By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Whether she’s in the classroom or in uniform, Seneca Hertel stands out as a leader.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney senior has a natural ability to bring people together and elevate those around her – a quality that’s been evident throughout her time on campus.
“Seneca brings outstanding enthusiasm and strong leadership to the College of Education and the communication disorders program. Her motivation to excel is evident in both her academic work and extracurricular involvement,” said Crystal Hinrichs, a lecturer and clinical educator in the Department of Communication Disorders.
Hertel graduates summa cum laude on Friday with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and minors in special education, military science and behavioral and mental health. She’s also completing the Army ROTC program and will commission Aug. 23 as an officer in the Nebraska Army National Guard.
The Pierre, South Dakota, native has been selected to serve as a logistics officer and platoon leader with the 1075th Transportation Company based in McCook, where she’ll lead roughly 40 soldiers and oversee the movement of equipment, supplies and personnel in support of military operations.
“It’s definitely a handful to be juggling both graduating and commissioning at the same time,” Hertel said, “but it feels extra special to be part of something bigger than myself. I’m graduating, which is super special because I’m getting a degree and I’ve worked really hard for that. But I’ve also worked so hard to graduate from ROTC and I’m proud to be part of something so meaningful and impactful.”
That sense of service and responsibility also drives Hertel’s career path. She’ll attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology – a field she discovered in high school while shadowing a family friend who worked in a school setting.
“I immediately fell in love with it,” she said. “It includes elements of teaching – reading, language, writing and grammar – but you get to work with kids in smaller groups or one-on-one settings. It’s exactly what I was looking for.”
Hertel hopes to specialize in early intervention, working with children from birth to age 4 and helping families establish the foundation for communication development.
“Everyone deserves a voice,” she said. “That’s something a lot of speech-language pathologists say, and it’s true. Communication is so important to being able to live a full and independent life.”
At UNK, Hertel was actively involved in the Kearney Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, serving as vice president, and Christian Student Fellowship. She was also a member of the Ranger Challenge team, competing against other ROTC programs from across the country in high-intensity events such as marksmanship, weapons assembly, grenade assault course, the Army Physical Fitness Test, land navigation and a 10-kilometer road march.
These experiences were instrumental in shaping her leadership style and building lasting relationships.
“I would say the biggest thing for me is UNK gave me the best friends ever,” she said. “It also helped me become more independent and learn more about myself. I’ve gained so much knowledge and confidence over the past four years.”
That growth didn’t go unnoticed.
“Seneca demonstrates qualities that point to a bright future as a clinician,” Hinrichs said. “She is calm, compassionate and dependable. She consistently demonstrates professionalism and empathy and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her future clients.”
Capt. Cannon Marchand called her a great leader and an enabler of team success.
“Seneca brought a great passion for supporting her peers and fellow cadets to ROTC,” said Marchand, an assistant professor and department chair who oversees the ROTC and military science programs. “She was invested in seeing everyone she met succeed and was always the first person to offer a helping hand when needed.”
A recipient of the New Nebraskan Scholarship, ROTC scholarship and education benefits through the National Guard, Hertel is graduating debt-free – something she takes great pride in. She originally chose UNK because it offered something new and different, and the decision paid off in every way.
“I definitely do not regret my decision to come here,” she said. “I’m graduating with a degree I’m excited about and many amazing memories and friends. All the work that I put in over the last four years truly meant something.”
