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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 ReleaseNoNoYesYes1772604000000After beginning college on a pre-med track, Baessler discovered his strengths — and his purpose — in the College of Business Administration./news/2026/03/adam-baessler.jpg

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1200800Adam BaesslerA young man with curly blond hair poses against a dark background, wearing a navy blue suit jacket, white dress shirt, and patterned tie. He faces the camera with a neutral expression.////

Adam Baessler did not begin his college career expecting to work in accounting. Originally a psychology major on a pre-med track with plans to pursue psychiatry, Baessler’s academic journey took several turns before ultimately leading him to the College of Business Administration, where he found both clarity and purpose.

After switching from psychology to biology to better align with pre-med requirements, Baessler performed well academically but began questioning whether medicine was the right long-term path. During the summer of 2023, a period of personal reflection and spiritual growth prompted him to seriously reconsider his future. He began seeking advice from mentors, including family members working in finance and medicine, and explored coursework outside of the sciences.

That exploration led him to economics, finance, and, eventually, accounting — a subject that immediately stood out.

“Accounting just made total sense to me,” Baessler said. “There was always a right answer, and I really enjoyed the structure and logic behind it.”

Baessler said his natural aptitude for math and logic helped make the transition smooth. He had taken AP Calculus and AP Statistics in high school and tested out of college-level math courses, allowing him to focus more directly on business coursework. In his first accounting class, he realized quickly that he had found the right fit.

“I remember walking out of my first accounting exam thinking I got a 100,” he said. “I missed one question, but it turned out my original answer was actually correct.”

Encouraged by his success, Baessler officially changed his major to accounting in the spring of 2024. He credited faculty members in the College of Business Administration for helping solidify his decision, including Dr. Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles, Dr. Sona Klucarova, Professor Lori Simonsen, and School of Accounting Director Dr. Roopa Venkatesh, as well as other accounting professors who made a lasting impact on his education.

“Adam’s journey from pre-med to accounting exemplifies the dedication and purpose we encourage and cultivate in our students in the School of Accounting,” said Dr. Roopa Venkatesh, Director of the School of Accounting. “His academic discipline, success in the classroom, focused completion of the CPA exams, and commitment to serving local nonprofits make him an outstanding example of the Maverick spirit of our students.”

“Adam demonstrated outstanding analytical ability and attention to detail in my Individual Income Taxation course,” said Professor Lori L. Simonsen, CPA, MAcc, Lecturer in the UNO CBA School of Accounting. “In addition, his positive classroom presence and attentive engagement made the classroom environment more engaging for everyone. His success on the CPA exams highlights his commitment to learning and professionalism. I am so happy that Adam has found an area of accounting to practice that he finds rewarding on a personal level, in addition to a professional level. His experience highlights the vast opportunities available in the accounting profession, which I hope to convey to my students.”

“I really loved the accounting professors,” Baessler said. “I had great experiences in those classes and really enjoyed being part of the CBA.”

Baessler’s academic focus extended beyond the classroom. He earned a Regents Scholarship and graduated from UNO in just three years, completing 152 credit hours.

After graduating in spring 2025, Baessler passed all four sections of the CPA exam in approximately four and a half months. He is now working full-time at Bland & Associates, where he previously interned before completing his first accounting class. Rachel Turek, CPA, CFE, partner at Bland & Associates P.C., said Baessler stood out from the beginning.

“From the moment Adam joined the firm, he demonstrated a level of work ethic and preparedness that set him apart from his peers,” Turek said. “He arrived not just ready to learn, but ready to contribute. His time at UNO provided him with a strong technical foundation and prepared him to step into a professional environment with confidence and competence. What truly distinguishes Adam is his maturity — he communicates clearly, manages his responsibilities with minimal oversight, and consistently maintains high professional standards. Adam is not only prepared for the profession, but he is already making a meaningful impact.”

Baessler works in the firm’s audit department, primarily focusing on not-for-profit audits for local Omaha organizations. He said the work has allowed him to stay connected to the community while helping organizations secure grants and funding.

“I really enjoy working with local nonprofits,” he said. “It’s rewarding to help them get what they need to continue doing good work in the community.”

Baessler said his faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ continues to play a central role in how he approaches his career and life goals. After identifying as an atheist earlier in his life, he said his beliefs shifted during the summer of 2023 and have since shaped his outlook on success and service.

“I want to be successful so I can give back — to churches, nonprofits, and people who need help,” Baessler said. “That’s really changed the direction of my life.”

/news/2026/03/adam-baessler

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From Pre-Med to Accounting: Finding Purpose and Direction in CBA

After beginning college on a pre-med track, Adam Baessler discovered his strengths — and his purpose — in the College of Business Administration.

After beginning college on a pre-med track, Adam Baessler discovered his strengths — and his purpose — in the College of Business Administration.CBA, accounting, Melissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & MarketingAfter beginning college on a pre-med track, Adam Baessler discovered his strengths — and his purpose — in the College of Business Administration.

Mar 11, 2026 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1772604000000A rare alignment places CBA at the center of campus governance, with three leaders representing students, faculty, and staff in a pivotal year for UNO./news/2026/03/img/cba-leadership.jpg

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1200800Left to right: Dr. Patty Bick, Drew Leisy, and Alex Zatizabal BorycaThree colleagues stand side by side in a bright, modern indoor atrium with large windows. They are smiling and dressed in professional business attire. Behind them is a large circular bronze sculpture mounted on a stand.////

This year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, leadership across campus governance shares one home: the College of Business Administration.

The presidents of the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, and Staff Advisory Council all come from CBA — an unusual alignment that highlights how business-minded leadership is shaping conversations across campus.

Together, Student Body President and Student Regent Drew Leisy, Faculty Senate President Patty Bick, Ph.D., and Staff Advisory Council (SAC) President Alex Zatizabal Boryca represent students, faculty, and staff, three distinct groups with a shared goal: strengthening UNO during a period of change.

A Student Voice at the Table

For Drew Leisy, leadership begins with service.

“Serving people has always been kind of in my blood,” said Leisy, a Business Administration major with concentrations in management, leadership, and real estate.

After stepping into student government as Director of Finance in 2024, where he helped navigate funding challenges for student organizations, Leisy ran for president on a platform of advocacy, accessibility, and accountability.

“We’re one student body,” he said. “Every voice is every voice, not just certain voices.”

As the UNO Student Regent, Leisy represents roughly 15,000 UNO students in meetings with administrators and the Board of Regents. He approaches that responsibility with clarity.

“I’m not there on my own behalf,” he said. “I’m there on behalf of the students.”

He believes student perspectives matter most when decisions directly affect daily campus life.

“We are living the lives of students,” Leisy said. “We know what it’s like day in and day out.”

A Faculty Perspective for the Long Term

Dr. Patty Bick, associate professor and chair of Finance, Banking and Real Estate, leads the Faculty Senate, focusing on continuity and communication.

“I really am thankful that I did it,” Bick said of serving in governance. “It gives me an insight into how the university is run that I wouldn’t have had any other way.”

The Faculty Senate acts as a bridge between faculty and administration as well as other constituency groups, evaluating how institutional decisions affect academic programs and educators.

“It’s our job to make sure that faculty are informed of what the administration wants to do — and vice versa,” she said.

Bick emphasized that faculty often provide long-term stability within institutions.

“Administrators come and go,” she said. “Faculty are generally here for the long term. While administration focuses on fighting current fires and establishing innovative initiatives, faculty have institutional knowledge on what needs improvement. Both voices are important. Communication is key for shared governance to work.”

She also believes CBA’s practical, problem-solving mindset strengthens governance conversations.

“Being in the business school helps us think through what we can actually do to move the needle - to continue to thrive as an institution in the ever-changing landscape of higher ed and to provide the education for the workforce of our communities,” Bick said.

A Staff Voice During Change

Alex Zatizabal Boryca stepped into the presidency of the Staff Advisory Council in January during a leadership transition and will serve an extended 18-month term.

“Higher ed is in an unusual space right now,” she said. “We’re all working together to make it work.”

With a background in educational administration and counseling, Zatizabal Boryca sees SAC as a way to elevate staff voices during institutional shifts.

“I would love to see that the reshaping of higher ed has staff voices in mind,” she said. “Those have to come from people who experience the real staff day-to-day work.”

She describes her role as both strategic and deeply personal.

“I feel an intense responsibility to show up for staff at a time when it’s hard,” she said. “It matters that we have students and faculty and staff having a conversation.”

Though Leisy and Bick will rotate out of their presidential roles this spring, the moment reflects something lasting: a shared commitment from CBA leaders to practical solutions, collaboration, and service across campus.

“We have different communities of interest,” Zatizabal Boryca said, “but we have the same goal.”

Meet the Leaders

Drew Leisy

Student Body President & Student Regent

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), concentrations in Management & Leadership, and Real Estate
From Bridgeport, Nebraska
Graduating December 2026

Dr. Patty Bick

President, Faculty Senate

Associate Professor & Chair, Finance, Banking and Real Estate
Joined UNO in 2020
Currently completing a two-year term as Faculty Senate president

Alex Zatizabal Boryca

President, Staff Advisory Council

Academic Advisor, College of Business Administration
BFA, Iowa State University; Master’s in Counseling in Student Affairs,
Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Leadership and Higher Education
Serving an 18-month presidential term beginning January 2026

/news/2026/03/cba-leadership

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One College, Three Presidents

A rare alignment places CBA at the center of campus governance, with three leaders representing students, faculty, and staff in a pivotal year for UNO.

How CBA representatives are shaping the future for students, faculty, and staff at UNO. A rare alignment places CBA at the center of campus governance, with three leaders representing students, faculty, and staff in a pivotal year for UNO.CBA, Leadership, Government, Student, Staff, FacultyMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & MarketingA rare alignment places CBA at the center of campus governance, with three leaders representing students, faculty, and staff in a pivotal year for UNO.

Mar 4, 2026 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1771999200000Recently, the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) hosted a Mock Interview Workshop designed to give members real-world interview experience with accounting and finance professionals.//news/2026/02/bap-one.jpg

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1200800A group of young adults in business attire talk in a modern lobby with large windows and bright overhead lighting. One man in a white shirt and tie stands holding a folder while speaking to a seated woman with a notepad. Two other men in suits sit nearby in lounge chairs, listening. A small sign on a table reads “Career Connect.” Other people are visible in the background near tables and a staircase./news/2026/02/bap-two.jpg

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1200800Two people in business attire sit across from each other at a round table in a modern meeting space, engaged in conversation. Papers and a portfolio folder lie on the table between them. In the background, two other pairs of people sit at separate tables talking, suggesting a networking event or interview setting./news/2026/02/bap-three.jpg

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1200800Two women in business attire sit across from each other at a round table in a meeting room, engaged in conversation. An open binder and papers lie on the table between them. Other pairs of people are seated at tables in the background, and a digital wall clock is visible above a doorway, suggesting a structured networking or interview event./news/2026/02/bap-four.jpg

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1200800A woman wearing a green sweater and name tag sits at a round table reviewing papers and speaking with a young man in a suit seated across from her. A resume folder lies on the table between them. Large glass windows and additional tables in the background suggest a professional networking or interview event.

Recently, the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) hosted a Mock Interview Workshop designed to give members real-world interview experience with accounting and finance professionals.

Students participated in one-on-one mock interviews with representatives from Deloitte, Eide Bailly, Hancock/Dana, Hemphill Search Group, and Mutual of Omaha — valued industry partners of UNO. Interviewers asked both behavioral and technical questions and provided immediate, constructive feedback to help students strengthen their responses and professional presence.

The event offered more than interview practice. Members also had the opportunity to network with professionals, ask questions about firm culture and career paths, and gain insight into internship and recruitment expectations. These conversations helped students better understand how to translate their classroom learning into professional success.

Student Reflections

“We are proud to offer events that help bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional success. We are grateful to the firm representatives who invested their time and expertise in the growth of our members.”

“Participating in the mock interviews was a valuable opportunity for my professional development. Receiving real-time feedback from industry professionals helped refine my communication skills and gave me realistic insight into the recruitment process.”

“The workshop was extremely valuable. My mock interview included thoughtful, tax-focused feedback and career insight that strengthened my understanding of the profession and boosted my confidence.”

Dr. Roopa Venkatesh, Director of the School of Accounting, praised the initiative and leadership of the BAP officers, saying, “The Mock Interview Workshop reflects the strength of our partnership with industry leaders and our shared commitment to student success. We are proud of our Beta Alpha Psi officers for creating meaningful opportunities that prepare students to excel in the accounting and finance profession.”

Through events like this, the Gamma Kappa Chapter continues its commitment to preparing members for successful careers in accounting and finance. If you are interested in joining Beta Alpha Psi, contact Dr. Xiaoyan Cheng at xiaoyancheng@unomaha.edu.

/news/2026/02/bap-mock-interviews

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Beta Alpha Psi Connects Students with Industry Through Mock Interview Workshop

Recently, the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) hosted a Mock Interview Workshop designed to give members real-world interview experience with accounting and finance professionals.

Recently, the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) hosted a Mock Interview Workshop designed to give members real-world interview experience with accounting and finance professionals.BAP, accounting, interviewsMelissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBARecently, the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) hosted a Mock Interview Workshop designed to give members real-world interview experience with accounting and finance professionals.

Feb 25, 2026 12:00 AM

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.jpg

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1200920A 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.jpg

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1200800A 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.jpg

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1200800A 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.jpg

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1200800Two 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.jpg

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1200800A 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.

This story was originally 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.

/news/2026/02/igniting-ideas

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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.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

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.jpg

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1200800Bridget HallA smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a red blazer and blue blouse, standing in front of a bright blue background.///

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.”

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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.

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

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1200800Dr. 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.jpg

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1200800Left 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.jpg

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1200800Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea Logo. Courtesy: Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea. /news/2025/08/img/02_grupo_av21353.jpg

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1200800Members 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.jpg

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1200800A 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.

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.

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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.

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.jpg

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1200800"$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.jpg

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120080079,135 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.jpg

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1200800"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.jpg

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1200800Icon 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.jpg

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1200800"$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.

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.

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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.

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.jpg

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1200800UNO 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.///

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.”

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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.

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.jpg

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1200800Leonard 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.///

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.”

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A Legacy of Learning

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.

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.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.

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From Pre-Med to Accounting: Finding Purpose and Direction in CBA

After beginning college on a pre-med track, Adam Baessler discovered his strengths — and his purpose — in the College of Business Administration.

Three colleagues stand side by side in a bright, modern indoor atrium with large windows. They are smiling and dressed in professional business attire. Behind them is a large circular bronze sculpture mounted on a stand.

One College, Three Presidents

A rare alignment places CBA at the center of campus governance, with three leaders representing students, faculty, and staff in a pivotal year for UNO.

A group of young adults in business attire talk in a modern lobby with large windows and bright overhead lighting. One man in a white shirt and tie stands holding a folder while speaking to a seated woman with a notepad. Two other men in suits sit nearby in lounge chairs, listening. A small sign on a table reads “Career Connect.” Other people are visible in the background near tables and a staircase.

Beta Alpha Psi Connects Students with Industry Through Mock Interview Workshop

Recently, the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) hosted a Mock Interview Workshop designed to give members real-world interview experience with accounting and finance professionals.

A 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.

Igniting Ideas

New & Noteworthy

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a red blazer and blue blouse, standing in front of a bright blue background.

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.