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

Renae Zimmer

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

Renae Zimmer

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

Renae Zimmer