Corporate & Business Strategy course, this semester-long event allows students to apply their strategic knowledge to solve pressing business issues, giving them a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community.

Over several months, teams conduct extensive research, analyze business challenges, and develop strategic solutions. The process culminates in a poster presentation where students showcase their insights and demonstrate how their recommendations align with the real-world needs of their business partners to local organizations.

By working alongside local professionals and receiving feedback from industry experts, students are equipped with the tools and confidence they need to navigate the complexities in the business field.

🎤 What they’re saying:

Vivian Nguyen, Fall 2025 Capstone Cup Champion: “We're so grateful to have this chance to showcase what we've learned over the past four years in the College of Business Administration, and be able to transfer that and help out and literally consult for an actual company and gain this kind of experience before we even get to graduate. We're so, so grateful to the Strategy faculty for giving graduating seniors like us this opportunity.”

🌎 The big picture:
The Capstone Cup exemplifies UNO’s commitment to experiential learning, student success, and workforce development. Events like this don’t just test knowledge—they build confidence, connections, and career readiness.

📈 By the numbers:

  • 143 students competed
  • 21 advanced to Finals
  • 1 Maverick team took home the win

Congratulations to the Fall 2025 Finalists:

1st Place

Team 4: Evergreen Strategy Group

Cooper Bornhoft - Investment Science and Portfolio Management

KC DeFilipps - Accounting

Cally Nguyen - Marketing

Vivian Nguyen – Marketing

2nd Place

Team 7: 24/7 Consulting

Hailey Condreay - Management & Leadership

Daniel Gutierrez - Business Analytics

Jackson Herbert - Business Finance

Teresa Ursino – Accounting

3rd Place

Team 2: California Expansion Group

Leilou Guerrero - Management & Leadership

Jaxson Harding - Marketing

Thang Truong - Banking and Financial Markets

Emily Yowell – Accounting

Finalists

18: Investing in a Workforce Pipeline

Riley Hall - Marketing

Ryan Lee - Accounting

Carson Lewis - Management & Leadership

Brayden Powell - Economics

20: Five Guys Consulting

Kaleb Cozad - Management & Leadership

Josiah Hart - Accounting

Jackson Hemphill - International Business

Gavin Moffett - Real Estate and Land Use Economics

Philly Paige - Business Finance

////No/news/2025/12/capstone-cupfall25departmentUNO CBAphoneemailmelissalindell@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CBA/news/2025/12/capstone-cupfall25CBAcapstone-cupfall25UNO Capstone Cup Crowns Fall 2025 ChampionsUNO Capstone Cup Crowns Fall 2025 ChampionsStudent teams go head-to-head in UNO’s premier business pitch competition, bringing big ideas, bold strategy, and Maverick spirit to the finals.Student teams go head-to-head in UNO’s premier business pitch competition, bringing big ideas, bold strategy, and Maverick spirit to the finals.capstone cup, finals, business, strategyMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & MarketingStudent teams go head-to-head in UNO’s premier business pitch competition, bringing big ideas, bold strategy, and Maverick spirit to the finals.Dec 8, 2025 12:00 AM
New & Noteworthy
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes176110920000015259698000001525975200000Finance grad. MBA alum. Global leader in real-time payments. Bridget Hall’s UNO journey shaped her purpose – and helped her find a career she didn’t see coming./news/2025/10/bridget-hall.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/10/bridget-hall.jpgCBAbridget-hall.jpg2451051200800Bridget HallA smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a red blazer and blue blouse, standing in front of a bright blue background.///YouTube

Bridget Hall—Nebraska native and first-generation college student—earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from UNO. Today, she leads real-time payments for North and South America at ACI Worldwide, a global payments software company headquartered in Omaha.

Choosing UNO: A Natural Fit

Bridget says she knew she wanted to stay in-state when it came time to attend college.  “I was looking at the different options within state schools, and UNO’s College of Business Administration—particularly its finance program—stood out,” Hall recalls. “I found myself drawn in by the College of Business Administration’s industry-connected faculty and hands-on learning opportunities.”

The promise of real-world experience came early, with courses that offered a chance to invest real time in the market and a curriculum that went beyond theoretical concepts. At UNO, she was empowered to triple major in finance, banking, and the then-novel field of investment science – a choice that has defined her career.

From Classroom to Corporate Success

After completing her undergraduate studies, Hall embarked on a career that eventually led to a pivotal discussion with a trusted mentor. It was then that she realized a further academic challenge was needed to open new doors. With her employer, ACI, actively supporting professional growth, she enrolled in UNO’s part-time MBA program – a move that would dramatically accelerate her career.

“Time was the biggest challenge,” says Hall, “but UNO’s program structure of half-semester classes, evening options, and real emphasis on day-to-day, on-the-job relevance made it possible.”

Beyond the textbooks, it was the dedicated professors who brought a wealth of corporate experience and deep industry ties that made the difference. UNO’s commitment to bridging the classroom with the real business world was evident in every aspect of her education, setting her on a course that would lead her to her work in the payments industry.

“UNO’s professors weren’t just academics,” Hall explains. “They were professionals who had walked in my shoes. I could take what I learned in class and apply it at work the very next day in meetings and conversations with colleagues. That helped me grow and contribute more. The College of Business Administration teaches students to be problem solvers – not just to memorize a concept, but to use it to build something, fix something, improve something.”

Reimagining the Movement of Money

After earning her MBA, Hall moved into the product management organization at ACI. Today, she finds herself at the forefront of an industry undergoing rapid transformation. In a world where digital transactions have replaced physical cash and checks, she champions the modernization of the payments ecosystem. With advancements like real-time payments—where funds move almost instantaneously—she not only sees the future unfolding before our eyes but is an active part of shaping it.

Imagine buying and selling a house or paying a tuition bill in a matter of seconds instead of hours; that is the promise of the new payments infrastructure. “Payments have been around for thousands of years, evolving from simple barter to currency to digital transactions,” she notes. And now, at the cutting edge of this evolution, she leads initiatives that help banks and financial institutions adopt and leverage these new technologies, ensuring that the underlying systems are robust and ready to handle the demands of a digital age.

Giving Back to the Community

Hall is paying it forward by serving on UNO’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management Advisory Board, helping to shape the next generation meet the needs of the rapidly evolving business landscape.

“It’s exciting to see UNO leaning into what’s next in tech and business. The university is asking, ‘What will industries need five, ten, twenty years from now?’ and preparing students to meet those needs. UNO has been a huge help for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back,” says Hall.  

By sharing her experiences, Hall ensures that future generations of UNO students will be equipped with the skills and insight required for tomorrow’s workforce.

“I’m just a kid from a small town in Nebraska,” Hall says. “But UNO gave me the tools, the network, and the experience to become a leader in an emerging global industry.”

////No/news/2025/10/bridget-halldepartmentphoneemailmelissalindell@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-starts1525969800000event-ends1525975200000site://CBA/news/2025/10/bridget-hallCBAbridget-hallFrom First-Gen Student to Payments Pioneer: How One Maverick Found Her Future at UNOFrom First-Gen Student to Payments Pioneer: How One Maverick Found Her Future at UNOFinance grad. MBA alum. Global leader in real-time payments. Bridget Hall’s UNO journey shaped her purpose – and helped her find a career she didn’t see coming.Bridget Hall, payments, MBA, first generationMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAFinance grad. MBA alum. Global leader in real-time payments. Bridget Hall’s UNO journey shaped her purpose – and helped her find a career she didn’t see coming.Oct 22, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1756270800000The program aims to provide students with a 360º view of the sports industry.//news/2025/08/img/20250825_real-madrid-partnership_01.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/08/img/20250825_real-madrid-partnership_01.jpgwww20250825_real-madrid-partnership_01.jpg1612191200800Dr. Laura Planells Bolant (right) presents University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, (left) with a custom Real Madrid CF jersey at UNO’s Caniglia Field to celebrate a new collaboration agreement with Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. Dr. Laura Planells Bolant (right) presents University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, (left) with a custom Real Madrid CF jersey at UNO’s Caniglia Field to celebrate a new collaboration agreement with Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications /news/2025/08/img/20250825_real-madrid-partnership_07.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/08/img/20250825_real-madrid-partnership_07.jpgwww20250825_real-madrid-partnership_07.jpg1564501200800Left to right: Phil He, Ph.D., UNO Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor; Dr. Laura Planells Bolant; Steve Schulz, Ph.D., UNO College of Business Administration. Left to right: Phil He, Ph.D., UNO Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor; Dr. Laura Planells Bolant; Steve Schulz, Ph.D., UNO College of Business Administration. /news/2025/08/img/rm_logo_1200x1200.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/08/img/rm_logo_1200x1200.jpgwwwrm_logo_1200x1200.jpg1486391200800Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea Logo. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. /news/2025/08/img/02_grupo_av21353.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/08/img/02_grupo_av21353.jpgwww02_grupo_av21353.jpg1466291200800Members of Real Madrid CF celebrate after a goal. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. Members of Real Madrid CF celebrate after a goal. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea./news/2025/08/img/h24495_rm_fw25_home_product_jv5918_1634.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/08/img/h24495_rm_fw25_home_product_jv5918_1634.jpgwwwh24495_rm_fw25_home_product_jv5918_1634.jpg1490461200800A close-up of Real Madrid CF’s home jersey. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. A close-up of Real Madrid CF’s home jersey. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. YouTube

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), USA, have signed a collaboration agreement to promote comprehensive education in sports management. The goal of this partnership is to equip students with practical, in-depth knowledge to become experts in all areas of the sports industry—from marketing and communications to leadership and business management, with an international background. 

This collaboration will add another international dimension to UNO’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, drawing on the tradition and expertise of the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. Thanks to its hybrid format, the program combines the strengths of both online and in-person education, offering students a truly holistic 360º learning experience. 

The Certificate and Dual Degree program 

Through this agreement, as part of obtaining UNO’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, students have the opportunity to complete three online courses from The Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea (RMGS-UE) Executive MBA in Sport Management program and be awarded RMGS-UE’s Certificate in Sports Management. 

What is even more appealing is that if UNO MBA students complete an additional two courses online in RMGS-UE’s Executive MBA in Sport Management program, for a total of five courses, these students will be awarded RMGS-UE’s Executive MBA in Sport Management degree and therefore graduate with two graduate degrees, one from the United States and one from Spain. 

Trip to Madrid for The Real Madrid Experience in Spain 

Students enrolled in this international program will be able to participate in The Real Madrid Experience, signature industry event where students engage directly with top professionals of Real Madrid and explore the latest trends in global sports. They will also visit Real Madrid’s facilities and some of the most important sport venues in Madrid. This annual event in May offers a unique networking opportunity in a dynamic environment that fosters entrepreneurial thinking and interactions with other sports professionals. Through expert mentoring, students are encouraged to develop their own business ventures.  

The Real Madrid Experience is an exclusive program for students at the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. UNO MBA students will have the opportunity to network with peers from prestigious U.S. institutions, such as The University of Michigan, The University of Georgia, The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Florida International University, and Arizona State University—institutions with which the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea has partnerships and that participate in this event. This collaboration provides students with the chance to expand their professional networks for future career growth. 

Emilio Butragueño, General Director of the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea, stated: “We are extremely proud of this partnership with UNO, that aims to deliver high-level international education to support our students on their journey toward successful careers in the sports industry.” 

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said: “Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea is a partner that shares our mission to connect, inspire, and educate future professionals while enhancing the economic impact of the global sports industry. This collaboration expands learning opportunities for our students in a new market and offers them invaluable global insight into sports that can open up dynamic career pathways.” 

About The Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea  

The Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea was founded in 2006 with the mission of training future leaders who want to pursue careers in the sports industry. 

The partnership between Real Madrid, the most successful sports club in history, and Universidad Europea, Spain’s leading institution in comprehensive education, aims to foster the professionalization and modernization of the sector through university-level training. 

It is a pioneering graduate school globally, focusing its teaching methodology on the areas of management, sports, and health, which Real Madrid uses for its internal operations: Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Marketing, Infrastructure, Legal Services, Communications, and Medical Services. Executives responsible for each of these areas at the club participate in the academic development of students in each of the master’s programs, working on practical cases that are part of the everyday operations of the sports industry. 

The school’s academic quality and rigor are reflected in the education of more than 14,500 alumni over its 17-year history, many of whom now work as successful professionals across various sectors of the sports industry. 

 

////Yes/news/2025/08/real-madrid-graduate-school-universidad-europea-and-uno-launch-dual-degree-in-sports-managementdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communications phoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryCommunity EngagementInternational ProgramsCurrent StudentsProspective StudentsAcademic Affairslocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/08/real-madrid-graduate-school-universidad-europea-and-uno-launch-dual-degree-in-sports-managementwwwreal-madrid-graduate-school-universidad-europea-and-uno-launch-dual-degree-in-sports-managementReal Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and UNO Launch Dual Degree in Sports ManagementReal Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and UNO Launch Dual Degree in Sports ManagementThe program aims to provide students with a 360º view of the sports industry.Program aims to provide students with a 360º view of the sports industry.Sam Peshek The program aims to provide students with a 360º view of the sports industry.Aug 27, 2025 12:00 AM
News ReleaseYesNoYesYes1753876860000More than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.//news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_social.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_social.jpgwww1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_social.jpg2434541200800"$2.44B in total economic impact generated by UNO alumni in the Omaha metro in 2024" overlaid on an aerial view of campus, with an icon of a wallet above and a white silhouette of Omaha landmarks at the bottom./news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_2.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_2.jpgwww1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_2.jpg85685120080079,135 UNO alumni currently live in the Omaha metro area" with a simple line icon of a house above the text./news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_3.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_3.jpgwww1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_3.jpg957851200800"12,459 jobs supported by alumni earnings and spending (7,622 directly and 4,837 indirectly)" with a line icon of a briefcase above the text./news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_41.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_41.jpgwww1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_41.jpg832061200800Icon of an envelope with a paper labeled "TAX" above large text "$974.86M"; below it reads, "in total tax revenue generated, including income, payroll, property, and sales taxes."/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_5.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2025/07/img/1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_5.jpgwww1720-artcl_alum_impact_report_graphics_callout_5.jpg903621200800"$1.44B in direct local spending injected into the metro economy by UNO grads" with a line icon of a shopping cart above the text.YouTube

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) alumni are a multi-billion-dollar economic powerhouse, according to a new report.  


➡️ What’s new:  

  • An economic impact study commissioned by the UNO Alumni Association and conducted by UNO Economics Professor Christopher Decker, Ph.D., found that degree-holding UNO alumni supported $2.4 billion in total economic impact, supported thousands of jobs, and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue.  

  • This report is the first in the university’s 117-year history focused exclusively on the impact university alumni have on the Omaha metro area.  

  • View the full report on the UNO Alumni Association website.  


💡 Why it matters: UNO is built to develop and retain Omaha talent. 

  • 85% of students are from the Omaha metro, with an NU System-best 67% of grads still living in Nebraska five years after graduation. 

  • UNO graduates carry the NU System’s lowest average student debt at $19,000, nearly half the national average. 

  • In a time when cities across the country are struggling with brain drain, UNO’s alumni are an engine of stability, growth, and community investment. 


📈 By the numbers: 

  • 79,135 UNO alumni currently live in the Omaha metro area. 

  • $2.44 billion in total economic impact generated by UNO alumni in the Omaha metro in 2024. 

  • 12,459 jobs supported by alumni earnings and spending: 7,622 directly and 4,837 indirectly 

  • $974.86 million in total tax revenue generated, including income, payroll, property, and sales taxes 

  • $1.44 billion in direct local spending injected into the metro economy by UNO grads. 


🎤 What they’re saying: 

  • Omaha Mayor John Ewing: “As a proud graduate of UNO and the mayor of this great city, I see the impact of our alumni every day in our businesses, in our classrooms, and in our neighborhoods. This report confirms what we’ve known for a long time: the strength of Omaha is the strength of its people. And thanks to UNO, we’re building a city that goes beyond developing talent. We keep it, nurture it, and prepare it to lead future generations. That’s the kind of future worth investing in.” 

  • Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor: “This report proves what we’ve always known: UNO alumni are a driving force behind Omaha’s economy. Their impact sends a powerful message across the state and the country that Omaha is a place where families build futures and businesses thrive. This is one of America’s best cities, and Mavericks are at the heart of that story.” 

  • Anthony Flott, UNO Alumni Association Executive Director: “The Maverick network is more than a community. It’s a catalyst for growth that we can quantify for the first time ever. This report underscores the power of relationships built through UNO’s approach to mentorship, internships, and industry partnerships. The momentum we’re seeing is real, and it’s making an impact where it matters most: in careers, companies, and communities across Omaha.” 

  • Chris Decker, Ph.D., UNO Economics Professor: “Brain drain is a major problem for Nebraska. Yet, many, if not most, UNO graduates are bucking this trend. They choose to stay once they earn their degree. They invest their talents, energy, and resources in the Omaha community, becoming business and civic leaders. Our graduates are flipping the narrative from brain drain to brain gain, and that’s a game changer for the future of our city and our state.” 


🌎 The Big Picture: This report reinforces UNO’s core mission to educate learners, drive economic mobility, and strengthen community partnerships. The measurable impact of alumni on jobs, tax revenue, and regional growth demonstrates clear alignment with UNO’s strategic pillars. UNO delivers hands-on, career-focused education and fosters strong local ties that help graduates stay, contribute, and lead in Nebraska communities. 


Editor’s Note: This report has been updated throughout to correct economic impact outputs that resulted from a miscalculation of Ph.D. income increases. Table 1 of the report initially showed a $6.11 million total after tax income increase. The adjusted total is $4.16 million.

////Yes/news/2025/07/report-uno-alumni-fuel-2.4-billion-boost-to-omahas-economydepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryAlumniMedialocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2025/07/report-uno-alumni-fuel-2.4-billion-boost-to-omahas-economywwwreport-uno-alumni-fuel-2.4-billion-boost-to-omahas-economyReport: UNO Alumni Fuel $2.4 Billion Boost to Omaha’s EconomyReport: UNO Alumni Fuel $2.4 Billion Boost to Omaha’s EconomyMore than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.Sam PeshekMore than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.Jul 30, 2025 7:01 AM
Spotlights
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1768424400000Entrepreneur and UNO alum Dayton Schumacher started running to improve his mental health as a college student. Now, his running-inspired apparel brand supports mental health causes./news/2026/01/img/dayton-schumacher.jpgnavigationNosite://www/news/2026/01/img/dayton-schumacher.jpgwwwdayton-schumacher.jpg2163021200800UNO alum Dayton Schumacher uses his apparel brand to promote mental health causes. Photo courtesy of Dayton Schumacher.A figure stands in front of a desert vista of rock formations and a cactus.///YouTube

Dayton Schumacher never planned on becoming an entrepreneur, especially for an apparel brand for runners.  

“I used to really hate running,” he said.  

All that changed when he started running as a college student to improve his mental health. It became integral in his life and something he wanted to share with everyone.  Now, it’s the basis behind Your Pace Your Peace, the running-inspired apparel brand he launched in late 2024. 

Schumacher, who earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in 2024, began his career in clinical research. Working as a regulatory coordinator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), he saw an opportunity to expand his skill set through the university’s tuition benefit for employees of the University of Nebraska System.  

“Coming from a chemistry background, I didn’t really have too much knowledge of the business area,” he said. “I figured it could only help me going forward.” 

Soon after graduation, the beginnings of a creative project grew out of his personal journey with running and improving mental health. 

Living in Phoenix, Arizona, he came up with a simple idea for a logo—a yin-yang-like symbol of effort and ease. He sketched it in a notebook, unsure if he would ever set it aside. 

“I wasn’t really thinking I was going to do anything with it,” he said. “But it just stayed in my mind.” 

A meeting with a local T-shirt printer who he knew gave him the push he needed. Seeing the logo on an actual shirt made the idea feel real. So, he took a leap. He made a Facebook post letting friends and family know he was selling shirts and donating part of the proceeds to mental health causes. Orders came in, enough to convince him that the idea had interest. 

From there, Your Pace Your Peace grew, and Schumacher tapped into what he learned at UNO’s College of Business Administration: website design, e-commerce, and marketing.  Market research became conversations with friends and family. He kept the brand’s aesthetic clean and simple—soft neutrals, minimalist designs, pieces that reflect “the meditative state you can reach through self-improvement,” as he described it. 

Every quarter, Schumacher partners with a different organization supporting a different mental health or drug addiction recovery cause, including some based in his hometown in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Other causes he discovered from attending races, which he participates and uses to help promote the brand.  

Looking back, he credits UNO faculty for helping him feel prepared to run a business, even a small one. In his early days as a new business student, he dreaded the concept of an accounting class. But he felt UNO’s faculty, especially lecturer Steve Nath, made it accessible and even fun. Oliver Maisondieu-Laforge, an associate professor of finance, banking, and real estate, provided his personal experience with finance that Schumacher still draws lessons from.   

Today, Schumacher hopes to keep growing Your Pace Your Peace—maybe even by hosting a race of his own someday. He hopes the brand stands as an example to UNO students to pursue their own ideas.  

“If you’ve thought about it long enough, just go for it,” he says. “If I didn’t try this, I’d always wonder what could have happened. And that would’ve eaten me alive.”

////Yes/news/2026/01/how-running-helped-a-uno-alum-find-his-stride-and-launch-a-wellness-inspired-apparel-businessdepartmentOffice of Strategic Marketing and Communicationsphoneemailunonews@unomaha.educategoryAlumnilocationevent-startsevent-endssite://www/news/2026/01/how-running-helped-a-uno-alum-find-his-stride-and-launch-a-wellness-inspired-apparel-businesswwwhow-running-helped-a-uno-alum-find-his-stride-and-launch-a-wellness-inspired-apparel-businessHow Running Helped a UNO Alum Find His Stride and Launch a Wellness-Inspired Apparel BusinessHow Running Helped a UNO Alum Find His Stride and Launch a Wellness-Inspired Apparel BusinessEntrepreneur and UNO alum Dayton Schumacher started running to improve his mental health as a college student. Now, his running-inspired apparel brand supports mental health causes.Jared CraigEntrepreneur and UNO alum Dayton Schumacher started running to improve his mental health as a college student. Now, his running-inspired apparel brand supports mental health causes.Jan 14, 2026 3:00 PM
News ReleaseNoNoYesYes176041800000015259698000001525975200000UNO CBA alum Leonard Sommer, Class of '76, reflects on the teachers who shaped his path, and how his new endowed professorship ensures future students receive the same life-changing guidance./news/2025/10/leonard-lori.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2025/10/leonard-lori.jpgCBAleonard-lori.jpg2887211200800Leonard Sommer, '76 and Lori Simonsen, CPA, MAccPortrait of a smiling person wearing a dark checkered suit jacket and white dress shirt, standing in a well-lit office hallway, and Smiling person wearing a dark checked blazer and white shirt, standing in a brightly lit hallway.///YouTube

When Leonard Sommer stepped onto UNO’s campus as a young accounting student in the 1970s, he didn’t know how much his professors would shape the trajectory of his life. Now, nearly five decades later, he’s giving back, investing in the very people who made his journey possible. Sommer has established a named professorship in UNO’s School of Accounting to help retain top-tier faculty and ensure students receive a high-quality, relevant education.

Sommer, who graduated in 1976, credits his professors’ industry experience and classroom enthusiasm as pivotal to his growth. “They brought theoretical concepts to life,” he said. “That kind of teaching helped me learn faster—and ultimately, use what I learned throughout my career,” Sommer said.

In fact, it’s the faculty, those dedicated, innovative instructors, that inspired Sommer’s own journey. He remembers professors with private sector experience weaving real-world examples into their lessons, translating dry balance sheets into tools for problem solving.  This blend of enthusiasm and expertise helped him find his footing. “Those problem-solving skills,” he says, “served me long after graduation, from founding a CPA firm to co-owning an asphalt maintenance business.”

Fast-forward nearly five decades, and Sommer’s UNO experience are foundational to his accomplishments in local leadership: CPA, nonprofit and private company board member, entrepreneur. Yet when asked what catalyzed his success, he returns to that classroom energy.

"It wasn’t just accounting principles," he explains. "It was learning how to communicate, how to collaborate. On the boards I serve, those interpersonal skills have been invaluable."

Between students, faculty and the business community, Sommer places teachers at the core: "They’re the facilitators of transformation, the glue that binds knowledge and opportunity. Retaining great faculty means retaining that spark. Quality faculty makes the student experience stick," he says. "They turn a curriculum into a community."

“Our faculty not only bring academic and research expertise, they also bring a passion for student learning. This professorship is a reflection of our collaborative spirit and high standards,” says Dr. Roopa Venkatesh, Director of the UNO School of Accounting.

Lori Simonsen, a lecturer in UNO’s School of Accounting and a licensed CPA with nearly two decades of tax experience was named the inaugural recipient of the Sommer Family Professor of Accounting. She plans to use the honor—and the resources that come with it—to launch a hands-on workforce initiative focused on experiential learning in tax preparation. Simonsen hopes this hands-on model will eventually expand into other areas of accounting.

Sommer is pleased to hear that the new generation of students will benefit from the same high-quality, relevant education he received. “Invest in faculty, and you invest in the university’s future,” he says. “You don’t always realize it while you’re in the grind," he smiles, "but great teachers make all the difference."

“I am hoping this initiative provides our students with opportunities to apply the knowledge from their course work into real-world experiences in accounting.  The goal is for students to gain important critical thinking and communication skills that will prepare them for their future careers after graduation,” Simonsen said.

“Lori leads by example. One of the best features about the work that she does is she sets a high quality in terms of performance and quality. By setting these high standards, it serves as a signal to other faculty not to hold back, to move forward with big ideas and create new opportunities for our students and help them build better opportunities for careers in the future,” said Interim Dean of the College of Business Administration Dr. Steve Schulz.

“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to bring my vision of experiential learning to fruition for our students,” Simonsen said.

Behind every great initiative is a network of champions. For the School of Accounting, that means alumni, friends, and community partners who believe in the mission. Their generosity doesn’t just provide financial support—it fuels transformation. “This support allows us not just to dream about the future,” Venkatesh shares, “but to build it.”

And at the heart of this support is Leonard Sommer, whose decades of dedication to the university and its students culminate in a gift that will echo for generations.

“We’re extremely grateful to Leonard Sommer,” Venkatesh says. “His 50 years of giving is a testament in itself. This professorship is a recognition of the collaboration, the innovation, and the excellence that defines our school.”

Sommer hopes this gift sparks a ripple effect—encouraging others in the business community and beyond to invest in UNO. “There are many ways to support this university,” he said. “This is my path, and I hope it inspires others to find theirs.”

////No/news/2025/10/leonard-sommer-professorshipdepartmentphoneemailmelissalindell@unomaha.educategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-starts1525969800000event-ends1525975200000site://CBA/news/2025/10/leonard-sommer-professorshipCBAleonard-sommer-professorshipA Legacy of LearningA Legacy of Learning: Leonard Sommer's Commitment to Faculty ExcellenceUNO CBA alum Leonard Sommer, Class of '76, reflects on the teachers who shaped his path, and how his new endowed professorship ensures future students receive the same life-changing guidance.Leonard Sommer, Giving, Accounting, Professorship Melissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBAUNO CBA alum Leonard Sommer, Class of '76, reflects on the teachers who shaped his path, and how his new endowed professorship ensures future students receive the same life-changing guidance.Oct 14, 2025 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.jpgnavigationYessite://CBA/news/2024/04/img/pt-mba.jpgCBApt-mba.jpgpt-mba.jpg1769051200800a female student is pictured in Mammel hall with a laptop.///YouTube

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  

Left/Student Success Checklist//_files/docs/student-success-checklist.pdfnavigationYessite://CBA/_files/docs/student-success-checklist.pdfCBAstudent-success-checklist.pdfstudent-success-checklist.pdf104502/No/news/2024/04/us-news-pt-mbadepartmentphoneemailcategoryCollege of Business Administrationlocationevent-startsevent-endssite://CBA/news/2024/04/us-news-pt-mbaCBAus-news-pt-mbaU.S. News Ranks UNO’s Part-Time MBA in Nation’s Top 90 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
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Featured

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Igniting Ideas

UNO’s College of Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community (ELLC) empowers students to explore, create and lead through a transformative blend of community, mentorship and real-world experience.

Gurpreet Dhillon headshot photo

Gurpreet S. Dhillon Named College of Business Administration Dean

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has named Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., the next dean of the College of Business Administration (CBA), effective Jan. 12, 2026, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

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Three UNO Accounting Students Selected for National IMA Student Leadership Conference

Glenda Bricko, Matt Nourie, and Logan Groesser represented UNO at a national gathering of future accounting leaders, thanks to the IMA MEF (Memorial Education Funds) grant awarded to the School of Accounting.

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UNO Capstone Cup Crowns Fall 2025 Champions

Student teams go head-to-head in UNO’s premier business pitch competition, bringing big ideas, bold strategy, and Maverick spirit to the finals.

New & Noteworthy

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From First-Gen Student to Payments Pioneer: How One Maverick Found Her Future at UNO

Finance grad. MBA alum. Global leader in real-time payments. Bridget Hall’s UNO journey shaped her purpose – and helped her find a career she didn’t see coming.

Dr. Laura Planells Bolant (right) presents University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, (left) with a custom Real Madrid CF jersey at UNO’s Caniglia Field to celebrate a new collaboration agreement with Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea.

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea and UNO Launch Dual Degree in Sports Management

The program aims to provide students with a 360º view of the sports industry.

"$2.44B in total economic impact generated by UNO alumni in the Omaha metro in 2024" overlaid on an aerial view of campus, with an icon of a wallet above and a white silhouette of Omaha landmarks at the bottom.

Report: UNO Alumni Fuel $2.4 Billion Boost to Omaha’s Economy

More than 79,000 Maverick alumni in the Omaha area are powering local businesses, driving tax revenue, and shaping Nebraska’s future.

Spotlights

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How Running Helped a UNO Alum Find His Stride and Launch a Wellness-Inspired Apparel Business

Entrepreneur and UNO alum Dayton Schumacher started running to improve his mental health as a college student. Now, his running-inspired apparel brand supports mental health causes.

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A Legacy of Learning: Leonard Sommer's Commitment to Faculty Excellence

UNO CBA alum Leonard Sommer, Class of '76, reflects on the teachers who shaped his path, and how his new endowed professorship ensures future students receive the same life-changing guidance.

a female student is pictured in Mammel hall with a laptop.

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.

CBA in the News

  • Silicon Prairie News: UNO’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Franchising
  • CNN: Why Super Bowl ads still matter
  • Omaha World-Herald: UNO business dean says pairing with UNMC is good for both schools, health care industry
  • Gina Scott Ligon: Move to Division I enhanced UNO’s brand
  • View more CBA media mentions...

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