UNL Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Department

This summer, eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln students are working in communities across Nebraska through the Rural Fellows program, gaining hands-on experience while helping address local needs and opportunities.

We're especially proud to see the program relaunch under the leadership of Dr. Mary Emery, professor in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. Programs like Rural Fellows give students the chance to apply their learning, build professional skills, and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska communities.

Read more: https://go.unl.edu/fnky

Rural Fellows relaunches with eight students serving across Nebraska The students are living and working alongside residents in Curtis, Hastings, York and Knox County, contributing to local projects while gaining hands-on experience. The seven-week internships run through July 17.

Dr. Daniel Adama successfully defended his dissertation on Friday, June 5, 2026! Daniel's dissertation explored the role of community leaders in building resilience against climate disasters in vulnerable rural communities.With a room full of support both in-person and on Zoom, it was clear just how many people have been part of this journey. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the impact of his work.

Congratulations, Dr. Adama! 🎉

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

Leadership In Action: ALEC 102 Students Provide $119K in Impact to Lincoln Community 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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Finding her voice: Annalee Starr turns Sandhills roots into a future in agricultural communications McPherson County, located in the Sandhills region of Nebraska, is the least populated county in the state.

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!

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!

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! ❤️🌽