The William H. Thompson Scholars staff strives to make your experience at UNL and with the learning community rich and meaningful. Continue reading to learn more about the staff who works to make your experiences at the University fulfilling, memorable, and excellent.
Please read the bios below.
A message from Kristen Upp:
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My name is Kristen Upp and am originally from Gering, Nebraska, I have lived in Lincoln now for five years. I received my Bachelor’s degree from UNL in Secondary Business Education. I loved the classroom setting, but even more so loved getting to know students one-on-one on a more personal level. Upon completing my undergraduate experience, I dove right into a Master’s program again at UNL in Educational Administration - Student Affairs. I worked with a Leadership & Entrepreneurship living learning community on East Campus and the students associated with the community.
As an Assistant Program Coordinator for the William H. Thompson Scholars, I hope to provide a comfortable and challenging experience for all students I have the opportunity to meet and assist along their tracks. Adjusting to the college experience and taking risks to better connect with the University are two areas I am excited to help students feel confident in. As an advocator and believer in mentorship, I hope to learn just as much from the students I encounter as I hope they will learn from me.
A message from Malika Yadgarova:
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My name is Malika Yadgarova. I was born and raised in Khujand, Tajikistan. Shortly after finishing middle school, we moved to Lincoln, NE and I have come to think of Lincoln as my second home. I completed my bachelors in Agricultural Education with emphasis on Leadership at UNL. I also got my Master's Degree in Leadership Development here at UNL with hopes of working with students.
As an Assistant Program Coordinator for William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community, my passion is to have a positive impact on students that I meet, and help them with any needs they have throughout their college career here at UNL. I hope that students know that I am always open to listen, talk, and get to know them. I also want to help in their academic success, support in building their mentorship experience, and guide their future careers beyond UNL.
A message from Kriston Burroughs:
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My name is Kriston Burroughs and I am from St. Louis, Missouri. As a First-Again College Student (my grandmother was a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years). Education has always been something that I have been exposed to, but I never realized that it was an underlying passion of mine until a few years ago. I am a first-generation Husker and my numerous experiences as an undergrad at Nebraska have led to the pursuit of M.A. in Higher Education Administration, Specialization in Student Affairs.
As an Assistant Program Coordinator for the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community, my desire is to help students reach their full potential in all areas of personal and academic excellence. Leadership development is a big passion of mine and while I am with the program, I hope to plant seeds of wisdom in everyone I work with.