‘I Believe Deeply in the Power of Opportunity’

Burnett Society member Michelle R. Wright has established a planned gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation to support scholarships at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Born in Omaha, Michelle graduated from Northwest High School and began her college career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She later attended UNO but paused her education to relocate with her former military spouse to Texas and, later, Germany. Michelle ultimately returned to UNO and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

What has been your favorite job?

The first job I truly enjoyed was working as an administrative assistant in the audiovisual department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This was back in the days of 16‑millimeter film reels, cameras, graphic illustrators and even repairing VCRs. I loved my supervisor, Ron Pullen, and the close‑knit team I worked with. We often spent time together outside of work.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

My father offered the guidance that shaped my career: “Find a job that you love, and you’ll live a long and happier life.” He believed that life is too short to spend it doing work you don’t enjoy, and I’ve carried that wisdom with me throughout my professional journey.

What is your favorite question to be asked?

I enjoy questions that invite genuine conversation, especially ones like, “What do you enjoy outside of work?” I love sharing the things that bring me joy, whether it’s exercising, listening to audiobooks, volunteering or spending time outdoors. I’m happiest when exploring, attending live concerts, visiting parks and museums, snorkeling, water skiing and hiking. These questions open the door to meaningful connections and allow me to share the experiences that make my life full.

Who has influenced your life most positively?

My parents and grandparents have had the most positive influence in my life. My mother emphasized education, enrolling in summer school every year and encouraging me to have fun and take enrichment classes like swimming and foreign languages.

My grandparents shaped my life through the rhythm of farm life. They owned hundreds of acres of land, and I spent much of my childhood outdoors feeding hogs and cows, raising chickens, tending the garden, mowing grass, walking beans and guiding cattle from one family‑owned farm to another. My grandmother supported both the home and the farm, and I helped her clean the house, prepare meals, can fruit and vegetables, milk cows, maintain the garden and chickens, hunt mushrooms, fish, and pick elderberries.

These experiences taught me the value of hard work, responsibility and gratitude. They’re lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life.

Why do you plan to leave a gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation in your estate?

While working full time in UNO’s audiovisual department, I was encouraged by Mike Carroll, Ph.D., to return to school and pursue my master’s degree. I was familiar with the benefit of reduced tuition from completing my bachelor’s while employed at the university, so I took his advice to heart. His encouragement inspired me to leave my full‑time position and enroll as a full‑time graduate student through the Goodrich Scholarship Program.

Through that opportunity, I completed my Master of Public Administration with very little out‑of‑pocket costs. The MPA gave me an education that shaped my career and opened doors I never imagined.

Leaving a gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation is my way of honoring what the institution invested in me. I believe deeply in the power of opportunity. As a scholarship donor, I hope to help students pursue their dreams with confidence, resilience and purpose.