UNL Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Department

06/05/2026

Leadership isn't just something students learn about. It's something they practice!

This spring, students in ALEC 102 partnered with local organizations to complete service-learning projects that generated an estimated $119,000 in impact across the Lincoln community.

Open to students from all majors, ALEC 102 challenges students to apply leadership concepts in real-world settings while making a meaningful difference beyond the classroom.

We're proud to see the impact these students are making in our community.

Read more here: https://go.unl.edu/72to

UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

While foundational leadership concepts are often explored through academic study, students in ALEC 102: Interpersonal Skills for Leadership are taking those lessons directly into the community to see them in action.

05/27/2026

After 31 years with ALEC, we’re celebrating the retirement of Dr. Dann Husmann.

Dann has made a lasting impact on this department through his mentorship, his advocacy for students, and his willingness to step in and do the hard work when it mattered most. He has a unique ability to “call an audible” and pivot in the moment, something many of us have learned from and appreciated over the years.

At his retirement celebration, Dann reflected on the mentors, guides, and friends who shaped his journey. It was a meaningful reminder of the relationships that define a career in education -- and the same kind of impact he’s had on so many students and colleagues.

Thank you, Dann, for 31 years of dedication to ALEC and to developing human potential. Wishing you all the best in retirement!

05/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating Christina Franklin, CEOE, on being elected President-Elect (2026–2027) of the National Association for Educational Office Professionals! 👏

This honor reflects the respect and recognition she’s earned from colleagues across the country for her leadership, organization, and commitment to the profession. We know this role takes incredible dedication, and we’re excited to see the impact Christina will have supporting educational office professionals nationwide.

05/20/2026

This teaching block was no joke. 💪

Our preservice teachers spent an extraordinary amount of time time in high school classrooms, working side-by-side with students and mentor teachers. They didn’t just learn about teaching, they did the work of teaching.

The growth we saw from day one to the last day was incredible. And yes, even the instructors were in sync -- almost like we planned it. 😉

So proud of this group. They are READY for student teaching, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!

05/18/2026

We’re proud to share this story featuring ALEC graduate Annalee Starr, who crossed the stage on May 9! 🎓

Growing up in the Nebraska Sandhills helped shape Annalee’s passion for agriculture and storytelling — two things she’s combined throughout her time in ALEC as an Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication student. From internships and student involvement to sharing stories from rural Nebraska, she has truly found her voice.

Take a few minutes to read more about Annalee’s journey and what’s next for her!

McPherson County, located in the Sandhills region of Nebraska, is the least populated county in the state.

05/15/2026

Celebrating Christina Franklin for being named the 2026 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award recipient by the University of Nebraska Office Professional Association.

This award recognizes managerial and professional staff who make a meaningful impact through their work and contributions to the campus community.

We’re glad to see Christina’s work recognized. Congratulations Christina!

05/13/2026

A shoutout to Jennifer Greenlee for being named the 2026 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff Award recipient by the University of Nebraska Office Professional Association.

This award recognizes office and service professionals across the University who contribute to their teams and support the broader campus community.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on this recognition!

05/11/2026

That’s a wrap on another semester ☀️

Whether you’re heading home, starting an internship, traveling, or just taking a well-earned break, we hope your summer is full of rest, growth, and a little bit of fun along the way.

Enjoy your summer break, Huskers! ❤️🌽

05/08/2026

This morning we had the opportunity to celebrate May 2026 ALEC graduates at our department graduation reception! What an incredible journey it has been with these students -- their hard work, dedication, and achievements have all been extraordinary and we loved celebrating them today!

Go out and change the world, ALEC grads!!✨🎓

We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what you do next! And stay in touch -- we'd love to hear about your journey along the way.

Undergraduates: Lauren Balcom, Alexis Bodlak, Morgan Earl, Makenna Eisenzimmer, Lydia Fitzke, Elissa Foley, Lilly Hanley, Kirsten Heselmeyer, Isela Horwart, Hope Koller, Kinsley Kugel, Jessie Lamp, Jamie Lane, Emersyn Liljehorn, Emily Luedert, McKealy Mickelson, Gavin Nelson, Gracie Nuss, Erin Oldemeyer, Whitley Rut, Emma Saathoff, Savannah Siebrandt, Annalee Starr, Maung Teh, Elizabeth Wilkins

Graduates: Daniel Adama, Natalie Becerra, Kaydie Brandl, Emily Carpenter, Caleb Durheim, Jadyn Fleischman, Judy Gelber, Jayna Ghose, Karlee Johnson, Lizzy Kennes, Colby Luebe, Mikayla Martenson, Olivia Merza, Jenny Okoliko, Robert Park, Donavan Phoenix, Blakely Schroeder, Christy Schuler, Miranda Segner, Angelika Stout, Maggie Vyhnalek, Sarah Whiting

05/07/2026

🌟 ALEC Graduate Student Spotlight 🌟

Celebrating our graduate students and all they’ve accomplished at UNL!

🎓 Caleb is moving to Austin, Texas to pursue a career in agricultural leadership. He completed his Master of Applied Science, where his project focused on creating a virtual reality experience to showcase hands-on learning in CASNR, along with a virtual tour of East Campus. One of his favorite graduate school memories was his weekly meetings with Dr. Akin.

🎓 Maggie is continuing her teaching career as the Agriculture Educator and FFA Advisor at Bruning-Davenport USD. She completed her Master of Science in Leadership Education, with a thesis titled Motivation and Achievement: A Program Evaluation of Nebraska Agricultural Education. Throughout her time in the program, she stayed focused on growing as an educator and leader.

🎓 Karlee is continuing her work as an Agricultural Education teacher and FFA Advisor in Winside, Nebraska. She completed her Master of Applied Science, where her project focused on Floriculture Event Curriculum Development. She’ll always remember taking a wide variety of classes and finding lessons she could apply directly to her own classroom.

🎓 Sarah is continuing her career teaching Agricultural Education at Creek Valley Junior/Senior High School. She completed her Master of Science in Leadership Education – Teaching & Extension Education, with a thesis titled Motivation and Achievement: A Program Evaluation of Nebraska Agricultural Education. She especially enjoyed working on group projects with classmates from across the state and building new connections.

🎓 Christy is continuing her career teaching Agricultural Education at Bridgeport High School.
She completed her graduate program, where her master thesis focused on Developing “A Guide to Agricultural Education Advisory Committees: Development, Uses, and Transitions”.
She’s especially grateful for the support and mentorship of her advisor and professors throughout her time in ALEC.

We’re so proud of each of you — congratulations and Go Big Red! ❤️