34 first-year Huskers join Integrity in Business Leadership program

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business welcomed 34 first-year students this fall into the award-winning Integrity in Business Leadership program. The cohort represents 13 states and 10 majors.

Students in the program will develop as principled, ethical and community-minded leaders through education, mentoring and hands-on learning.

“The IBL program creates a deeply connected community that these students can leverage for years to come,” said Rose Hull, associate director of the Teaching and Learning Center, who helps coordinate the program. “Kicking off their college career alongside other passionate and determined peers provides a great foundation for continued learning. From the moments we’ve shared so far, I’d characterize this group as mature and focused leaders interested in making a real difference in the business world.”

Each student receives a $3,000 scholarship and customized academic and career support. In their first year, students take a course that examines ethical leadership and responsible business practices through theory and practice. The course features guest speakers, peer mentoring and opportunities to connect with employers and local organizations.

The program received the MidAmerican Business Deans Association’s Innovation in Business Education Award for Student Engagement in 2023.

“Our program’s strength comes from consistent growth and support that sets up students for success,” Hull said. “Through unique networking opportunities, elevated class projects and valuable mentoring from upperclassmen, this network of individuals is prepared to enter the working world and lead with integrity.”

Students engage in consulting projects with local businesses, team-building activities and case competitions. They conclude their freshman year with a capstone project addressing ethics and leadership challenges for program partners. Past projects have included evaluating individual employment plans for Nelnet, improving recruiting practices for Deloitte, developing in-house team-building strategies for Firespring and assessing communication policies at Lincoln Public Schools.

Mentorship is a hallmark of the Integrity in Business Leadership experience. Sophomore mentors help first-year students transition to college while developing leadership skills of their own.

“Mentors have expanded responsibilities within the classroom, such as leading discussions, providing feedback to students and deciding how to present topics,” said Kasey Linde, director of teaching, learning and accreditation. “Outside of class, they meet with their mentees, plan social and professional development opportunities, and connect students to campus resources.”

This year, the program expanded its focus on career readiness for sophomores through a new semester-long course that helps students prepare for internships and jobs earlier in college. Students participate in job shadowing experiences with local companies, engage with dozens of employers through the college’s Employers in Residence program and work closely with career coaches to refine application materials. The program aims for students to complete multiple internships during their time at Nebraska, giving them the experience and insight to identify the right career fit and launch into the workforce.

Applications for fall 2026 are available here. The priority deadline is Feb. 1, with a final deadline of March 1.

The 2025-26 Integrity in Business Leadership Program cohort, listed alphabetically by hometown with their academic major(s), are:

Nebraska

Elkhorn:

• Fred Sample, finance

Elmwood:

• Isabelle Halferty, business and law

Gering:

• Haven Simmons, business administration

Grand Island:

• Mistica Ramos-Nunez, accounting and finance

Gretna:

• Allyson Votruba, marketing

Imperial:

• Conner Tyerman, business and law

Lexington:

• David Arevalo, accounting

Lincoln:

• Kevin Castro Portales, finance
• Josue Chairez, marketing
• Daniel Florom, finance
• Elijah Harris, accounting and finance
• Natalie Meyer, marketing
• Flor Rico Sevilla, marketing

Omaha:

• Jenna Cunningham, business and law
• Bennett Deprez, supply chain management

West Point:

• Addison Toelle, finance

Elsewhere

Cave Creek, Arizona:

• Luke Wieseler, business administration

La Verne, California:

• Kennedy Martinez, finance

Aurora, Colorado:

• Kyle McCormick, business administration

Calumet City, Illinois:

• Jeremy Price, actuarial science

Chicago, Illinois:

• Caroline Verdon, marketing

Naperville, Illinois:

• Thomas Wick, accounting

Wadsworth, Illinois:

• Lauren Schilz, management

Winfield, Illinois:

• Emilia Lee, marketing

Overland Park, Kansas:

• Isaac Winkler, finance

Battle Creek, Michigan:

• Cara Smith, marketing

Mantorville, Minnesota:

• Jacey Heidt, marketing

Billings, Montana:

• Wyatt Maynard, accounting and finance

Rapid City, South Dakota:

• Lucy Daniel, management

Austin, Texas:

• Darwin Devers-Hertz, accounting

Spring, Texas:

• Nathaniel Phillips, business administration

Chesapeake, Virginia:

• Zane Terrell, management

Mechanicsville, Virginia:

• Kayden Robins, business administration

Prescott, Wisconsin:

• Alissa Zerneke, marketing