The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff is home to researchers and faculty who assist Panhandle communities. It is now also home to Rene Nava, UNL Admissions Assistant Director in the Panhandle. He will meet with high school students and their parents or guardians to explore the career opportunities UNL can offer them.
“Right away, I would like to see a lot more presence in the community. That's my big thing. So I would like to be out there shaking hands, talking to people, and hearing their stories because when you listen to them, it gives you an idea as to what their aspirations and their dreams are,” he said.
Nava knows how important it is to get an education. When he left his depressed community with his bachelor’s degree in hand, he was determined to bring others with him in pursuing higher education.
“Growing up, I had a lot of mentors who were in education. They were inspirational and kept me out of trouble,” he said. “I also knew at some point that I wanted to be of service to others, as much as I could.”
He didn’t jump into student admissions right away. He served five years in the U.S. Army and earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas, Pan American. He taught high school from Denver to Greeley, Colo., and took an adjunct position at a community college. After COVID, a friend reached out to him about a summer job. He wanted to get back out into the community and recreate those connections after COVID. To reintroduce students to the college and connect with the surrounding communities.
Now, Nava is ready to help students in the Panhandle and central Nebraska explore college at UNL. He has the tools and can even help them secure scholarships or tuition assistance.
“My goal is to listen and have conversations with the students and their parents. To let them know UNL is committed to their education and the community.”
