Student Ambassadors, 2012-2013

Danielle Dewees

Hi! I am a junior and am majoring in Studio Art with an emphasis in graphic design. I realized my passion for art in middle school. I came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln because I was impressed with the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and how it creates a community of students with a common interest in art. I was drawn in by all the opportunities offered to fine arts students here at UNL. I am a member of the Hixson-Lied College Undergraduate Student Advisory Board, involved in the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences Program (UCARE), and I have an internship on campus designing layouts and illustrations for Nebraska 4-H curriculum. I feel the Hixson-Lied College has helped me develop both as an artist and as a person; it has helped me embrace and explore all different types of art. I look forward to graduating and getting a job using the skills I have learned, and I am proud to be a part of the Hixson-Lied College.

Kyla Rank

Hello! My name is Kyla Rank and I am from Grand Island, Neb. I am a senior studying studio art. I have a strong interest in graphic design and photography and plan to combine these two passions. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been a wonderful experience so far. The University has something to offer to each student to make his or her collegiate years worthwhile. Studying within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts has been a rewarding experience. The professors encourage students to take advantage of available resources and assist students in every way possible to seek success. My professors are extremely passionate about sharing their knowledge, and I look forward to going to classes! Although I only have a few semesters left during my collegiate years, I know I will be prepared to enter the real world and apply for jobs. I am proud to be a student in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts!

Drew Conley

Hello! I'm Drew Conley, a sophomore Theatre-Film and New Media student. I graduated from Westside High School in Omaha, Neb. I chose UNL because of all the opportunities to get involved in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. I was part of the 2nd film in the Carson School Film Series, "Digs," during summer 2012. It was a rare opportunity to assist shooting a Hollywood style movie, and I learned how to be a part of a professional film crew. I have also enjoyed making films for Cinema 16, the student group that sponsors many film festivals throughout the year. Theatre is also a big part of my life, so I will continue to work on the amazing productions on the main stage, and also Theatrix, the student-run theatre company. I'm very excited to show off the many facets of our school to prospective students!

Carl Erickson

Hello! My name is Carl Erickson, and I am a Junior Film and New Media student. I am a graduate of Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska. I came to the University of Nebraska because I heard about the awesome Film and New Media program, and I wanted to get involved in everything this program has to offer. I have been having the time of my life learning what I love. One of the best things about attending UNL has been taking classes I didn't know I was interested in, and discovering a whole new path in which to take my film-making career. I've taken a wide range of classes in theatre and design, screenwriting, and film production, and I get to meet tons of people who have become new friends. Throughout the year, I am involved in Cinema 16 (the film club), volunteer to work on fellow students’ films, and just hang out in the Temple Building with friends. I hope you enjoy the University as much as I do. I know you will not regret your decision to attend UNL!

Megan Fleming

Hi all! My name is Megan Fleming and I am a sophomore in Theatre-Film and New Media. I am from Lawrence, Kans. and I came to UNL because I heard about the amazing things here, made possible by the incredible donations from Johnny Carson. My freshmen year was an incredible experience. I got a chance to work with seniors on their thesis films, and my group won the 72-Hour Spring Cinema 16 Film Fest. I became more involved in theatre by being on the running crew, and I worked on the Johnny Carson Film Series short film "Digs" over the summer. I cannot wait to show you what the Carson School has to offer. See you soon and Go Big Red!

Bryan Howard

Hello! My name is Bryan and I am a sophomore double majoring in Theatre-Performance and English. I hail from Howell, New Jersey, and could not be happier with my decision to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a mere 1,318 miles from home. I was fortunate last year to be cast in two main stage productions, "Lady Windermere's Fan," in the fall, and "The Three Musketeers" in the spring, along with one student-directed Theatrix production, "Almost, Maine." I am also the treasurer of the student theatre club on campus called Nebraska Masquers. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the ambassadors program and cannot wait to meet you, share my wonderful experiences at the Johnny Carson School, and answer any questions you may have.

Billy Jones

Hello there! My name is Billy Jones and I am originally from Phoenix, Ariz. After I graduated from Desert Ridge High School, I attended Mesa Community College where I majored in Theatre Performance. After two years there I began looking into universities where I could continue to study and grow as a Theatre Performance major. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was suggested by an instructor and after a tour of the institution, I decided to transfer to the school. I quickly fell in love with the town, the people, and of course, the program. This is my third and last year here and I feel so fortunate to be part of this school. I look forward to welcoming all prospective students!

Emily Martinez

Hello wonderful people! I am a senior Theatre-Performance and Theatre-Directing Management double major in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. I am from Ralston, Neb., but now call Lincoln home (and love it!). Some of my favorite shows at UNL include "Lady Windermere’s Fan," "Twelfth Night," and "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940." College (and the real world in general) can seem pretty intimidating. That fear will fade away the minute you decide to do what you love. The Hixson-Lied College is full of strong, passionate artists that will support you every step of the way. I can't wait to meet all of you and introduce you to the amazing staff and students that await you here at UNL!

Sara Resch

Hello! My name is Sarah Resch, and I am a sophomore in Theatre-Design/Technical Production emphasis at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. I am from Lincoln, Neb. and am a graduate of Lincoln North Star High School. I came to UNL because of the affordability and their marvelous theatre program. Since coming to the University, I have greatly expanded my knowledge of theatre from the classes, people and opportunities I have been given. Most recently I was the Assistant Master Electrician for "The Three Musketeers," and I did electrics and carpentry work for other mainstage shows last semester. I also was involved with the student run theatre group Theatrix. I can’t wait to meet you all and introduce you to the fantastic staff and students here at UNL!

Jaimie Pruden

My name is Jaimie Pruden and I am a senior Vocal Music Performance major with a minor in Musical Theatre from Tucson, Ariz. I came to UNL primarily for the affordability and excellence of the School of Music, but I've discovered that the University has so much more to offer young artists. From classes to extracurricular productions and ensembles, the training and education I have received here will certainly be invaluable for professional artistic pursuits. As a student hoping to pursue musical theatre, I have relished opportunities to be heavily involved in music and theatre during my time at this university. Being a student of the arts at UNL is a rewarding and enriching experience that I feel blessed to be a part of!