Former President Jody Horner Has Made Lasting Impression on Midland Campus, Community

Former Midland University President Jody Horner is receiving the Midland University Impact Award. She will be honored during the Alumni & Legacy Banquet on Sunday, Sept. 27th at the Wikert Event Center. 

Horner served as the 16th President of Midland University from 2015 to 2025 and saw the university undergo major growth and innovation during her tenure. 

Among the many accomplishments under Horner’s watch included; the addition of a new residence hall (Miller Hall); addition of Eikmeier Commons and renovation of the dining hall, Midland’s 1:1 Initiative, in which every student receives an iPad and Apple Pencil as part of their Midland education; Midland becoming Nebraska’s first university to earn Apple Distinguished School status in 2021; the opening of Midland University Graduate & Online; addition of the Simulation Lab for nursing students at Methodist Fremont Health; addition of multiple new programs, including the Midland Code Academy, Agribusiness, and Midland’s first doctoral degree, a Doctor of Education in Innovation and Leadership; the completion of the $50 million With Purpose campaign (Midland’s largest) in 2020, and launching the Bring Home the Bold campaign in 2022.

Prior to her arrival at Midland, Horner held several key leadership roles in her 30-year career with Cargill Inc., including serving as President of Cargill Meat Solutions, one of Cargill’s largest divisions, with combined revenues of $22 billion and more than 35,000 employees. She is a four-time recipient of the Cargill Business Excellence Award.

Her vast experience in community service includes serving on the board for the Nebraska Methodist Health System, as well as the Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters board, where she helped lead the search for a new CEO. She also served as a Regent for 12 years for St. Olaf College, her alma mater.

“Midland University was an incredibly meaningful chapter of my career, and I’m honored to receive the Impact Award,” Horner said. “What I am most proud of is what we accomplished as a team. I was fortunate to work alongside so many talented and dedicated individuals. I will always be grateful for the memories, experiences, and relationships from my 10 years at Midland.”

Horner and her husband, Blair, have a daughter (Anna O’Reilly), a son (Sam), a son-in-law (Matt O’Reilly), and two grandchildren (Charlotte and Logan).