The University of Nebraska System has released the latest episode of its "Shaping the Future" video series, featuring Libby Wilkins, president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska student government and student regent for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). The series, hosted by President Jeff Gold, features conversations with researchers, students, educators and partners across the state who are changing lives and making an impact.
In the video, Wilkins explores her journey to becoming a student leader, discusses the roles and responsibilities she holds as student body president and student regent and shares some of the accomplishments her team has achieved—and work yet to complete—during her current term.
Wilkins, a native of Ainsworth, Nebraska, had a strong connection to the university from a young age. Her parents, both UNL graduates, met during their time as new student orientation leaders, and all three of her siblings also attended UNL.
Arriving at UNL as a freshman, it didn’t take long for Wilkins to understand why UNL—and specifically East Campus—is such a special place. She recalls a moment of kindness from a CASNR staff member:
“When I came to East Campus, I was greeted by Sue Ellen Pegg and immediately knew this place would be home,” she said. “It felt like a small community—with greater resources than the community I had come from—and that people truly cared about me and my success.”
During her first two years on campus, Wilkins was involved in several clubs and organizations. By the beginning of her junior year, she began to search for opportunities to expand her leadership experience. At the time, Wilkins was considering running for president of her sorority, Chi Omega. But others around her provided encouragement to aim higher: a run for student body president.
“I quickly started diving into ASUN’s role and advocacy,” she said. “A fire began developing inside of me when I recognized the ability that student government had to both be advocates for students and foster the next leaders for our state and country.”
Wilkins’ term in ASUN student government has focused heavily on engaging UNL’s student body in student government and investing, equipping and empowering students to lead. Recent efforts included a leadership development event for student organization leaders to engage with one another and connect with campus administrators.
“A rising tide lifts all boats,” Wilkins said. “If we want our university to thrive and if we want our organizations to thrive, we have to do so together.”
Wilkins and her ASUN colleagues are also working on the rollout of a campus late-night ride program and continuing to listen to and build partnerships with students and organizations across campus to ensure their voices and ideas are heard.
Dr. Gold congratulated Wilkins on her accomplishments and thanked her for her strong leadership on campus:
“Anything that enhances campus safety and the well-being of our students, we have to champion,” he said. “I am grateful for your engagement and congratulate you on your leadership in making that possible.”
New episodes of “Shaping the Future” are released monthly and feature faculty, staff, students and partners from across the university’s four campuses and the state of Nebraska. Topics will include athletics, counterterrorism, student success, healthcare, K-12 education and others.