If you gave Jake Boley a time machine, he wouldn’t use it to change any aspect of his life as a Loper.
“The experiences that I had at UNK helped me grow into the best version of myself,” he says. “I definitely got the most out of my education and time here at Kearney.”
Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Boley came to UNK as a wrestling recruit and was part of two NCAA Division II national championship teams. He earned MIAA Academic Honor Roll recognition all four years and was a three-time Division II Scholar All-American.
“I could easily write a 15-page paper about my time with UNK wrestling,” Boley says. “Wrestling at UNK has been a dream come true. I was able to master my craft and wrestle at a high level. The people on this team are my best friends; they’ve been like a second family to me over the past four years. Most of all, my experience on the wrestling team taught me so much about dedication, discipline, grit and the importance of a strong mindset.”
Off the mat, Boley was part of the UNK Honors Program, Pre-Vet Club, Chemistry Club and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He maintained an impressive 3.95 GPA while studying chemistry with a health science emphasis and completing minors in German, history and biology.
After graduating summa cum laude on Friday, he will attend veterinary school at Kansas State University.
What got you interested in veterinary medicine?
My dad is a veterinarian, so I got to see what life in the profession is like. What I find most interesting about the veterinary field is that one must be knowledgeable about numerous species and procedures. Plus, it’s a hands-on job. I also think that as a veterinarian I will have a great opportunity to serve my community.
What are the strengths of UNK’s pre-veterinary program?
I think the most important strength is the relationships that you build through the program. Dr. Letty Reichart, who’s our adviser, does a fabulous job guiding us through the coursework and the application process. She genuinely cares about her students and wants us all to succeed. The program also allowed me to build friendships with other pre-vet students as we worked through the same classes.
How did the program prepare you for veterinary school?
This program was crucial in my professional development as it was a marvelous resource in answering various questions and ensuring that I was taking the right classes. The pre-vet program has a strong relationship with numerous vet clinics in town, which allowed for plenty of opportunities to shadow and learn from veterinarians. These opportunities really helped solidify that this was a profession that I wanted to pursue. I really appreciated this program as it helped ensure that I was on the right path and provided numerous opportunities to grow as an individual and as a future veterinarian.
What’s your most memorable experience at UNK?
My most memorable experience is winning the 2025 NCAA Division II team wrestling championship with my teammates this past March. Four years of hard work and dedication paid off with my teammates and I achieving our goal. It was an incredibly magical experience, and I will cherish it for a long time.
Who was the most influential person during your undergraduate career?
Wrestling coaches Andrew Sorenson and Dalton Jensen are probably the most influential people for me. They not only helped me grow as a wrestler, but they truly cared about my personal development and academic goals. They would always give me great advice and they really helped me break out of my shell. Without their mentorship, my time at UNK would not have been as impactful.
What’s your favorite thing about UNK?
What I love most about UNK is the people. Everyone is extremely kind, and they genuinely care about you, your growth and your education. The professors want you to truly understand the material and they want to get to know you. The people in the Kearney community really love the university and were always extremely friendly. The students at UNK were so nice and I always felt like I belonged here. Without the people at UNK, this university would be completely different.
What advice do you have for current and future Lopers?
Make your experience at UNK your own. Have fun. Go out and meet new people. Make an effort to learn something new every day. Ask questions and get to know your professor. Go to more athletic events, because they are fun. Make time to spend with your family and friends. And don’t forget to stop, smell the roses, and enjoy life.
