Six students graduating from the College of Education and Human Sciences will be recognized as Chancellor’s Scholars during the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s undergraduate commencement ceremony Dec. 20.
Students who have maintained a 4.0 GPA on all collegiate work at Nebraska and elsewhere are named Chancellor’s Scholars, the highest academic award the university offers. Following is a list of the Chancellor’s Scholars in CEHS along with their major and hometown.
- Shelbee Burke, family and consumer science occupational, Alliance, Nebraska
- Abigail Cantrell, hospitality, restaurant and tourism management, Malcolm, Nebraska
- Sara Carlson, elementary education, Papillion, Nebraska
- Avery Koeneke, human development and family science, Manhattan, Kansas
- Ellie Mady, elementary education, Seneca, Kansas
- Kate Vaughn, elementary education, Hershey, Nebraska
A little more about the CEHS Chancellor’s Scholars:
Shelbee Burke
What does being a Chancellor’s Scholar mean to you?
To me, being a Chancellor’s Scholar means that all of the hard work I put in over the years has paid off. It makes me grateful for all of my family, friends, and the UNL faculty who supported and encouraged me along the way – without them, this achievement would not have been possible. I am honored to be named a Chancellor’s Scholar and very appreciative of this distinction.
What’s next?
After graduation, I will be a long-term substitute teacher during the spring semester. I will also serve as the Competitive Events Assistant for Nebraska FCCLA. Following that, I will be pursuing a job as a family and consumer sciences teacher at the high school level.
Abigail Cantrell
What does being a Chancellor’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a Chancellor’s Scholar is incredibly meaningful to me because it represents far more than academic achievement. It reflects my entire journey at UNL. It recognizes the late nights, leadership roles, hands-on experiences, and relationships that have shaped who I am both personally and professionally. This honor reminds me that I belong in spaces where high standards and people strive for success. It motivates me to keep pushing myself, leading with confidence and purpose, and using the opportunities I’ve been given to bring out the good in others.
What’s next?
I am going to continue my education at UNL through the Strategic Marketing Certificate Program. I want to earn these graduate credits to deepen my understanding of marketing as I prepare to begin my career as a corporate event planner. This program will help strengthen my ability to align event strategy with organizational goals, enhance audience engagement, and deliver impactful experiences in a corporate setting, making me a more valuable job candidate.
Sara Carlson
What does being a Chancellor’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a Chancellor’s Scholar means a lot to me because it recognizes the effort I’ve put into my schoolwork and motivates me to keep pushing myself. It’s not just about grades but about showing commitment and taking pride in what I do. Teaching is a profession where you have to give your all to your students, and I wanted to reflect that mindset in my own education. I want to be the kind of teacher that shows up for my students and gives my best every day, and that started in my undergraduate experience.
What’s next?
After graduation, I will begin my teaching career at Campbell Elementary school in Lincoln, Nebraska, as their teacher associate.
Avery Koeneke
What does being a Chancellor’s Scholar mean to you?
To me, being a Chancellor’s Scholar is a meaningful acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies these past four years. It’s something I’m really proud of and a reminder of how much I’ve grown during my time at UNL.
What’s next?
I plan to take this next semester to get my CAN so I’m able to get experience with working in a children’s hospital. This is my first step that I’ll be taking to hopefully reach my end goal of being a child life specialist. Along with that, I’ll be applying for child life graduate programs as well as internships too!
Ellie Mady
What does being a Chancellor’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a Chancellor’s Scholar is an honor. It represents both the effort I’ve put into my education and the encouragement to keep striving toward my goals. I’m truly thankful for this opportunity.
What’s next?
After graduation I have a long-term subbing position at Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School in Seneca, Kansas, for a fifth-grade class. After that, I will look for a job, hopefully in a primary grade!
Kate Vaughn
What does being a Chancellor’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a Chancellor’s Scholar is such an honor. Growing up in Nebraska, attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has always been a dream of mine. The past few years have truly shaped who I am today, and I’m so thankful for the people and experiences that have made my time at UNL so meaningful. It’s pushed me to keep growing and prepared me for what’s next as I step into teaching.
What’s next?
I’m planning to begin my career as a classroom teacher next fall.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Child, Youth and Family Studies
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
