S12 inspire: celebrating women’s leadership
www.kearneyhub.com Kearney Hub SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
Finalists
Sponsored by: Excellence in Education
Amber Kretuzer is the Principal of Horizon Middle School, leading with vision, integrity, and heart. She is deeply committed to student growth both inside and outside the classroom and is a familiar presence at student activities and athletic events, celebrating accomplishments across middle and high school. Former students from her time as a teacher and Student Council sponsor at Kearney High continue to stay in touch, reflecting her lasting impact and the meaningful relationships she builds with students. Amber’s leadership extends beyond her building. She mentors new educators, particularly young women beginning their careers, and has taken on influential roles across the region and state, serving as a model for her principal colleagues. She participated as a mentor in Kearney Public Schools’ Ascend program, guiding future leaders within the district and helping shape the next generation of educational leaders.
Dr. Julie Shaffer Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs University of Nebraska at Kearney
Amber Lewis- Kreutzer Principal Horizon Middle School
Recognized for her dedication to education, Amber has received the 2016 Gildersleeve, Stoddard, Stone Award for Service to Geographic Education, 2017 Nebraska Council Association of Student Councils Advisor of the Year, 2024 NSASSP New Principal of the Year, and 2025 Region IV NSASSP Middle School Principal of the Year. Outside of school, Amber enjoys time with her husband, Brent, and daughters Eleanor and Amelia, watching soccer, and pursuing her Education Specialist degree and Doctorate at Doane. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication make her an inspiring leader and a true asset to her students, colleagues, and community.
Julie J. Shaffer, Ph.D., has dedicated her career to advancing higher education, mentoring students, and strengthening opportunities for women in science. Currently serving as Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), she provides strategic leadership for academic programs, faculty development, and student success initiatives across campus. Dr. Shaffer earned her doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and joined UNK as a faculty member, steadily rising to the rank of full professor. She chaired the Department of Biology for six years before assuming her current role in 2023. Her scholarly record includes 19 peer-reviewed articles, a book chapter, and more than $1 million in grant funding. She has held prominent professional roles, including President of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and President of the Missouri Valley Branch of the American Society for Microbiology. A passionate advocate for undergraduate research, Dr. Shaffer helped design UNK’s Summer Student Research Program and contributed to the Undergraduate Research Fellows and NIH-funded INBRE initiatives. She has mentored scores of students, 15 of whom published journal articles under her guidance. By fostering one-on-one research experiences, she empowers students to grow academically, develop confidence, and envision meaningful futures in science and education. Committed to expanding access for women in STEM, Dr. Shaffer collaborated with colleagues in biology to develop curriculum and mentoring programs encouraging young women to pursue scientific careers. Her leadership has helped create an inclusive academic environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. Beyond the university, Julie is an active member of First Baptist Church, PEO, and the Buffalo Belles ladies riding club. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Bill, and their daughter, Becca. Through her scholarship, mentorship, and steadfast dedication to student achievement, Dr. Julie Shaffer exemplifies the spirit of educational excellence and continues to inspire the next generation of scholars and leaders.
Dr. Letitia “Letty” Reichart is a Full Professor and Co-Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she has been teaching and mentoring students for 17 years. She earned her PhD in Zoology from Washington State University in 2008 and has dedicated her career to making biology accessible, exciting, and meaningful for students of all ages. Letty has mentored dozens of undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have presented research at national conferences, and she takes pride in supporting students as they discover their passions and achieve their goals. Beyond the classroom, Letty is an active community member. She has served on the boards of the Kearney Area Animal Shelter and the Safe Center Purses for a Purpose Fundraiser, delivers engaging bird talks at the Iain Nicolson Rowe Audubon Sanctuary, and organizes Sandhill Crane events and teaching workshops through the Nebraska Academy of Sciences. She has also created educational programs for local schools, scouts, children’s museums, and summer camps.
Dr. Letitia Reichart Professor & Co-Chair, Department. of Biology University of Nebraska at Kearney
Passionate about birds, wildlife, and outdoor life, Letty enjoys birding, camping, fishing, Zumba, singing in her church choir, and painting ceramics. She lives near Gibbon, Nebraska, with her husband, Dale, their son Matthew, two dogs, and two cats, while staying closely connected to her family in Pennsylvania. Known for her warmth, approachability, and infectious curiosity, Letty inspires students, colleagues, and community members alike. She doesn’t just teach biology—she builds connections, sparks curiosity, and leaves people feeling seen, valued, and excited to learn.
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