How You Can Get Involved in This Exciting Campaign

• Make a gift to the Women of Midland Scholarship Fund in honor of a bold woman who impacted your life.
• Share a story of a Midland woman--professor, staff or family member, alumnus, or friend - to recognize them.
• Spread the word, and encourage others to give and share stories
• Contact us to learn more about starting a scholarship, contributing to a special project or existing scholarship, or making a planned gift.

Bold Women of Midland Spotlights

In 2023, we celebrate bold women. These are the women who forged paths, displayed courage, pressed on, and blazed trails for future generations. Many of these women were the first in their fields to succeed. Who do you know was the first woman in their field to achieve a goal no one thought they would?

2022 Women of Midland Spotlights

Midland’s women of impact emphasized academic achievement, personalized interaction, and spiritual enhancement. Our alumni wear signature imprints from their interactions with them. Click on the photographs to read more about each "Woman of Midland".

Thank You to the Women of Midland Campaign Donors

Women of Midland Stories

Read inspirational stories about women, shared by alumni and friends. Who do you know was the first woman in their field to achieve a goal? Who do you know was the first woman in your family to get a college degree? Who do you know was a bold and courageous woman who paved the way and inspired you? To share a story about a Midland woman, please complete the Women of Midland Stories Form.

Jolene graduated from Midland in 2014. Throughout college she was involved in residence life and the fine arts, including Chamber Choir, Mixed Choir, Clef Dwellers, Band, and Theatre. She got her undergrad in K-12 Vocal Music Education and went on to be a choir director and musical director for 5 years. She then realized she wanted to help students on a deeper level in and out of the classroom so she went on to get her Master’s of Science in 7-12 Grade School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health, and then got a Post Master’s Certificate in Cyberbullying and Suicide Prevention. She’s currently living and working out in Southwest Nebraska in McCook where she works as a school counselor at McCook High School. Throughout her years there, she has helped many students in different aspects. She helps students with academic struggles, social-emotional needs, class scheduling, post-secondary planning, IEPs, 504 plans, attendance concerns, and credit recovery, along with many other supports and advocacy. When you ask Jolene what she likes best about her job, she’ll tell you that she enjoys relationship-building and simply helping students.

Desiree is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been leading licensure efforts for behavior analysts in the state of Nebraska, pursuing her doctorate, and providing high-quality behavior analytic services to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a leader in licensure efforts, Desiree has worked tirelessly to promote the regulation of behavior analysis, ensuring that practitioners are held to high standards of ethical and professional conduct. Her efforts have led the practice act for behavior analysts to the floor of the Nebraska Legislature.

Desiree also demonstrates her passion for the growth of behavior analysis by serving as a teaching assistant for master's students in UNO/UNMC's Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis program. Desiree also serves as the continuing education coordinator for the Nebraska Association of Behavior Analysis, dedicating her time to assisting with continuing education of practicing behavior analysts in Nebraska.

The most important Midland Woman in my life was my beloved wife, Betty Hansen, who passed away in 2021. For nearly 20 years, she was my support, cheerleader, and true "help-mate" in the years I was president of Midland Lutheran College. She made home a welcome respite in times of challenge and a home or celebration in times of success. She always there for our children and me .... as well engaged in all aspects of campus life. She loved being an active member of Midland Women, cheering on Midland Athletics, musical and drama events, an opening our home to Midland students -- especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas for those who could not travel to their own homes on the holidays.

Emma Strom, a freshman at Midland University, was a barrier breaking athlete in Colorado for women in football. She was the first female skill player to win a state title in football. Emma was a leader on and off the field for her team and school. Her athletic achievements guided many other young girls to be brave and join football the following year when her high-school offered their first ever female flag football team.

Make a Gift to Support the Women of Midland Campaign