Rural Innovation and Development

Change

The Rural Innovation and Development team has a comprehensive mission focused on strengthening communities, economies, and businesses throughout Nebraska. Their approach emphasizes leadership and collaboration, particularly through the Rural Prosperity Nebraska (RPN) initiative, which supports local economies, community leadership, and development efforts across the state. This team’s work is deeply connected to the University’s outreach mission, fostering partnerships with communities, industries, and global collaborators to broaden engagement and ensure that research, teaching, and outreach initiatives reflect local and global needs. 

Coursework
Community Economic Development Courses

Undergraduate Rural Development Courses

  • AECN 276 - Rural Sociology
  • AECN 376 - Rural Community Economics
     

Rural Economic and Community Vitality Graduate Certificate Program
12 credit hours, six hours of required core courses and six hours of electives

Public Participation & Engagement (P2E)
10 Module Non-Credit Microcredential (Badge) Course
 

Tools
Community Programs and Tools

Buy Fresh/Buy Local® Nebraska 
A member-based marketing, promotion, and education program
 

Marketing Hometown America (MHA)
Engaging Community for Newcomer Attraction and Resident Retention
 

Entrepreneurial Community Action Process (ECAP)
Focusing community for Positive Change
 

Nebraska Cooperative Development Center
Providing Assistance to Multi-Owner Enterprises
 

Collaborations
Collaborations 

Nebraska Rural Poll
Annual Survey of Rural Nebraskans
 

Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Nebraska Extension Team for Rural Community Development
 

Nebraska Broadband
Broadband Industry resources
 

People

  1. Avatar for Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel
    Exten Professor Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    4502 Ave I
    Scottsbluff NE 69361-4939
    Phone
    Work 3086321234
    Email
    cburkhartkriesel1@unl.edu
  2. Avatar for Skylar Falter
    O/S On Call Worker Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    FYH 58F
    Lincoln NE 68583-0922
    Phone
    Work 402-472-5273 On-campus 2-5273
    Email
    sfalter@unl.edu
  3. Avatar for Cindy Houlden
    Program Coord II Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    711 10th Ave
    Kearney NE 68845
    Phone
    Work 3082936417
    Email
    choulden2@unl.edu
  4. Avatar for Daniela Mattos
    Asst Prof Practice Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    FYH 58D
    Lincoln NE 68583-0922
    Phone
    Work 402-472-1906 On-campus 2-1906
    Email
    dmattos2@unl.edu
  5. Avatar for Charlotte Narjes
    Assoc Exten Educator Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    FYH 58C
    Lincoln NE 68583-0922
    Phone
    Work 402-472-1724 On-campus 2-1724
    Email
    cnarjes1@unl.edu
  6. Avatar for Marilyn Schlake
    Assoc Exten Educator Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    FYH 58B
    Lincoln NE 68583-0922
    Phone
    Work 402-472-4138 On-campus 2-4138
    Email
    mschlake1@unl.edu
  7. Avatar for Eastlyn Wright
    Program Coordinator Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    FYH 58E
    Lincoln , NE 68583-0922 ,
    Phone
    Work 402-472-5273 On-campus 2-5273
    Email
    ewright29@unl.edu