Education Department | Nebraska Wesleyan University

The legendary SM��̳ arch juxtaposed by green trees and blue sky.

Education Department

SM��̳ swimmer to compete in 2024 Paris Olympics

Kayla Helper swimming in a pool.

Published

July 25, 2024

Kayla Hepler (’24) is on the cusp of a dream come true.

She’s set to graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University in December 2024 with a degree in early childhood education. Before she finishes her academic career, she will be front and center on the world’s biggest swimming stage: the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Education Department

SM��̳ alumna receives national teacher of the year honor

Alicia Dallman Shoemaker receives her award.

Published

November 21, 2023

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has awarded a Nebraska Wesleyan University alumna with the 2024 National Language Teacher of the Year accolade.

Alicia Dallman Shoemaker (’09) is the district department chair, PLC leader and a world language educator with Elkhorn Public Schools in Elkhorn, Neb.

Education Department

History Department

SM��̳ alumnus awarded 2023 Nebraska History Teacher of the Year

Jason Krueger receives award at Park Middle School.

Published

November 14, 2023

A Nebraska Wesleyan University graduate and middle school teacher has been recognized for his outstanding work in the classroom.

Education Department

SM��̳ receives $1.9 million federal grant for LPS partnership

High school teacher standing and talking in front of the class.

Published

October 9, 2023

Nebraska Wesleyan University has received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to partner with Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) on efforts to improve academic opportunities for underserved students in the areas of American history, civics and geography.

Modern Languages Department

Education Department

Sociology and Anthropology Department

Gilman Scholarships Send Two Abroad for Fall Semester

Alexander Delgado, Gilman Scholarship recipient

Sam Breir, Gilman Scholarship recipient

Published

August 13, 2019

Two Nebraska Wesleyan University seniors have each been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad for the fall semester.

Biology Department

Education Department

From a Civil War in Myanmar to Lincoln, SM��̳ Student Now Helps Immigrants Explore Education Opportunities

Khu Say, SM��̳ senior

Published

April 18, 2019

Khu Say was just an infant when he, his parents, and older brother were forced from their home in Burma — now known as Myanmar — and into the jungle to flee the civil war between the Burmese and Karen people.

Theatre Department

Mathematics and Computer Science Department

Education Department

Three Passions - Three Majors: Sophomore Says Support Helps Him Balance

Sophomore Eric Kimberly

Published

November 7, 2016

Nebraska Wesleyan University sophomore Eric Kimberly discovered his love for theatre in high school. So it was no surprise when he decided to major in theatre in college.

Undergraduate Admissions

Education Department

Beyond Four Walls: Professors Find Creative Ways to Take Class Beyond the Classroom

Methods for Teaching and Writing

Rick Cypert

Published

December 16, 2015

Classes aren’t confined to four campus walls. First-year biology classes, for example, use a “flipped classroom” that puts more emphasis on lab and less on traditional lectures.

Undergraduate Admissions

Education Department

Seniors Gain Teaching Experience in Ireland Classrooms

student teaching in Ireland

Published

December 15, 2015

Seniors Hannah Bell of Lincoln, Halie Brandt of Lincoln, Nicki Classen of Alvo and Shauna Owens of Omaha have spent part of the fall semester doing their student teaching in Ireland.

Graduate and Adult Students

Education Department

SM��̳ Launches New Master of Education Program

Kevin Bower

Published

July 14, 2015

Nebraska Wesleyan University is expanding its graduate program offerings.

Beginning next June, Nebraska Wesleyan will offer a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction.

English Department

Education Department

Annual Holder Lecture to Address iPad Influence on Reading and Writing

Joan Hughes

Published

April 16, 2015

Joan Hughes, associate professor of learning technologies at the University of Texas-Austin, will discuss iPad-supported reading and writing practices when she delivers the annual Holder Lecture on Thursday, April 23.

Admitted students

Education Department

SM��̳ Senior Chases Astronaut Dream All the Way to NASA History Office

Nolan Lott

Nolan Lott

Published

November 14, 2014

Nolan Lott was only a toddler when Ron Howard’s film, Apollo 13, hit the theaters.

When he was old enough to watch and understand the Academy Award-winning film about the aborted 1970 lunar mission, he —like many young boys — dreamed of becoming an astronaut.

Education Department

Biggs to Lead SM��̳ Education Department

Nancy Biggs

Published

April 1, 2013

Nebraska Wesleyan University has hired Dr. Nancy Biggs, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources at Lincoln Public Schools, to lead its Education Department, beginning August 1.

Education Department

Two SM��̳ Education Majors Honored With Scholarships

Melissa Sorensen and Brittnie Kreikemeier

Published

April 30, 2012

Two Nebraska Wesleyan University seniors have each been awarded a scholarship from the Nebraska State Education Association's (NSEA) Retired Board of Directors.

Melissa Sorensen of Orchard and Brittnie Kreikemeier of Dodge have each been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Faculty and Staff

Education Department

Education Professor Named "Exemplary Teacher"

Published

November 7, 2011

A Nebraska Wesleyan University education professor has been awarded the “Exemplary Teaching Award.”

Jennifer Lorenzen, assistant professor of education, was recognized November 8 with the award, which is presented annually by the Division of Higher Education of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Education Department

SM��̳ Student Wins NSEA Retired Teachers Scholarship

Kelli Raile

Published

April 28, 2011

A Nebraska Wesleyan University junior elementary education major is the 2011 recipient of the Nebraska Student Education Association Retired Teachers Scholarship.