
In the Lounge with Renae Zimmer
Sep 23, 2025
| 29 mins

Description
Transcript
Join us In the Lounge as we sit down with Renee Zimmer – Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. We explore her unique journey from outside sales and tech to higher education, and how her diverse background shapes her approach to student affairs. Renee shares insights on post-COVID changes in student engagement, the power of data-driven programming, and why smaller, authentic experiences are resonating with today's students. From DIY events to financial literacy programs, discover how she's creating meaningful connections and preparing students for an evolving career landscape. Learn about her advice for career changers entering higher education and her perspective on building impactful student experiences in today's rapidly changing world.
00:00 — Intro
01:21 — Journey into Higher Education
08:28 — Post-COVID Changes in Student Engagement
10:52 — What's Working: DIY Events & Holistic Support
12:54 — Finding Hidden Communities & Supporting New Organizations
15:36 — The Data Behind Student Engagement Success
19:05 — Future Opportunities & AI in Higher Education
21:32 — Advice to Younger Self: Connection & Impact
23:37 — Beyond the Job: Personal Life & Passions
Description
Transcript
Join us In the Lounge as we sit down with Renee Zimmer – Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. We explore her unique journey from outside sales and tech to higher education, and how her diverse background shapes her approach to student affairs. Renee shares insights on post-COVID changes in student engagement, the power of data-driven programming, and why smaller, authentic experiences are resonating with today's students. From DIY events to financial literacy programs, discover how she's creating meaningful connections and preparing students for an evolving career landscape. Learn about her advice for career changers entering higher education and her perspective on building impactful student experiences in today's rapidly changing world.
00:00 — Intro
01:21 — Journey into Higher Education
08:28 — Post-COVID Changes in Student Engagement
10:52 — What's Working: DIY Events & Holistic Support
12:54 — Finding Hidden Communities & Supporting New Organizations
15:36 — The Data Behind Student Engagement Success
19:05 — Future Opportunities & AI in Higher Education
21:32 — Advice to Younger Self: Connection & Impact
23:37 — Beyond the Job: Personal Life & Passions
Description
Transcript
Join us In the Lounge as we sit down with Renee Zimmer – Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. We explore her unique journey from outside sales and tech to higher education, and how her diverse background shapes her approach to student affairs. Renee shares insights on post-COVID changes in student engagement, the power of data-driven programming, and why smaller, authentic experiences are resonating with today's students. From DIY events to financial literacy programs, discover how she's creating meaningful connections and preparing students for an evolving career landscape. Learn about her advice for career changers entering higher education and her perspective on building impactful student experiences in today's rapidly changing world.
00:00 — Intro
01:21 — Journey into Higher Education
08:28 — Post-COVID Changes in Student Engagement
10:52 — What's Working: DIY Events & Holistic Support
12:54 — Finding Hidden Communities & Supporting New Organizations
15:36 — The Data Behind Student Engagement Success
19:05 — Future Opportunities & AI in Higher Education
21:32 — Advice to Younger Self: Connection & Impact
23:37 — Beyond the Job: Personal Life & Passions