39 Clifton Builders Prepare to Impact Businesses, Teams, Communities
October 2, 2026
The Clifton Strengths Institute at Nebraska recently welcomed 39 students into the Clifton Builders Program. Through hands-on learning, strengths-based coaching, and leadership development, students prepare to build businesses, lead teams, and strengthen communities.
Housed in the College of Business, the program brings together students with high leadership and entrepreneurial potential to develop their strengths and create positive change. This year’s cohort hails from seven U.S. states and represents academic interests ranging from finance and marketing to biological sciences, pre-nursing, and construction management.
"We use three words to describe the Clifton Builders: stretch, disrupt, and transform," said Tim Hodges, Joan Heiser Endowed Presidential Chair, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute, and associate professor of practice in management. "We are intentional about helping students stretch and develop their unique strengths. Builders disrupt the status quo and work to make it better. They also transform their lives and the lives of those they lead and serve."
The cohort-based program builds a close-knit community from the start, according to Ethan Carlson, the program’s assistant director. Students can declare a Clifton Builders management major or minor and choose a track based on their interests in building businesses, teams, or communities. Each student also works with a Gallup-certified strengths coach to further develop as a leader.
Through three cohort-exclusive classes, these emerging leaders learn how to put their ideas into action and support one another as they create change in their circles of influence, now and into the future.