At Nebraska Wesleyan University, these standout educators are transforming the student experience by blending academic excellence with real-world preparation and personal development.
Bringing AI Into the Classroom
Gina Chambers, Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance
This semester, Gina Chambers redesigned a marketing course to be AI-integrated, giving students the opportunity to experience firsthand the efficiencies of AI from a marketing perspective. The course emphasizes the importance of using AI ethically and responsibly.
“At NWU, we are committed to preparing students with the skills they will need for their careers, and AI is an essential one. Blending practical skills with ethical awareness helps students maximize opportunities to become tomorrow’s leaders,” Chambers said.
In this redesigned course, students are gaining hands-on experience with real-world AI tools, learning how to prompt effectively, identify misinformation, navigate ethical use and understand privacy concerns.
Building Tomorrow's Change Makers
Sarah Spitsen, Director of the Philip S. Mullin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program
Meet the force behind one of the Midwest’s most forward-thinking programs, where students aren’t just learning business; they’re learning how to lead, solve and disrupt.
“As the first program of its kind in the Midwest, we’re not housed in a department or college. That means our program grows with deep insights and quick pivots, just like a startup,” Spitsen said.
“We recognize that not every student comes in planning to start a business. What we prepare them for is creating impact. Our courses teach the transferrable skills to make change and impact happen.”
This program empowers NWU students to become change makers, disruptors and entrepreneurs. This is what innovation in education looks like.
Empowering Students to Drive Meaningful Change
Zachary Baumann, Associate Professor of Political Science
This fall, Zachary Baumann is leading NWU students into the heart of the state’s legislative process through a new course: Lobbying and Policy Advocacy.
“Nebraska has the only unicameral and nonpartisan legislature in the nation,” Baumann explains. “This course helps students from all majors understand how that system operates, and how they can use it to drive meaningful change.”
Students in the course don’t just learn advocacy theory. They select issues they care about, collaborate with local policymakers and advocacy groups, and develop action plans they can implement once the legislature reconvenes in January.
With NWU located in Lincoln, the state capital, Baumann emphasizes how the university’s location enhances the course. “We have direct access to a wide range of interest groups, lawmakers and advocacy organizations. It’s an ideal environment for civic learning.”