Notable Alumni of Doane University: Leaders and Innovators
Introduction
Doane University, the oldest private institution in Nebraska, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1872, Doane has fostered an environment of academic excellence and leadership development. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have had on their communities and the world.
Arts and Humanities
Amy Beck '98, who studied English and theatre, found a home in the theatre department and forged lasting friendships.
Jessica Alexander Cochnar ’06 found comfort on stage since the age of five. As the artistic director at Class Act Community Playhouse, she creates a safe environment, inspired by Doane theatre professor Rob McKercher. In 2016, Alexander turned the theatre into a non-profit to create a welcoming space for families and kids.
Jane Renner Hood Ph.D., served as executive director of the Nebraska Humanities Council for 23 years, bringing arts and culture opportunities to communities across the state. She received the 2013 Sower Award of the Humanities.
Drew Denker, Doane's first-ever Journalism graduate (Dec. '07), is the PA announcer for Husker Softball and Nebraska Swimming & Diving, and has served in the same role for many other sports/events.
Read also: Online Science Learning at Doane
Mar'Lakuittia Overstreet majored in English with endorsements in English Language Learners and Secondary Education.
Scott Morris ’05 is an adjunct faculty member at Doane, providing instruction to the university’s concert and jazz bands. He started working at Kiewit Middle School in 2019 as a band and general music teacher. The Kiewit Jazz Band performed at the Nebraska Music Education Association’s Capitol Concert Series in March 2023. Morris also plays saxophone in Omaha-area bands and started a record label, Mr. Furious Records.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Michael Krantz, a first-generation, non-traditional student, graduated with a degree in accounting in 1983. He became the business manager of Peter Kiewit Construction for 14 years, working on projects across the country. He and his wife, Geralyn Semerena, established the Krantz Scholarship for first-generation college students in Saline County.
Ben Struby ’01 has been promoted to partner at Lathrop GPM in Kansas City, MO.
Don Partridge ’83, a business administration major and successful athlete, is the President of Bobcat Equipment Group of Nebraska. He attributes his success to the lessons learned from Doane athletics.
Read also: Tuition Fees at Doane
Donald W. Nyrop J.D., graduated from Doane with a degree in history, and later earned a law degree from George Washington University. He headed the Civil Aeronautics Administration and ran Northwest Airlines.
Education
Dr. Chad Denker ’93, ’97E, ’01E, ’14E, ’19DE is the superintendent for David City Public Schools since 2013. He was inspired by teachers and coaches during a difficult time in his life.
Amy Hung '16, '18E moved to Crete, Nebraska from Taiwan. She earned her bachelor's degree in math with a secondary teaching endorsement and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane.
Sheldon taught mathematics at Doane starting in 1886 and later became professor of English literature after receiving her master’s degree in 1897.
Tonya O'Neel ’13L earned her bachelor’s degree in human relations while working full time. She served on the Doane Alumni Council and works at Fiserv as a senior proposal manager.
Read also: A Look at Doane University
Sharon L. Wilch was the first woman to lead the Colorado High School Activities Association, serving as an administrator for 27 years. She established nationally recognized programs in equity and Title IX training and led the sanctioning of girls’ sports at the CHSAA.
Healthcare and Medicine
Dr. Barbara R. Cole ’63, a biology major, became a pediatric nephrologist. She was the first female President of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) in 1988 and served as the President of the Children's Hospital Medical Staff (1999-2001). St. Louis Children's Hospital named "The Barbara R. Cole Annual Quality Award" for her.
Meghan Kissel Farquhar '10 works for Nebraska Methodist Health System in the NICU.
Dr. Michael Rapp ’76, a biology and natural science major, served as the chief medical officer at Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Lincoln. He oversaw TestNebraska during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nebraska Medical Association named him the 2022 Physician of the Year.
Alva R. Claude E. Welsh M.D., a renowned surgeon, taught at Harvard Medical School, served as an Army surgeon in World War II and advocated for equality in medical treatments.
Kamleh Shaban '06 graduated from Doane with a major in honors biology and a minor in Spanish. As a Fulbright Scholar, she studied Islamic Medical Ethics in Jordan and now works at Children's Hospital Colorado in psychiatry.
Zach Kucera suffered a back injury while on the baseball team at Doane, but returned to the team after chiropractic care.
Public Service and Social Justice
Judi M. Since 1995, has been the executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, promoting opportunities for Nebraska’s Native populations.
Rev. Robert L. Polk Ph.D., was the first Black student to graduate from Doane. He was ordained in 1955 and worked with young people and their families, as well as social justice outreach. Polk was appointed Dean of the Chapel and acting Dean of Students at Dillard University in 1966.
Nicole Tegtmeier ’13 Lawson is an assistant public defender for Douglas County, focusing on juvenile cases. She is the recipient of the 2023 Young Alumni Award.
Science and Technology
Allen "Al" L. Franta worked with the Naval Research Lab doing radar research and for NASA, helping select the sites for Cape Canaveral and Cape Kennedy, and helped build the Goddard Space Center.
A. Worked for the U. Geological Survey, as a private consultant to Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Senegal and Morocco, and as UNESCO consultant to Turkey and Mexico.
John K. Vance worked for the CIA and discovered that the CIA was administering LSD and other drugs to human subjects without consent.
Other Notable Alumni
Ola I. from 1976-1978.
Bryshonne Bryant was a star men's basketball player at Doane.
Marysol Cazares grew in up Juarez, Mexico until she was 10, when she moved to El Paso.
Dr. Bre Carodine is a Happiness Engineer at Flywheel.
Founder of the Asian Rural Institute, a leadership training program that promotes sustainable agriculture and community development in rural Japan.
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