When Nanette Hogg arrived in Kearney as an undergraduate, she never imagined she’d build an entire career here – let alone stay for more than three decades. But after joining the staff in Information Technology Services and pursuing advanced degrees, she found both her footing and her future at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
From fielding help desk calls on a bag phone during drives to Lincoln to guiding students through ever-evolving technologies, Hogg built a career defined by resilience, innovation and heart. As department chair, she led through difficult moments, including preserving her department’s programs by designing and launching a new major in under a year.
But at the center of it all were the lightbulb moments in the classroom, the handwritten thank-you notes and the relationships that extended long beyond graduation.
Now retiring as an associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication, Hogg reflects on nearly 32 years at UNK – a journey shaped by mentorship, challenge and a deep commitment to her students.
When did you know this would be your profession?
When ITS hired me and said I could take classes.
How did you decide to come to UNK? Why did you stay?
I came to UNK for my undergraduate work with no intention of staying. A couple of years later, I took a job in ITS at UNK. I earned my master’s from the College of Education and continued classes at UNL for my PhD. Somewhere along the way, I found a home at UNK.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with students and seeing the lightbulbs come on.
Best career advice you’ve received? Who gave it to you?
When I asked for advice about applying for the assistant professor position in the Department of Communication – even though I had completed all my doctoral coursework but not yet finished my dissertation – Dr. Carol Lomicky, a wonderful mentor, told me, “You have the knowledge and passion, so go for it.”
What is your fondest memory of UNK?
So many fond memories – but one that stands out is when one of my daughters arranged for me to hand her the diploma as she walked across the stage.
What’s something about you that few people know?
During my undergraduate typing class, my husband (then boyfriend) would stand outside the class making faces at me through the window while I was trying to type.
How do you measure success in your career?
The posts, shoutouts and emails from former students – and hundreds of handwritten thank-you notes – that’s how I measure success.
Favorite place on campus? Why?
The department’s Macintosh computer lab – because I met and worked with so many students in those labs, across multiple buildings and multiple rooms.
Tell me about the time in your career when you worked the hardest:
When recent budget cuts were announced and two of the department’s majors were on the list, I knew we had to act. With the help of my colleagues, I wrote a new major, got it through the workflow and presented it at the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) meeting. They passed it without concerns – the vote was unanimous. The new major was in the catalog within 10 months.
Most memorable moment from your career at UNK?
So many memorable moments! One that stands out is the day a student called me a nasty name and walked out of class. She didn’t agree with what I told her, and as she left, I reminded her that she needed to complete the class to graduate. Nearly five years later, I received an email: “You were right. I needed to know how to use and work in a content management system.” (This was back when CMS platforms were brand new.)
Also memorable – driving to UNL for classes while using a bag phone to keep the new help desk running.
What are your retirement plans?
I will be at UNK until August to finish some projects, then I hope to catch up on some reading. After 25 years, the house needs to be cleaned out and downsized. We’ll travel to see the kids and grandkids – one granddaughter graduates from chiropractic college in December! I’m looking forward to spending more time in the garden and helping with yard care, things I haven’t been able to enjoy lately. I may consider finishing my textbook and will likely find a place or two to volunteer.
Family: Husband Monte, five children, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren
Hobbies: Traveling, gardening and staying informed about updated and new technologies
