By Noah Johnson
The Loper Success Hub at the University of Nebraska at Kearney had a single goal when it opened its doors on the second floor of the Calvin T. Ryan Library in August 2024.
It wanted to create a community where each student could find the resources and support needed to thrive.
“We wanted the Loper Success Hub to be a place where our students could find a sense of community,” said Aaron Estes, senior director of the Loper Success Hub. “Beyond all of the services we offer, we want students to feel like this is their place and that they are at home.”
The services offered by the Loper Success Hub are plentiful. The newly opened space offers centralized academic support and resources for a variety of campus services, including:
- Academic Advising and Career Development;
- Tutoring and Academic Support;
- Disability Services for Students; and
- TRIO-Student Support Services.
By placing these critical services in one location, Estes said the Loper Success Hub can create a holistic learning environment for UNK’s student body. Additionally, Estes said it is easier to direct students to the resources they need.
“Let’s say I work in Residence Life or I am a professor on campus and a student says, ‘Hey I’m having a really hard time with this situation,’” Estes said. “In a lot of cases, the solution can be found on the second floor of the library. I think we’re already seeing that, and people are finding their way to us.”
Many students entering the Loper Success Hub for the first time are likely there for a specific reason, such as academic advising or tutoring. However, Estes sees those same students returning later in the semester, seeking out a new service after learning about just how much is offered through the Loper Success Hub.
The center also serves as a home for various student organizations and programs, such as First Gen Lopers and Kearney Bound Scholars. Estes said the hub has made it a priority to establish itself as an inclusive space where students can come together.
“We want students to come here and not only feel like they can connect with an adviser or connect with a tutor but also just bring a group of friends or have a student organization come and have an event in,” he said. “This is their place.”
Estes said donor support toward the Loper Success Hub plays a critical role in helping the center succeed, ranging from supplying rolling whiteboards to math tutors to covering the cost for essential equipment that helps the hub function on a daily basis.
Beyond that, Estes said the support from donors plays a major role in achieving a much larger goal: providing students with an accessible, engaging education.
“College education for a lot of these students can just change the whole trajectory of their life from here on out. The support from donors allows us to help those students achieve those goals.”
