The Clifton Strengths Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has selected 47 students to serve as strengths coaches for the 2025-26 academic year. The students will join returning coaches to mentor about 1,000 students enrolled in the College of Business’ Professional Enhancement I: Investing in Strengths (BSAD 111).
The required course for all first-year business students empowers them to excel using natural talents, learned from taking the CliftonStrengths assessment. Student strengths coaches help students develop 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 can 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 about strengths-based development and techniques to maximize individuals’ potential. These skills are used to make a positive impact within the college and community, and in 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.”
Each strengths coach receives personalized guidance from experienced student mentors.
“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 2025-26 strengths coaches represent six colleges across the university. Among them is Jack Parr, an economics and finance major from Omaha.
“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 new strengths coaches, with year in school in the spring 2025 semester and academic major(s), are:
Nebraska
Beatrice:
- Tayla deKoning, junior, undeclared undergraduate
Bellevue:
- Carson Ames, sophomore, graphic design
Bennington:
- Carleigh Herman, sophomore, management (pre-dentistry)
- Ava Keysor, freshman, business administration
Elkhorn:
- Mia Butler, sophomore, business administration
- Karlie Janousek, freshman, business administration
- Maggie Reisbig, junior, elementary education
Falls City:
- Reece McNeely, junior, business administration
Gothenburg:
- Emily Cornwell, sophomore, psychology and secondary education
Grand Island:
- Avery Kelly, junior, marketing
Hastings:
- Emmery Huyser, sophomore, accounting
Lincoln:
- Katelyn Dougherty, junior, nutritional science and dietetics
- Ava Flood, sophomore, management and marketing
- Max Fredstrom, sophomore, accounting
- Emma Gross, freshman, interior design
- Samantha Hobelman, sophomore, marketing
- George Kane, sophomore, finance
- Kenna Kramer, sophomore, finance
- Miles Maly, freshman, finance
- Sam Riddle, sophomore, psychology
Omaha:
- Courtney Carlson, sophomore, business administration
- Ava Fowler, sophomore, marketing
- Larin Frazier, sophomore, finance
- Josie Golka, senior, advertising and public relations (pre-law)
- Preston Gordman, junior, finance
- Fred Hausman, junior, business administration
- Bella Hayden, freshman, marketing
- Sammy Kendeigh, junior, management (Raikes School)
- Julia Killgore, sophomore, finance
- Kate Kneeland, freshman, supply chain management
- Ally Nigrila, junior, management, marketing and economics
- Yara Omar, freshman, business administration
- Jack Parr, freshman, economics and finance
- Annabelle Roubal, sophomore, business and law
Papillion:
- Isaac Lagman, junior, marketing
- Silas Olson, freshman, nutritional science and dietetics (pre-medicine)
- Alyson Price, sophomore, nutritional science and dietetics
- Elayne Price, sophomore, speech-language pathology
Valley:
- Max Frohloff, junior, business administration
Elsewhere in the U.S.
Erie, Colorado:
- Emily Frech, junior, marketing and management
Fort Collins, Colorado:
- Madeline Duveneck, junior, international business
Carmel, Indiana:
- Reese Keetle, freshman, marketing
Kansas City, Missouri:
- Lucy Wooden, sophomore, broadcasting, and sports media and communication
Parkville, Missouri:
- Marin Zink, junior, marketing
Sioux Falls, South Dakota:
- Maya Koehlmoos, junior, psychology
Prosper, Texas:
- Jillian Royster, junior, marketing
Sussex, Wisconsin:
- Lennon Lura, sophomore, finance
