Posted: 6/3/2024
Mott takes reins in recruiting and retaining grad students
By Ronica Stromberg
In her new position as the recruitment and retention coordinator for the School of Natural Resources, Brooke Mott is all N.
She graduated from Nebraska with both of her bachelor's degrees, in classical studies and fisheries and wildlife, and her master’s degree, in natural resources with a focus on human dimensions.
"Apparently, I can't stay away from UNL for too long," she joked with Inside SNR. "I loved my time at UNL, and I loved being involved in helping build the community and friendships and getting to know everyone."
Trenton Franz, a hydrogeophysics professor serving on the hiring committee, said the committee was excited to welcome Mott back to the School of Natural Resources.
"We selected Brooke given her great experience and obvious deep affection for SNR," he said. "Brooke is a former SNR graduate student and will continue to make the graduate student experience top-notch."
Mott started June 3, coming from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, where she had worked as an environmental specialist since July 2023. Prior to that, in 2021-2023, she was a master’s student and served as the social chair for the Graduate Student Association in the School of Natural Resources.
She said she expects her experience having gone through the program and worked in the field to be a benefit in her new role.
"Through my master’s and what I've done, I've come to realize I love talking with people and doing education and communication and event planning, but I'm also very passionate about natural resources and wildlife and the world around us," she said.
She laid out plans to build community among graduate students and create events and spaces for them to meet, work together and explore interests. She said she hopes to start with regular one-on-one meetings with students to get to know them and help them stay on track and find resources.
"I really want to work on having an open-door policy and a good repertoire with me and any student that needs help," she said. "I know that I always wanted to come in and talk in person and figure things out, and my advisors definitely helped get me through everything. I was in their office all the time. So, I really want to build up that relationship with the students."
She said she would especially like to brainstorm with students from outside Nebraska on what would be helpful to them because the move could be a difficult transition.
"I’d love to make sure that they have a buddy or a support system when they need help in that area,” she said.
Other students who are already involved in the school and are passionate and care could also help with retention and recruitment, she said.
Other plans she listed include developing a handbook and organizational documents to help students plan their classes and reach graduation.
Outside of work, she is learning American Sign Language, owns a pug named Archie and is a 'big bird nerd' who owns an AI bird feeder that sends her bird photos with species identification. She belongs to three book clubs and enjoys mysteries, thrillers, fantasy and retellings of Greek myths.
She encouraged others to come to her office on the ninth floor and introduce themselves.
"I just want people to know I'm really excited to be here," she said. "I love SNR and if anyone ever feels like saying hi or dropping by, please feel free, or else I am probably going to try to make myself known and say hi to anyone, so don't be surprised if I just start talking to people in the hallways."
