Here is a look at the most-read stories of 2014 posted by the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s communications and news team.
This is not a subjective list of the top UNK news of the year, although many of these stories fit that label. Instead, this is a snapshot of the stories that you, the reader, clicked on the most when visiting the UNK News website.
TOP STORIES
‘Blacklist’ creator Bokenkamp credits UNK for shaping career
Before his writing career got untracked. Before he graduated from film school, moved to Hollywood and worked with all of the big names. Before he wrote NBC’s new hit show “The Blacklist,” Jon Bokenkamp took classes for two years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
And he continues to cherish those memories and experiences that helped prepare him for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
“After high school, I was the guy who wanted to leave Kearney and go straight to New York or L.A. to pursue a writing and film career. I had no interest in sticking around,” Bokenkamp said. “But nobody, including myself, knew how to guide me and turn that into reality. That was a tall order for a kid from Kearney, Nebraska.”
UNMC, UNK to break ground on $19M Health Science Ed complex
Health-care education and access for central and western Nebraska will take a giant step forward on Friday (April 4) when ground is broken at a 1 p.m. ceremony for a new University of Nebraska project: The Health Science Education Complex at University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The collaboration between University of Nebraska Medical Center and UNK will take the physical form of a $19 million building at the corner of Highway 30 and University Drive on the west edge of UNK’s campus, and comes after more than two years of discussion and planning, development of programs and fundraising.
Josh Lamberson named new head football coach at University of Nebraska at Kearney 
The University of Nebraska at Kearney has hired former Central Missouri assistant coach Josh Lamberson as its head football coach, UNK announced today.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to help carry on the tradition of Loper football and write the next chapter,” Lamberson said. “UNK is a proud program, and Nebraska is a proud football state. We are going to build our program around Nebraska kids and hard-nosed players who are committed to success.”
Lamberson, 32, is a native of Wilber, Neb., and has a career record of 80-30 in nine years as an assistant coach at Central Missouri (39-19), Southeastern Oklahoma State (13-9) and Northwest Missouri State University (28-2).
Wellness Center showcases growing health, exercise science programs
The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s new Wellness Center will attract more students to the nationally-known exercise science education and research program, says Nita Unruh, chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.
“A facility like this for a campus our size is incredible. You’re not going to find a facility like this past Lincoln until you get to Denver. We’re it,” she said.
“I believe this facility is going to be a tremendous recruitment tool for the Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department. Not only for exercise science, but for recreation, sport management and physical education.”
The $6.5 million Wellness Center is a new 19,000-square-foot facility east of Cushing Coliseum. The center opens Aug. 1 and includes program and research space, in addition to a large fitness center for students.
Scotty McCreery headlines April 10 concert at UNK
One of country music’s hottest young stars is making a tour stop this spring at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Scotty McCreery brings his headline tour “See You Tonight ” to Kearney for a 7 p.m. show on April 10 at UNK’s Health and Sports Center. McCreery was named 2013 American Country Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year. In 2011, he was named ACA New Artist of the Year and Best New Artist by the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Plans progress for new University Village development
The University of Nebraska at Kearney has completed the planning stage for development of the 104-acre site now known as University Village – a new campus that will combine public and private resources in a mix of business, retail, office, services, housing, parks and recreation.
The development is planned for an area south of The Buckle headquarters and southwest of UNK’s campus on the south side of Highway 30.
A Loper Legend, Mary Iten retires after 37 years
Mary Iten began her teaching and coaching career when sex discrimination in women’s sports was the norm.
It was the early 1970s.
Tite IX was in its infancy. Athletic scholarships for women were rare. Female athletes received more ridicule than attention.
BEST OF THE REST
Addison Samuelson adopted by UNK basketball team
Sergio Ceja, Cacia Lyon named UNK Homecoming royalty
Student arrested for threat at UNK
Disability Awareness Week: Matt Johnson lives outside the box
New virtual campus experience features UNK
Jane Goodall to speak at UNK March 20
Roepke finds support at UNK after heart disease diagnosis
Child Kinship Caregiving: Welfare of Families, Relationships Drives Toni Hill
New hydration units being installed on campus to reduce bottle waste
Facility improvements, building renovations underway for Loper Athletics
New fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment, rock wall
TOP PHOTO GALLERIES
Health Science Education Complex Groundbreaking
Ten Bands Earn Superior Ratings at NSBA Marching Contest
Queer Straight Alliance Drag Show
