The University of Nebraska celebrated the selection of 20 talented students for the 2025-26 Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy, a program designed to cultivate leadership skills in undergraduates. The yearlong academy connects students of any major with industry experts to explore the insurance sector through hands-on projects, coaching, and professional development.
Students attending the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy gain more than theoretical knowledge. They receive mentorship from university faculty and Ameritas leaders, while tackling real-world challenges in the insurance industry. The program emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and teamwork, preparing Huskers for meaningful careers after graduation.
Experiential Learning Drives Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy Success
The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy offers monthly professional development sessions at Howard L. Hawks Hall, where students engage directly with experts. The program culminates in a two-month innovation project. Teams design solutions to current challenges facing the insurance industry and present their ideas to senior Ameritas leadership. Past projects have included mobile app improvements and exploring the impact of artificial intelligence.
Bob Jurgensmeier, CEO of Ameritas, said, “The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy complements and enriches the great education Nebraska provides. Supporting programs that enhance the academic environment is a top priority for Ameritas.”
Kathy Farrell, Dean of the College of Business, emphasized the value of this hands-on experience. “Students learn from faculty and industry leaders, take on real challenges, and grow into confident professionals ready to make a difference,” she said.
Meet the 2025-26 Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy Cohort
The 20 selected Huskers represent diverse academic backgrounds and international perspectives. Participants come from various Nebraska cities and international locations including Italy, Malaysia, and Norway. Students in the cohort pursue majors in finance, economics, actuarial science, management, marketing, and data science.
- Bellevue: Grace Fettig, senior, finance
- Elkhorn: Norah Meysenburg, senior, management and marketing
- Lincoln: Zehra Almaleki, junior, economics and computer science; Zanib Al Razaq, senior, economics and Spanish; Justin Fintel, senior, economics and political science; Hunter Sands, senior, economics; Zixuan Shi, junior, finance; Seth Stowell, junior, economics and data science; Ethan Nguyen, junior, actuarial science
- Omaha: Anna Janvrin, junior, economics and mathematical finance; Mark Prophit, senior, marketing and finance; Caroline Smith, junior, management
- Atlanta, Georgia: Lauren Bell, junior, management
- New Prague, Minnesota: Baylee Mushitz, junior, actuarial science
- Mount Prospect, Illinois: Andrew Littman, senior, finance and economics
- Onarga, Illinois: Kaylen Cote, senior, accounting and finance
- Muskego, Wisconsin: Jack Goelz, junior, actuarial science
- Bellaria, Italy: Emanuela Casadei, senior, management and marketing
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Ethan Zen, senior, finance and economics
- Fredrikstad, Norway: Camilla Johannessen, senior, management and marketing
Building Leadership Skills and Professional Networks
Amber Messersmith, executive director of the Center for Executive and Professional Development, said the program’s direct connection to industry leaders sets it apart. “This academy gives students the rare chance to build leadership skills while solving real challenges facing the insurance industry,” she said.
Participants develop expertise in change management, innovation, and problem-solving. The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy ensures students graduate with practical skills that connect academic learning to real-world application.
Long-Term Career Benefits for Huskers
Sue Wilkinson, President and COO of Ameritas, encouraged students to embrace the long-term value of the program. “They’ve learned from Nebraska’s distinguished faculty and our staff in ways they can carry into their careers. We hope they stay connected long after graduation,” she said.
Students from the inaugural cohort praised the program. Jaden Tchalassi, an actuarial science major, shared, “This program taught me a variety of skills. Networking with professionals and working on real-world insurance problems was a unique experience.” Graduates also earn a digital badge to display on LinkedIn, highlighting their participation in the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy.
Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy: A Model for Experiential Education
The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy demonstrates the power of experiential learning for undergraduates. By combining mentorship, innovation projects, and professional development, the program helps students develop critical leadership skills. This initiative strengthens the connection between the university and industry, ensuring that Huskers graduate with both knowledge and practical experience.
The academy reflects a broader trend in higher education toward hands-on learning. Students leave not only with insights into the insurance industry but with confidence and leadership qualities that set them apart in competitive job markets.
Next Steps for Aspiring Participants
Recruitment for the 2026 cohort will begin in the spring. Students interested in applying are encouraged to develop strong academic performance, leadership experience, and a curiosity about the insurance industry. The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy offers a rare opportunity to explore career pathways while making meaningful contributions to the sector.
The success of the 2025-26 cohort highlights the value of experiential programs in preparing the next generation of leaders. The Huskers chosen for this year exemplify commitment, talent, and the drive to succeed in professional settings.
Conclusion: The 2025-26 Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy promises to be a transformative experience for Nebraska students. By blending classroom learning with practical projects and industry mentorship, Huskers gain leadership skills, professional networks, and real-world experience. The program reflects Ameritas’ dedication to fostering innovation and developing the leaders of tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reports and statements from the University of Nebraska and Ameritas. All information is accurate at the time of publication and intended for educational and informational purposes.
References
- Source: University of Nebraska – Executive Development
- Source: Ameritas Official Site
- Source: UNL College of Business News
