The Clifton Strengths Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln recently named 47 students as strengths coaches for the 2025-26 academic year. They join returning coaches to mentor nearly 1,000 new College of Business students in the Professional Enhancement I: Investing in Strengths (BSAD 111) course.
Required for all first-year business students, BSAD 111 teaches students how to excel using their natural talents, identified through the CliftonStrengths® assessment. Student strengths coaches support and guide their development as they learn to leverage their top strengths.
“A student's college experience can be the most transformative years of their life, especially during times of life transitions and self-discovery,” said Alyson Lenz, assistant director of the Strengths Program. “Within the College of Business, students have the opportunity to identify their natural talents and dive into the qualities that make them unique. Focusing on their strengths, along with their student strengths coach's guidance and support, sets students up to be successful and more confident throughout their college careers.”
The program required all new coaches to enroll in Strengths Coaching, Theory and Practice (MNGT 451) this spring, where they learned strengths-based development and techniques to help others maximize their potential. These skills are used to make a positive impact within the college, community and their future careers.
“Our student coaches play a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of students' unique talents,” Lenz said. “They possess a passion and energy for investing in others, cultivating trusting relationships and empowering students to excel—leaving a lasting impact beyond the classroom.”
As the new coaches prepare to facilitate classroom discussions and lead strengths-based conversations, each also receives mentorship from returning student coaches.
“We believe prioritizing investment in these new coaches' development is essential,” Lenz said. “This mentorship ensures they are well-equipped to effectively support first-year students while remaining authentic to their unique approach and coaching philosophy.”
The new student strengths coaches represent six colleges across campus. Among them is Jack Parr, an economics and finance major from Omaha, Nebraska.
“I wanted to become a strengths coach mostly because of Amani Mfinanga,” Parr said. “He was my coach last semester, and after seeing the profound impact his coaching had on me, I was inspired to help others the same way. Amani not only taught me what my strengths meant and how I could use them but also helped guide me through the first several weeks of college. His mentorship and direction were truly invaluable.”
The newest cohort of strengths coaches for the 2025-26 school year, with their year in school in the spring 2025 semester and academic major(s), are:
Nebraska
Beatrice: Tayla DeKoning, sophomore human development and family science
Bellevue: Carson Ames, sophomore graphic design
Bennington: Carleigh Herman, freshman management and pre-dentistry; Ava Keysor, freshman business administration
Elkhorn: Mia Butler, freshman business administration; Karlie Janousek, freshman business administration; Maggie Reisbig, sophomore elementary education
Falls City: Reece McNeely, sophomore business administration
Gothenburg: Emily Cornwell, freshman psychology and secondary education
Grand Island: Avery Kelly, sophomore marketing
Hastings: Emmery Huyser, freshman accounting
Lincoln: Katelyn Dougherty, sophomore nutrition, exercise and health science; Ava Flood, sophomore management and marketing; Max Fredstrom, freshman accounting; Emma Gross, freshman interior design; Samantha Hobelman, freshman marketing; George Kane, freshman finance; Kenna Kramer, freshman finance; Miles Maly, freshman finance; Sam Riddle, freshman psychology
Omaha: Courtney Carlson, freshman business administration; Ava Fowler, freshman marketing; Larin Frazier, sophomore finance; Josie Golka, junior advertising and public relations and pre-law; Preston Gordman, freshman finance; Fred Hausman, junior business administration; Bella Hayden, freshman marketing; Sammy Kendeigh, freshman management; Julia Killgore, freshman finance; Kate Kneeland, freshman supply chain management; Ally Nigrila, sophomore management, marketing and economics; Yara Omar, freshman business administration; Jack Parr, freshman economics and finance; Annabelle Roubal, freshman business and law and Clifton Builders management
Papillion: Isaac Lagman, sophomore marketing; Silas Olson, freshman nutrition science and pre-med; Alyson Price, freshman nutrition, exercise and health science; Elayne Price, freshman communication sciences and disorders
Valley: Max Frohloff, freshman business administration
Elsewhere
Erie, Colorado: Emily Frech, sophomore marketing and Clifton Builders management
Fort Collins, Colorado: Madeline Duveneck, freshman international business
Carmel, Indiana: Reese Keetle, freshman marketing
Kansas City, Missouri: Lucy Wooden, freshman broadcasting and sports media and communication
Parkville, Missouri: Marin Zink, freshman marketing
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Maya Koehlmoos
Prosper, Texas: Jillian Royster, sophomore marketing
Sussex, Wisconsin: Lennon Lura, freshman finance
