Rex Nelson, Extension Educator, Unit Leader
Rex Nelson is an Extension Educator and Unit Leader for Nebraska Extension in Nebraska City. As part of the Rural Prosperity Nebraska team at UNL, his work seeks to build stronger rural communities in two primary areas: Working in business development in regional food systems and agri-tourism, he supports growth of the local food industry. His work also includes community strategic planning and development, with a goal of creating and supporting strong rural communities through effective planning and leadership, entrepreneurship, recruiting new residents and engaging youth and young adults.
Nelson grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm near Curtis Nebraska, and operated the farm upon receiving his B.S. in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He has served as adjunct faculty of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis Nebraska. He served as Executive Director of McCook Economic Development, in the rural community of McCook Nebraska, practicing business and community development and entrepreneurship support.
He holds the Master of Agri-Business designation from Kansas State University. His thesis research entitled “Causes of Retail Trade in Nebraska”, a collaborative project with Dr. Bruce Johnson of UNL and Dr. David Darling at KSU, was subsequently published by Great Plains Research.
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Kim Wellsandt, Program and Marketing Associate
Kim is the program associate for Nebraska Extension's Co-Parenting for Successful Kids courses. In addition to co-parenting, she provides online support to course participants enrolled in Early Childhood and other Nebraska Extension online programs.
Through innovative ideas and creative design of special projects, Kim provides marketing & communication support to staff and faculty at Nebraska Extension. Brochures, flyers, posters and logos are some of her favorite projects. She also assists with customer service, technology, social media and various office assignments.
Kim earned her Journalism degree, with emphasis in design, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her career experience in communication design, printing, publishing and marketing for small business owners in southeast Nebraska, brings a unique set of skills to this team. Kim and her husband Kurt reside on a farm near Talmage, Nebraska.
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