Kearney, NE, Higher Education Institutions Aid the Community

UNK Communications

Kearney, NE‘s, higher education institutions, such as the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and Central Community College (CCC), are special. Yes, they help prepare students for a variety of careers and aid the local economy, but they have also grown to take on much broader roles. For example, they also assist entrepreneurs who are launching and growing businesses, promote diversity and inclusion, and serve as recreational and cultural centers.

Community Impact 

“It’s hard to imagine a Kearney without UNK. The cultural programs, music and theatrical performances, art exhibitions, Division II collegiate sports, seminars and symposia all help enrich the lives of individuals in our community,” says Kelly Bartling, vice chancellor for enrollment management and marketing at UNK. 

Bartling says access to a high-quality University of Nebraska education right in Kearney’s backyard shouldn’t be taken for granted, nor should the social and economic impact of more than 6,000 students living, shopping and working in the community. 

“UNK students are from dozens of countries across the globe, from virtually every county in Nebraska, and usually every state in the United States. During their time here, students work in area businesses, take part in organizations and events, and enrich the community with their experiences,” Bartling says. “Often, these guests to our community fall in love with Kearney and put down roots. Kearney is a welcoming community that values inclusion, and some of that is because of UNK’s history and commitment to diversity. Strong communities are diverse. Kearney demonstrates that.” 

University Sports

The university also provides several recreational opportunities, including cheering for Lopers football, basketball and other sports teams. 

“UNK is a destination and gathering place in Kearney for sports, entertainment and other cultural events and activities. That is a role we embrace, and we’re proud to offer so many options for people looking to enhance their quality of life,” says Todd Gottula, senior director of communications and marketing at UNK. “There’s no better feeling than seeing people enjoy evening walks on campus, pack the stands on a game day or fill the seats at a concert, festival or conference we’re hosting.” 

Aiding the Workforce 

UNK as well as Central Community College’s Kearney Center play critical roles in the region’s workforce development efforts. 

“CCC values the collaborations with our educational partners, including dual credit and transfer agreements. We also strive to enhance the opportunities with workshops that support hobbyists to students seeking to improve their skills for the workforce,” says Dr. Kelly Christensen, CCC’s vice president of community and workforce education. 

CCC offers certificate and degree programs in more than a dozen high-demand career pathways and partners with Kearney Public Schools to offer dual enrollment courses. 

“We offer a wide variety of dual credit and early college opportunities for our students. We have great community partnerships with both UNK and CCC to offer different experiences for students who are exploring a skilled trade as well as earning credit toward a collegiate program,” says Melissa Herrmann, director of 6-12 education for Kearney Public Schools. 

As for UNK, it enrolls more than 6,000 students in some 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It is home to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, which provides small-business counseling and education. Additionally UNK works with the business community to introduce students to local, in-demand careers and provide them with valuable work-based learning opportunities. 

“UNK has strong ties to the business community, and the university puts an emphasis on internships and other workplace learning opportunities for students that help them fill much-needed job openings across the region,” Gottula says. 

He says one example is the university’s partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center on the construction of the new Rural Health Education Building. 

“That facility will address critical health care workforce shortages in the state by expanding opportunities for students to study, train and eventually practice in central and western Nebraska,” he says. “When it’s fully operational, the Rural Health Education Building and existing Health Science Education Complex will support about 240 local jobs and have an annual economic impact estimated at $34.5 million.”