New board leadership at University of Nebraska Foundation
Two new members were also elected to serve on the foundation’s board of directors
The University of Nebraska Foundation has announced the new leadership of its board of directors. Jane E. Miller of Omaha will serve as chair, and William Lester of Lincoln will serve as chair-elect.
Miller succeeds Angie Muhleisen of Lincoln, who served as board chair for two years. Miller retired in 2022 as president and chief operating officer of Gallup, where she was responsible for all operational and client service aspects of the organization. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She became a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee in 2015 and joined the board of directors in 2017. She initially served on the Governance and Finance Committees, including a term as chair of the Finance Committee. Miller has been the board’s chair-elect since October 2023, serving ex officio on all board committees. She will serve two years as chair, then two more years as immediate past chair. She also serves on the UNL Campaign Committee for Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.
Lester retired in 2024 as president and CEO of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the UNL College of Business. Lester began his career with Ameritas in 1983 as a securities analyst and held key positions throughout the organization. He became a foundation trustee in 2007 and served as a trustee member of the Finance Committee, Investment Committee and multiple subcommittees from 2010 to 2018. He joined the board of directors in 2021 and has served on the Audit, Executive and Investment Committees, and he just concluded serving as chair of the Investment Committee. Now he will serve ex officio on all board committees.
Two new board members were elected: Janet Labenz of Lincoln and John S. Schuele of Omaha.
Labenz is a partner and owner of Labenz & Associates LLC. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNL. Labenz has been a foundation trustee since 2008. She previously served on the Development Committee, Audit Committee and Gift Planning Subcommittee. Labenz was honored by the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants as the 2021 recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Profession Award.
Schuele is president and CEO of Waitt Company. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UNL. Schuele has been a foundation trustee since 2012. He previously served as a member of the foundation’s Finance Committee and is currently a member of the Investment Committee. He’s also a member of the UNL College of Business Campaign Committee for the Only in Nebraska campaign.
Additionally, three board members were re-elected to second terms: Ivan Gilreath of Scottsdale, Arizona, Sandra Massey of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Susan Thaden of Omaha. The new and re-elected board members will serve three-year terms.
“The University of Nebraska Foundation is fortunate to be guided by a dedicated board of directors,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Our board members serve in a volunteer capacity, generously offering their time and expertise in support of the University of Nebraska. Jane Miller and William Lester are both highly respected leaders in their fields. Their unique perspectives and experiences are invaluable as we continue to advance our mission to grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives.”
The board of directors meets three times a year to oversee the foundation’s business affairs. These board transitions were effective following its Oct. 24 meeting.
Here’s a link to the full list of volunteers who serve on the board or one of its committees.
About the University of Nebraska Foundation
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the 2025 fiscal year, a record $416.6 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, a record 60,602 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future is the current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.