Mason Ley of Wayne, a recent graduate of Wayne High School, is among 38 high-achieving first-year students selected to join the Nebraska Business Honors Academy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall. Comprising the academy’s 12th cohort, the students hail from seven U.S. states and 13 Nebraska communities.
Ley — the only student selected from Northeast and North Central Nebraska —intends to major in business and law.
“These talented, high-ability students will challenge themselves in new and different ways from day one,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart endowed dean and professor of finance. “They will stretch their strengths both in and out of the classroom and hone their academic, interpersonal and leadership skills as they prepare to lead the future of business.”
The incoming cohort plans to study in nine academic majors within the College of Business. The students will complete most of their core and foundation business curriculum together, using an action-based learning style focused on the development of critical thinking, technical and communication skills.
“We’re very excited to welcome these students to the academy,” said Erin Burnette, the academy’s director. “This group is keenly poised to find unique and impactful ways to positively contribute to the university community, and I have no doubt they will raise the bar for the academy, the College of Business and the university at large. Our team feels very honored to be able to have a front-row seat as we help this phenomenal group of students learn, grow and achieve their potential as they progress through their college career.”
The new students will participate in leadership activities and student competitions across the country to enhance their professional communication. They also will participate in internships and study-abroad experiences.
"Currently, our students are involved in 150-plus student organizations and serve in a variety of prominent leadership roles,” Burnette said. “This summer, over half of academy students are participating in paid internships across 10 states and two countries. Eight alumni cohorts have taken their talents to careers and graduate schools spanning 33 states and five countries, with 25% of alumni heading straight into a graduate or professional degree program. Similarly, we look forward to helping this new cohort succeed professionally and personally."
