17 Huskers selected for Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy

The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy launched its inaugural cohort in September, featuring 17 students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business.

Funded through a grant from Ameritas, the seven-month experiential learning program aims to equip advanced undergraduate students with essential skills to succeed in today’s fast-changing global environment.

“The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy offers an experience that complements and enriches the great education Nebraska provides,” said Bob Jurgensmeier, chief executive officer of Ameritas. “Supporting programs that enhance the academic environment is a top priority for Ameritas.”

Students engage in professional development sessions one day a month in Howard L. Hawks Hall, working closely with university faculty and industry experts to develop their leadership skills. They also gain insights into the insurance industry, with the final two months dedicated to developing prototype solutions for challenges facing the sector.

Members of the 2024-25 cohort, listed alphabetically by hometown with their year in school and academic major(s), are:

Nebraska

Elkhorn:

• Megan Thiebauth, senior, finance

Greenwood:

• Briana Sulentic, senior, economics
• Jaden Tchalassi, junior, actuarial science

Lincoln:

• Jacob Dodge, freshman, finance
• Ryan Mackenzie Cooney, senior, actuarial science and finance

Omaha:

• Sam Brym, senior, management;
• Guy Hunt, senior, finance
• Brandon Monarrez Granillo, senior, finance

Papillion:

• Madalynn Janousek, junior, economics
• Thomas Stultz, sophomore, marketing
• Abby Veiman, junior, actuarial science and data science

Elsewhere

Enterprise, Alabama:

• Jacob Snider, senior, mathematics and actuarial science

Aurora, Illinois:

• Braeden Culbertson, junior, actuarial science

Macomb, Michigan:

• Joseph Buk, sophomore, finance

Rochester, Minnesota:

• Radhika Damle, senior, actuarial science (Raikes School)

Xi’an, China:

• Pengyu Wang, freshman, actuarial science

Cali Valle del Cauca, Colombia:

• Oscar Tello, sophomore, actuarial science and finance

“Through the academy, students have an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain problem-solving experience and better understand their own strengths,” Jurgensmeier said. “These will be tremendous assets as they prepare for successful careers.”

The first session kicked off in September with students being welcomed by Jurgensmeier; Liz Ring Carlson, vice president of corporate communications at Ameritas; and Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business and professor of finance. Ring Carlson also shared information on Ameritas and why the academy was established.

“Ameritas’ unwavering commitment to volunteering and making a positive impact in the community is particularly inspiring to me, as I value organizations that prioritize giving back,” said cohort member Madalynn Janousek. “I also recognize the pivotal role that insurance plays in safeguarding individuals and businesses, and I am excited to learn more about how Ameritas supports its clients through innovative and reliable solutions.”

Tim Hodges, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management, taught the first session about positive and strengths-based leadership. The cohort gained a better understanding of their Clifton Strengths and how to best leverage them for personal growth and effective leadership. 

“I was inspired to step outside my comfort zone and pursue new challenges, as growth often comes from taking risks,” said cohort member Braeden Culbertson. “As a third-year undergraduate student, I was seeking more hands-on experience. Understanding the social dynamics within a work environment is essential to becoming a successful employee and leader. This program excites me because it allows me to grow as a communicator, leader and aspiring actuary while fostering personal development.”

In May, the cohort will present their final projects to senior leadership at Ameritas, further expanding their professional network. By providing access to leadership training and real-world industry projects, the program helps students prepare for future challenges, building a bridge between academic excellence and career readiness.

“We are grateful to Ameritas for their continued support of the College of Business,” Farrell said. “Establishing the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy for our students is a testament to their continued commitment to helping us build business leaders like only Nebraska can.”

Learn more about the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy.