The Undergraduate and Graduate Student Advisory Boards serve as liaisons between students and the college deans, faculty and staff. The role of this board is to provide the student perspective regarding curriculum, college climate, and issues affecting students. SAB members are invited to serve on college committees and review the Hixson-Lied student grants.
Eligibility
The FPA Student Advisory Boards seek hard-working, responsible individuals who are interested in both the wellbeing of the college and enhancing students’ experience.
Requirements for consideration are:
1) Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.
2) Student is in good standing Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and the University of Nebraska.
Membership
Undergraduates
The undergraduate board (USAB) consists of 13 member students, four (4) students each from the School of Art and Art History & Design, the Glenn Korff School of Music and the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, and the College ASUN Representative.
Members are selected during the spring semester to fill vacancies. Interested students should complete the application below. New members will be invited to attend the April meeting SAB meeting, but their official role begins in August. Undergraduates who are accepted and stay in good standing with the board are members until their graduation from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln OR until they choose to terminate membership.
USAB typically meets the last Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Woods Art Building.
Undergraduate SAB Application Form
Graduate Students
The graduate board (GSAB) consists of 6 students, two (2) students each from the School of Art and Art History & Design, the Glenn Korff School of Music and the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. Members are nominated by the school director or designee and typically serve a two-year term. New members will be invited to attend the April meeting SAB meeting, but their official role begins in August.
GSAB typically meets the last Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Woods Art Building.
Questions? Please contact Emily Griffin Overocker.
Undergraduate Board Members
School of Art, Art History & Design
Katie Dia
Originally from Nebraska City, Nebraska, Katie Dia is pursuing a B.F.A. in studio art with an emphasis in painting in the School of Art, Art History & Design. “After touring campus, I fell in love with the community at UNL and the Hixson-Lied College, and soon realized the arts were where I truly belonged. Art has always been a meaningful part of my life, thanks to my mom, who encouraged my creativity from a young age. I hope to become an art teacher and muralist in the future, and I’m excited to be teaching painting classes and sharing my work at the Self-Expression’s gallery this year,” she said.
Sophia Harding
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Sophia Harding is pursuing a double major in graphic design in the School of Art, Art History & Design (B.A.) and computer science in the College of Engineering. “I chose UNL for its close-knit community within a large university, which has allowed me to build strong connections through the Hixson-Lied College,” she said. “I’m especially interested in UI/UX and product design because of the impact thoughtful, accessible design can have on people’s lives. My goal is to work in product design, combining creativity and technology to create meaningful user experiences, and I’m currently gaining industry experience as a product design intern at Hudl.”
Sammy Konecky
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Sammy Konecky is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design in the School of Art, Art History & Design. “I chose UNL because it felt like the perfect balance of staying close to home while still experiencing something new, and the Hixson-Lied College offered the creative space I knew I needed,” she said. “I’ve always loved combining computer work with artistic expression, which led me to graphic design. After graduation, I hope to work at a local agency before eventually moving to a larger creative city. I’m excited to serve as an Art Director at Jacht, gaining leadership experience in the field I love.”
Glenn Korff School of Music
Jennifer Castle
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Jennifer Castle is pursuing her Bachelor of Music Education in the Glenn Korff School of Music. “Nebraska has always felt like home, and through my time here, I discovered a true passion for teaching music after becoming involved with the ensembles and community in the Hixson-Lied College,” she said. “Music has shaped who I am, and I hope to one day lead my own choir or show choir program while continuing photography on the side. I’m excited to perform in Legally Blonde this summer and to return as a camp counselor for the National Show Choir Camp. I’m grateful to the mentors who have supported me on this journey, and proud to be a first-generation student.”
Daniel Helzer
Daniel Helzer is a senior dual major in music in the Glenn Korff School of Music and anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film
Delaney Davis
Delaney Davis, of Omaha, Nebraska, is pursuing her B.A. in theatre (creation) in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. She chose the University of Nebraska–Lincoln because it offered strong training, meaningful experiences and the chance to stay close to home. “I’ve always found the arts to be a powerful outlet for expression, and my love for theatre began when I first performed in a middle school play. I plan to pursue directing and arts advocacy, and I’m excited to be serving as the Dramaturg for Theatrix this semester as I continue building my skills and preparing for my future in the field,” she said.
Nyssa Fernandez
Nyssa Fernandez is a sophomore emerging media arts major in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.
Kolby Hunt
Kolby Hunt is a junior emerging media arts major in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.
Sam Landretti
Sam Landretti is a junior acting major in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.
Graduate Board Members
School of Art, Art History & Design
Brian Garbrecht
Brian Garbrecht is a multidisciplinary artist and third-year graduate student in the School of Art, Art History & Design. In 2022 he received his BFA from Northeastern Illinois University. Brian's current work mixes video, photography, sound, archives, and installation to explore the ideas of memory, popular media, and identity.
Amy Sanders
Amy Sanders is pursuing an M.F.A. in studio art with an emphasis in ceramics in the School of Art, Art History & Design. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, she was drawn to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln because of its strong legacy of successful potters and ceramicists. “I love the tactile expression that ceramics allows,” she said. “My career goal is to become a professor and continue sharing my craft with others. This semester, I’m excited to teach my first course and further my research. I’ve also been fortunate to grow through residencies across the country and abroad, including a recent two-month residency at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Japan.”
Glenn Korff School of Music
Tierra Cassens
Tierra Cassens is pursuing a D.M.A. in piano performance in the Glenn Korff School of Music. She is originally from Huron, South Dakota. “After my auditions, it became clear that UNL was the right place for me—its supportive faculty and encouraging atmosphere have guided both my master’s and doctoral studies. I love the sense of discovery that music provides and the way the piano connects people through shared experiences. In the future, I hope to combine teaching, performing, and creative work in a role that supports the next generation of musicians. I’m currently preparing for my next recital while enjoying ongoing collaborations with fellow artists,” she said.
Evan LeBouef
Evan LeBouef is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Jazz Studies with an emphasis in Jazz Composition in the Glenn Korff School of Music. A native of Texas, Evan's musical journey began in high school, where he arranged for his school band and composed for his own rock and jazz groups. He earned both a B.A. and M.M. in Music from Lamar University, as well as a Professional Certificate in Jazz Composition and Arranging from Berklee College of Music.
Evan works closely with UNL’s composition and jazz faculty and regularly travels across the country to conduct clinics and collaborate with jazz ensembles and programs of all levels. His research interests include the influence of guitar effect pedals on popular music and the effective orchestration of diverse musical genres within the jazz idiom.
Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film
Abbie Phelan
Abigail “Abbie” Phelan is pursuing her MFA in theatre arts (lighting design) in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. Originally from Keithville, Louisiana, she chose the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for the theatre program. “I fell in love with lighting because of the way the arts help us explore the world and tell meaningful stories. I’m excited to design my first show at UNL and continue growing as an artist, with hopes of building a diverse career in lighting design and eventually becoming a professor. I’m grateful for the mentors and family who have supported me along the way,” she said.
Sariah Roberts
Originally from Chantilly, Virginia, Sariah Roberts is pursuing an MFA in theatre arts with an emphasis in stage design in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. “I chose UNL for its smaller, collaborative program, which has given me the chance to work closely with faculty and design for the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. I’m drawn to scenic design because of the way the arts connect people through storytelling and shared human experiences. My goal is to build a career as a full-time scenic designer, and I’m currently excited to be working on my thesis production of Bright Star, opening next spring,” she said.