By MARY CHVATAL
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – A University of Nebraska at Kearney graduate is back at his alma mater to help elevate the college experience for fellow Lopers.
DJ Hardwick was a homecoming king and standout student at UNK, serving in roles such as New Student Enrollment leader, resident assistant, student ambassador and chief justice for Student Court.
The Benkelman native earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies in 2022, then completed a master’s in higher education and student affairs administration at Buffalo State University in New York.
Now, he’s starting his first year at UNK without the student title. Hardwick is working in the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership as assistant director of Student and Family Transitions – a position he’s quite familiar with.
“One of the most meaningful opportunities as a student was working in the First Year Program as it transitioned to Student and Family Transitions,” said Hardwick, a former student coordinator for the office. “Being part of that experience as a student gave me a front-row seat to how important these programs are and the impact they can have.”
During his time as an undergraduate, Hardwick worked closely with Renae Zimmer, director of UNK Student Engagement. He focused on creating a welcoming environment for incoming freshmen and transfer students – and that’s exactly what he gets to do today.
“This role is a balance of planning, strategy and people work, and it keeps me on my toes in the best way,” Hardwick explained.
The job looks different each day, as he manages not only student transitions but also familial. Among his many tasks, Hardwick plans events such as the annual Blue Gold Welcome activities and communicates with new students and their families – things he was learning about as an undergraduate.
During his time away from UNK, Hardwick gained valuable experience at other institutions across the country, including the University of California, Merced, Oklahoma State University, Buffalo State University and University of Delaware. These opportunities allowed him to see how different campuses support students and families, giving him a wide perspective that he now brings back to UNK.
“I’ve had the chance to learn from a variety of campuses, and that experience has prepared me to step into this role and make sure our transition programs are the very best they can be,” said Hardwick, who’s a member of professional organizations such as the National Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Student Affairs Assessment Leaders and Society for College and University Planning.
At the end of the day, Hardwick returned to UNK to help people who are in the same position he was once in. As a first-generation college student, he was lost and confused his freshman year. And without parents who had experienced college to help, he relied on faculty and staff for guidance.
“What really sealed the deal for my return was knowing I would get to play a role in helping new students and families navigate UNK the same way others once helped me,” said Hardwick, who was a driving force behind the First-Gen Lopers student organization.
“It felt like coming full circle, not just coming back to Nebraska, but coming back to the very campus that shaped me. This campus, and Nebraska, will always be home.”
His goal is to make sure other Lopers share the same feeling.
“I am excited to know that the work we do has a direct impact on how students experience their first year here,” Hardwick said, “and that is something I take a lot of pride in.”
