Ms. Kelli King
Program Coordinator

Peaceful Greetings! My name is Ms. Kelli King and I am in my second year of being Program Coordinator for the William H. Thompson (WHT) Scholars Learning Community. I have recently relocated from New York City, NY where I was attending the Teachers College of Columbia University. I am happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding your college experience.

Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center | 1505 S Street Room 139 |402.472.5523 | kking11@unl.edu


Dr. June Griffin
Faculty Coordinator

I am an Associate Professor of Practice in the English Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  My scholarship and teaching in the field of Composition and Rhetoric focuses on using technology to enhance reading and writing and on understanding the ways technology changes literacy practices.

As the Faculty Coordinator for the Thompson Scholars, I arrange the courses offered through the learning community, provide teaching development opportunities and support to faculty teaching W. H. Thompson courses, facilitate conversations between students and faculty, and assist students in locating additional academic support as needed.

Andrews Hall Office 106 |402.472.1886 | jgriffin4@unl.edu

Dr. Emira Ibrahimpasic
Senior Assistant Program Coordinator

I am a higher education professional and educator with a local connection and a global perspective.  As a graduate of Lincoln High School, I have strong roots to Lincoln and Nebraska.  Even though I am rooted to Lincoln, Nebraska my career and educational choices have led me across the globe. I completed my Bachelor of Arts at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN in Anthropology and Philosophy and my graduate degree in Cultural Anthropology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.  My experiences studying anthropology and philosophy in Minnesota and New Mexico fueled my passion for sharing knowledge and global engagement.

As a Senior Assistant Program Coordinator with the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community I work to make the student experience positive and engaging.  Attending University is a deeply transformative experience, and I am dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals. My personal love for traveling and working outside inspires my efforts in helping students explore international education and getting involved on and off campus. 

Program Areas of Concentration: Transfer Students, Study Abroad, Career/Post-Graduation Development, Community Engagement and Fellowships/Research Opportunities.

Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center |1505 S Street, Room 137 |402.472.5540 |eibrahimpasic3@unl.edu

Lindsay Wayt
Assistant Program Coordinator

I come from a line of educators – both of my parents and several other members of my family have worked in the field of education.  Although my drive for helping students may come from my family, my passion for helping students to be successful in higher education comes from my one education and career experiences.  I completed my B.S. in Secondary Education at UNL and went on to teach high school English for seven years.  During my last two years as a secondary educator, I completed my M.A. in Educational Administration – Student Affairs at UNL.  I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, also at UNL.

As an Assistant Program Coordinator for the William H. Thompson Scholars, I strive to help students achieve excellence.  I assist students in successfully navigating their transition from high school to college, encourage students to take advantage of WHT’s programs as well as other opportunities on campus, and work to promote students in their personal and academic development.

Program Areas of Concentration: Living-Learning Community, High-School to College Transition, Study Café, and Event Planning.

Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center |1505 S Street Room 135 | 402.472.5790 |lwayt2@unl.edu

Dani Bojanski
Assistant Program Coordinator

After earning my Master of Fine Arts in English and teaching college courses in writing and literature for four years, I rather changed tracks to pursue work that would allow me to interact with students on an individual basis, which is how I believe the most effective learning takes place.  I carry my Humanities background with me always though and bring a philosophical and creative perspective to bear on daily challenges.  I am a big-picture thinker who wants to get at the heart of things and people to solve problems and build connections.

In my position as an Assistant Program Coordinator for the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community, I aim to help students achieve self-confidence and take ownership of their lives.  I want our students to feel pride in their accomplishments so I encourage students to challenge themselves, stretch beyond their comfort zones, try new things, and to never say no to a new opportunity.

Program Areas of Concentration: Academic Support, Study Skills and Time Management, High School to College Transition, Graduate School Planning.

Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center |1505 S Street Room 133 |402.472.5674 |dbojanski2@unl.edu


Samantha Beltran
Administrative Technician

I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at UNL and went on to work for the Lancaster County Court for over four years. At UNL, I decided to continue my education and became a graduate student during fall 2012 with a focus on physical (biological) anthropology. I’m starting my Master of Science in Forensic Science at Nebraska Wesleyan this August.

As an Administrative Technician for the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community, I am determined to help students achieve their educational and scholarship expectations. I assist students in successfully navigating their transition to college, direct students to take advantage of WHT’s programs as well as other opportunities on campus and work to promote students in their academic success.

Program Areas of Concentration: Website & Blackboard, Course Monitoring/Planning, Event Planning & Retention, Accounting, Events Calendar, Data Collection and Analysis, Mentor/Tutor Time Sheets.

Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center |1505 S Street Room 149 |402.472.1987 |sbeltran2@unl.edu