KEARNEY – To engage alumni, friends and organizations in philanthropic support for the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Darla R. Heggem has been appointed a director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences, and Scott L. Jochum as director of development for the College of Business and Technology and College of Education.
“Darla and Scott have unmatched regard for the university and the tremendous momentum it’s experiencing in every way,” said Lucas Dart, vice present of UNK alumni relations and development. “With their knowledge of the university and love for Nebraska, they are excited to work alongside the individuals and organizations who help make this campus great through their private investments.”
Heggem joined the University of Nebraska Foundation in 2015 as development director for the University of Nebraska Rural Futures Institute. In that role, she implemented major gift fundraising strategies and built key relationships with alumni, organizations and community leaders across Nebraska in advancing the mission of the institute and university.
Before joining the foundation, Heggem served as employee recruitment manager with Twin Cities Development in Scottsbluff, an economic development organization that supports six communities in western Nebraska. She holds a master’s degree in organizational management and economic development.
Heggem said joining the UNK development team is a natural transition from her prior work in rural communities. “I am very enthusiastic about promoting the value of UNK and the opportunities available here,” she said. “I firmly believe in the university’s ability to offer a more personal experience for our students, many of whom return to our Nebraska rural communities to begin their careers.”
Heggem may be contacted at 800-432-3216 or 308-641-1446 or by email at darla.heggem@nufoundation.org.
Vastly familiar with UNK, Jochum received a bachelor’s degree there in 1996 and studied business and technology and industrial technology education. He then earned a Master of Arts in education in 2000. He served UNK for 17 years as an instructor of industrial distribution where he taught, mentored students and helped develop relationships with donors interested in supporting the university program.
“I’m really excited to continue helping UNK in this new role,” Jochum said. “Engaging alumni and donors was a passion of mine as a faculty member, so I look forward to working with them again to grow and build relationships.”
Jochum may be contacted at 800-432-3216 or 308-698-5278 or by email at scott.jochum@nufoundation.org.
