Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Christa Rahl
Stolen laptop puts IANR faculty information at risk
In mid-June a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources consultant’s laptop was stolen in Rome. The laptop had access to information on almost 900 IANR staff and faculty, including their social security numbers, according to a statement from the university. Once the individual realized the laptop was missing, they alerted authorities both in Rome and at the UNL Police Department.
Four-star recruit Wan’Dale Robinson cited for possession of marijuana
True freshman and four-star wide receiver recruit Wan’Dale Robinson was cited for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana Sunday night, according to Leslie Reed, the public affairs director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Reed said the university police were contacted after a community service officer smelled marijuana from outside Robinson’s University Suites dorm room. Although three people were present, Robinson was the only one cited.
Donde Plowman to take chancellor position at University of Tennessee
Donde Plowman, the current executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is leaving to be the chancellor at the University of Tennessee, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville announced its decision Friday, which the Board of Trustees will vote to confirm on May 3. Plowman has previous experience with the University of Tennessee, as she headed the management department before being hired at UNL.
UNL graduate students balance lives as students and teachers
When Kate McCain walks across the stage to receive her doctorate in human sciences and leadership studies, she won’t be done with the 2018-19 school year. Instead, she will head home and work on grading her students’ final reflection papers. That’s just how life is for people like McCain who are simultaneously students and teachers.
FitBox at East Campus Rec to provide equipment for outdoor exercise
A new piece of outdoor equipment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Recreation and Wellness Center on East Campus may look like a box, but Kelsey Whittaker said it’s much more than just storage. Whittaker, interim assistant director for fitness, said the FitBox is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet and includes items that attach to the container and holds items for use on the new turf area outside the Rec building.
Curious Cornhuskers: Why can people wear sports bras in the Campus Rec now?
As a part of our initiative called Curious Cornhuskers, an anonymous reader asked The Daily Nebraskan, “Why have I been seeing more girls wearing sports bras at the Rec than previous years?” According to Amy Lanham, the senior associate director of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus Recreation, the Campus Rec’s advisory council changed the dress code in 2017 after a student complained.
Drag performances don’t contradict with religious commitment for UNL student
Her friends know her as Tessa Faust, but the crowd knows her as DJ Maximum. Faust, a junior classics and religious studies major, is excited to be one of many participants in the Royal Drag Show on Friday, April 12 from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Red Cloud room in the Willa Cather Dining Hall. This is only her second time performing in a drag show, but she said she loves expressing herself as a drag queen.
Maurice Washington to make court appearance on Wednesday
Husker running back Maurice Washington is expected to appear in court in Santa Clara County, California today, according to the Omaha World-Herald. This will be the first of multiple expected hearings for his case. The California native is facing charges for the distribution of child pornography and sending “revenge porn,” a crime designated by a 2013 law. Both counts stem from allegedly sending a video containing a sex act to a girl who was 15 at the time.
UNL professor mentors student researchers by building personal relationships
Instead of simply watching over his students in their research, Karsten Koehler took on an active role and created a journal club so students can take turns picking a scientific article for the group to read and discuss. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln assistant nutrition and health sciences professor said this allows each student to share what they are working on and how it connects to other studies.
Out of the Darkness Walk to focus on hope, community, suicide prevention
Katy Bagniewski has been walking to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention for seven years, but the impact the Out of the Darkness Walk has had on her will last far longer than through this year.
Talk Business discusses business issues with international, domestic students
Instead of letting issues in business go unspoken, Meena Pannirselvam decided to bring a voice to them and spread the knowledge. Issues like the gender pay gap are what led the senior finance major to create Talk Business, a program within the registered student organization Business International Students Association. Chandra Schwab, her adviser, helped her find speakers and issues to cover.
UNL Athletics reveals reason for late student football ticket sales
Although students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been waiting longer to purchase their season tickets in the football student section than in previous years, officials from the athletic department said the longer wait adheres to protocol. According to Jason Rathe, the assistant athletic director for marketing and fan experience, tickets will go on sale for students who had them last season on March 26 and for new football fans on April 22, both at noon.
UNL Housing and ITS host listening sessions to address Wi-Fi concerns
It’s 11:55 p.m., and a student’s assignment is due at midnight. The student desperately scrambles to hit the submit button just as the Wi-Fi turns off and says the password is now invalid. Residents of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln said they have dealt with this and similar situations all too often. To address these concerns, UNL Housing and Information Technology Services employees have come together to host listening sessions about the current Wi-Fi problems in the residence halls.
UNL students share thoughts on opening of Chick-fil-A, Steak ‘n Shake
After months of delays, the Chick-fil-A and Steak ‘n Shake officially opened in the Nebraska Union on Monday, March 11. The Daily Nebraskan asked students what their go-to order is at the new restaurants and for their initial thoughts. Jet Kai Lim, senior, actuarial science Photo by Kenneth Ferriera “Nope [I don’t have a go-to meal], but the milkshake looks nice … It’s always good to have something new.
Tool announces Pinnacle Bank Arena concert in May
The rock band Tool will play a concert at Pinnacle Bank Arena on May 16, according to a tweet from PBA. PBA’s website said the band will also bring a “special guest.” The band’s most recent album, 10,000 Days, came out in 2006 and included songs like “Vicarious” and “10,000 Days.” The concert will begin at 8 p.m. and gates will open at 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15. culture@dailynebraskan.com
Outdoor Adventures Center plans spring break trip to Gulf of California
For Lauren Petersen, leaving a legacy at her school meant establishing a new spring break trip through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Outdoor Adventures Center to kayak in the Gulf of California. The political science major will lead five students with minimal sea kayaking experience for six days to explore nature. This is the first time the Outdoor Adventures Center has traveled needing passports in over 10 years.
UNL Lutheran Chapel looks on the bright side through renovations
For a church without a home, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lutheran Chapel is doing well. Since the start of a large renovation project in August, the chapel’s members have met in the Nebraska Union and won’t move back into their original building until mid-July. The renovations will update the sanctuary so the floor is flat instead of slanted, add more office space and create a more modern aesthetic.
Morrill Hall to debut escape room using real artifacts, Nebraska history
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Morrill Hall Museum has more to offer than just artifacts and information — attendees now have a chance to rewrite history in an escape room. The escape room, titled “Dr. Barbour and the Devil’s Corkscrew,” is located on the third floor and gives participants a chance to learn about natural history without even realizing it, according to Rob Skolnick, a Morrill Hall preparator.
UNL student wins free Chick-fil-A after an all-night campout
There is not a lot Brendan Owens would not do for free food. So when the Chick-fil-A on 48th and O streets offered 52 free number one combos for the first 100 customers at its grand opening Feb. 20, the junior software engineering major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was all in and spent 12 hours overnight in the restaurant’s parking lot. The event started at 6 p.m. and Owens said there were about 120 people there.
The Power of Huskers event to carry on message of Hate Will Never Win rally
A year after the Hate Will Never Win Unity Rally, students are invited to continue celebrating diversity and inclusion and learning about themselves and others at The Power of Huskers event on Wednesday, Feb.
Center for Great Plains Studies to hold ‘Slavery to Homesteading’ event
Jacob Friefeld, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Great Plains Studies, said the Great Plains’ homesteading history is typically told as a white story, but the Center for Great Plains Studies event “Slavery to Homesteading” will disprove that notion. Angela Bates, the executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society, will remind University of Nebraska-Lincoln students of the history of Nicodemus, Kansas, and the first homesteaders during the event on Thursday, Feb.
Mark Button named as new College of Arts and Sciences dean
The College of Arts and Sciences announced Monday morning that Mark Button was selected as its new dean. Button will officially gain the title July 1, along with a position as a professor of political science. Director of marketing and communications Terri Pieper said the department is “thrilled to know there has been a selection.” Button was chosen by a committee created under Executive Vice Chancellor Donde Plowman which had four candidates visit campus and undergo rigorous interviews.
Charter Day Open House to celebrate 150 years of UNL
A birthday party without dessert is not a party at all, and it looks like Chancellor Ronnie Green recognizes that. To celebrate the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 150th birthday, Green will hand out cupcakes and N150 pins at the Wick Alumni Center on Friday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the “N150: Charter Day Open House at the Wick” event. Head volleyball coach John Cook and deans from colleges across UNL’s campus will assist Green.
California's 'revenge porn' law, explained
Nebraska running back and California native Maurice Washington III was charged on Tuesday for the distribution of child pornography and sending “revenge porn” a crime designated by a 2013 law. According to Santa Clara County’s supervising deputy district attorney for sexual assault, Clarissa Hamilton, the first count forbids people from possessing a video or photo of anyone under 18 engaging in or simulating sexual acts.
Memorial Stadium continues legacy of honoring military veterans
Even though Memorial Stadium transforms into Nebraska’s third-biggest city with 90,000 fans flocking to the Husker football shrine for games on fall Saturdays, there’s more to its story than football, Blackshirts and tailgates. According to History Nebraska, the stadium opened for its first game October 13, 1923, to commemorate the service men and women from World War I. The memorial has grown in size and gravity to honor Nebraskan soldiers who’ve died in service during all wars since World War I.
NUTS club seeks to provide outlet for squirrel enthusiasts in club’s revival
The Nebraskans for the Upgraded Treatment of Squirrels club is back on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, and yes, Huskers are going NUTS. The registered student organization had been dormant for about a year and a half as the last organizer had issues getting back up and running, according to NUTS president Lizzie Schousek, a freshman plant biology and horticulture double major. She said the club was founded in the early 2000s and revives and dies out with each graduating class.
Students lobby for Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act
Students in the Citizens’ Climate Lobby get to experience Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just a Bill” in real life all while maintaining their studies. CCL is now lobbying for its bill, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, that was reintroduced to U.S. Congress on Jan. 24. This act aims to reduce U.S. carbon emissions by at least 40 percent in 12 years, according to the CCL website.
UNL students, visitors share favorite 2019 Super Bowl commercials
The Patriots v. Rams game ended 13-3 after four quarters, but the 2019 Super Bowl left the Husker community content with a variety of humorous commercials. The Daily Nebraskan asked students and visitors about their favorites. +5 Jon Luckey, junior PGA golf management major. Photo by Mia Everding “I liked the one with all the retired referees. It had a different twist than all the rest of the ads.” -Jon Luckey, junior professional golf management major +5 Jeff Lickfelt, visiting UNL.
Administration explains decision-making process for snow days
Huskers will need to bundle up for class Wednesday, Jan. 30, regardless of their dreams of a second shortened school week. The administration disappointed many students with a message posted on the UNL website at 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, announcing that the university would be open on Wednesday. According to Interim Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance William Nunez, the decision to cancel classes is always based on balancing safety and the school’s mission to educate students.
Bounds, Green release statement backing Athletic Director Bill Moos
Athletic Director Bill Moos can rest easy today after a joint statement from Chancellor Ronnie Green and University President Hank Bounds disputed rumors that Moos would be fired. “In his first 15 months, Bill has done a great job guiding our athletic department,” Bounds and Green said in a statement this morning.
Big Red Investment Club educates students, aims for national recognition
The Big Red Investment Club has found its home in the College of Business over the last three years as it manages and invests from a $200,000 fund. The club grew from humble beginnings in Othmer Hall to weekly meetings with 90 people in attendance at the College of Business, according to BRIC’s president and junior finance major Justin Wiebelhaus. “When I first started attending BRIC, we were 15 people,” senior finance major Michael Kline said.
Source. Eat Fit works with campus rec center to provide healthy foods for students
Huskers looking for a healthy, prepared meal have a new option on campus. After Eat Fit Go closed all Lincoln locations, including its distribution to the City Campus Recreation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the rec center staff reached out to Dawn Steffen from Source. Eat Fit to create a partnership, according to Steffen. Steffen and her brother opened Source in 2014, which she said has four locations in Lincoln, including two with a drive-thru.
Possible phishing scam attempts to collect UNL students’ personal information
Physics professor Keith Foreman’s students thought they were writing down their names and phone numbers to sign up for tutoring in their class, but the paper wasn’t from their professor, nor was he offering tutoring services. When a student brought Foreman the sheet, he thought it was suspicious and showed it to the main office in Jorgenson Hall. “The office said they had seen papers like this before,” he said.
Nebraska Union offers flexible jobs to students
The students sitting at the Nebraska Union welcome desk or taking orders at the union Starbucks may seem like regular student workers, but they beat out many others for the chance to greet visitors or make lattes. Brent Freeman, senior assistant director of operations, manages 154 jobs between the campus unions and the Children's Center.
UNL Campus Recreation helping students achieve New Year’s resolutions
People around the world begin their New Year’s resolutions in January, but according to Business Insider, 80 percent of people fail them by February. Kelsey Whittaker, the Campus Recreation interim assistant director for fitness programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said this does not need to be the case for students looking to become healthier versions of themselves. Whittaker said starting to exercise does not need to be as difficult. “Find a movement you love,” she said in an email.
Adrian Martinez named to FWAA Freshman All-America Team
Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez was honored this morning as one of 32 individuals named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team. Two quarterbacks were chosen for the team, Martinez and Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. Both players are true freshmen. This is the second year in a row the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will have a player on the team. Last year, redshirt wide receiver JD Spielman played on the team.
Stanford athletic director responds to controversial volleyball image
Stanford’s athletic director Bernard Muir released a statement Sunday morning regarding a controversial image that surfaced following their victory over the Nebraska Huskers in Saturday’s NCAA volleyball championship. The image drawn on a whiteboard in the Stanford locker room, which was tweeted and subsequently deleted by NCAA volleyball, depicted Stanford’s pine tree mascot pointing a gun at and directing a crude gesture toward Herbie Husker.
Students celebrate Hanukkah while studying for finals
Classes are still in session during one of Judaism’s most famous holidays. Hanukkah is a holiday Jewish people celebrate around the world in December. It started on Dec. 2 this year. It lasts eight days and includes a tradition of lighting a candle on the menorah every night. Despite its well-known status as an international holiday, most schools, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, are still in session during its observance. In fact, Dead Week falls on the same week as Hanukkah this year.
UNL faculty to take the stage for TedxLincolnWomen event
Giselle Nevarez has watched more TED Talks in the last month or so than ever before. She is hoping these will give her an idea of how to prepare for her first TEDx event. Lincoln’s Rococo Theatre is set to reach max-capacity for the “TEDxLincolnWomen” event Friday, Nov. 30. Among the presenters are two faculty members from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jan Deeds, the director of UNL’s Women’s Center, will speak about safe and secure communities for women.
Positive psychology class teaching UNL students healthier perspectives
Few people will argue against the world needing to maintain a decent balance. To psychologists, balance requires looking at the positive and negative parts of life equally. The goal of maintaining balance is becoming a reality for students in “Happiness and Well-Being through Positive Psychology” — a class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln marked EDPS 320 in the course bulletin.
OPINION: Thanksgiving Break is fake as f*ck
As I sit here on the bus just trying to get to my next class, one thought ruminates through my mind. I should be so excited. Today is Tuesday of Thanksgiving Break week. I get to go home today to see my family. But I’m not excited. I’m not happy at all. I’m actually completely and utterly stressed. I have a mile-long to do list that ends with “find time to relax with family.” Thanksgiving Break is not a break at all. I have a final presentation on Monday.
Education Abroad Office at UNL hopes more students study outside Europe
When university students consider studying abroad, they’re more likely imagining the sights and sounds of Paris or Rome than those of Beijing or Johannesburg. The study abroad data from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln lines up with national statistics, Rebecca Baskerville, the director of Education Abroad at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said. Of students who studied abroad, 60 percent traveled to Europe during the 2017-2018 school year on credit-earning experiences.
UNL’s tax team to take on regionals in Chicago
For three weeks, a team of future accountants has worked to solve the tax problems a fake family encounters as they create a business. To many students, this may seem difficult and even boring. But to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s tax team, it is a fun challenge. At FanTAXtic, the competition connected to the top-tier accounting firm Deloitte, the team will present its solutions on Saturday in Chicago. This is the regional competition. If they win, they move on to nationals in Texas.
UNL ranks lowest in LGBTQ friendliness in Big Ten with 3.5 of 5 stars
Campus Pride, a website that ranks universities for their LGBTQ acceptance, reports that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has the Big Ten’s lowest rating for LGBTQ friendliness, receiving 3.5 stars out of five. Over the past six years, UNL’s rating has fluctuated between three to four stars out of five. In 2012, even though the university received four stars overall, it only received 1.5 stars for housing and residence life and two of five stars for policy inclusion.
Watch out, Google, this software engineering freshman is coming in hot
Jaden Goter has been coding since he was 12 years old and made two full apps as a sixth grader.Even with his experience from childhood, the freshman software engineering major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln said his degree will help him land his dream job — working in or owning a game development studio.Although companies like Google recently changed their hiring standards to no longer require a degree, Goter said he would need more practice with coding as well as more self-discipline...
UNL History Harvest explores Italian-American culture
University of Nebraska-Lincoln history professors will continue their History Harvest project by collecting stories from Italian-Americans about their culture and experience during a “harvest” at Omaha’s Santa Lucia Hall on Sunday, Oct.
UNL students' thoughts on Nebraska’s new state slogan
When Nebraska’s tourism officials announced the state was moving on from the “Nebraska Nice” slogan and moving to “Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln had mixed opinions.The slogan, which has been paired with photos showing people having fun in Nebraska, acknowledges that the state is not known for its tourist attractions.The Daily Nebraskan asked students about their opinions on the new slogan.
Former FBI agent Anna Brewer presents at UNL on sex trafficking, vulnerability
She’s received a Christmas card from someone she arrested for robbing a bank, thanking her for changing his life that had been on a downward spiral.To her co-workers, she’s known as someone whose job is to find the bad guys, but she treats them respectfully instead of treating them as criminals.Anna Brewer, a former FBI agent, spoke at Andersen Hall at an event sponsored by the Nebraska University Students Against Modern-Day Slavery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Oct. 9.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Christa
Contact Christa, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack