Our team is dedicated to helping you start, build, grow, create and innovate, no matter your path or passions. Get to know each member of the team!
Dr. Sam Nelson has served as the center's director for almost ten years. Through his career, he's inspired countless students to pursue their passions and create meaningful change, both inside and outside the classroom. When he's not leading and teaching, Sam can be found adventure racing! From mountain biking through Colorado and Utah to tackling the Cowboy Tough Challenge in Wyoming, Sam’s love for exploration matches his passion for entrepreneurship. Sam teaches a student favorite, Business Plan Development and Decision Making (ENTR 423).
Our assistant director, Amanda Metcalf, joined the center two years ago, inspired by her family's ties to the College of Business and her brother's small business journey. She's the mastermind behind all of our events, programs for our external community and so much more. Her favorite memory of working at the center was the day the university earned its first-ever top 50 placement as an undergraduate entrepreneurship program. "It's a huge milestone for the university and a moment of pride for the whole team," she shares.
Mallory Krenk, the center's student engagement and recruitment coordinator, leads recruitment efforts with prospective and current students, the center's social media efforts and so much more. She joined the team after graduating from Nebraska in 2022. Her favorite part about working in the center? She shares, "There’s too many to just choose one, but in general, any moment where I see lightbulbs go off in students’ minds is awesome. Seeing them have success, make a transformative connection, do something outside their comfort zone, start something, land a job in the startup ecosystem, etc. is the best!"
Dr. Lindsay Thomsen's history in the franchise industry has ignited interest from students. She finds joy in supporting those brave enough to start or grow their own ventures. Her favorite moments? Watching students shine at the New Venture Competition and seeing their courage in action. She shares, "I love supporting others who courageously embark on starting, buying, or building a business." Her unique background in franchising and growing up in a family business make her a great person to learn from in both Franchising (ENTR 425) and Family Business (ENTR 322).
Dr. Samantha Fairclough leans into her creative side to help students embrace new technologies like AI and frameworks like design thinking in all of her classes. Samantha leads the 48-Hour Challenge, teaches the Builders' entrepreneurship class (ENTR 321B), and more. She shares, "I love working with students who inspire me on a daily basis with their creativity, initiative, energy and just-do-it spirit. The variety of ideas and human stories that come my way always engage my curiosity and eagerness to help, and really motivate me to be my best self as an educator and mentor."
The newest addition to the entrepreneurship professor line-up is Lisa Tschauner. Lisa joins us from Doane University and previously the University of Nebraska at Kearney. When Lisa’s not teaching Foundations of Entrepreneurship (ENTR 321) inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, she’s likely baking up a storm, crafting ceramics, or walking her adorable wiener dog, Rocco!
Whether you're looking to act on an entrepreneurial idea, explore careers in the startup ecosystem, or somewhere in between, our team is eager to help you succeed. Reach out to entrepreneurship@unl.edu to get connected!