Faculty Spotlight - Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesal

picture of Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesal

Tell me about yourself and your background?

I am a native Nebraskan, born and raised on a farm near Nebraska City, near the Iowa state line.  When I married my husband Leon, we moved to the farm one mile west and ¼ mile north of Gurley.  I sometimes say we live in the “suburbs of Gurley”.  My academic background is in vocational and adult education with a specialization in community development.  I spent time on both the UNL and CSU campuses and enjoyed my time as a student.  I have been employed as an Extension Educator in western North Dakota and in Morrill County in Nebraska, a Panhandle Learning Center Coordinator in Scottsbluff and currently as an Extension Specialist with Rural Prosperity Nebraska serving in a statewide capacity.  With our farm business, Kriesel Certified Seed, I have also spent time volunteering with ag related organizations. 

What is your position at the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center and how long have you been with UNL?
 
I am currently an Extension Specialist – Rural Prosperity Nebraska, where I work statewide.  I have been employed with UNL off and on since the mid-80’s and full time since 1998.
 

What do you enjoy most about your job?
 
The opportunities are different each day – it is never dull!   It is very satisfying to work with communities to help them be the community they want to be.   My job is to work with community members to see opportunities and to connect them to relevant resources, making their vision a reality.
 
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
 
I really enjoy volunteering for ag related organizations.  I have worked with the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association and served as the Association’s President and served on the National Association of Wheat Growers Board of Directors.   Lobbying on Capitol Hill representing Nebraska’s wheat producers on critical issues helped me see ag issues on a different level.  I also served locally on the South Platte Natural Resources District Board of Directors as Vice-Chair where I helped lead a discussion across the district on water allocations with the Director of the Department of Natural Resources.  Discussions and ultimately decisions don’t get more important than that for our region!
  
What is something people don’t know about you?
 
My husband and I are devoted turkey hunters (he has the gun, I go along and keep the stories honest!).  We have successfully hunted almost all the states – just need four southern states and Hawaii to have every state covered.
 
What are your hobbies?
 
I enjoy refinishing antique furniture and operating the combine during wheat harvest (they caught me in the video: https://www.krieselcertifiedseed.com/wheat.php )