Hogans Establish Franchise Leadership Program at Nebraska
Nebraska Today
October 9, 2026
Hogans Establish Franchise Leadership Program at Nebraska
By Sheri Irwin-Gish | Business
Kimberly Smith | Business
A gift from Paul and Lori Hogan has established the Hogan Franchise Leadership Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business. This program brings together franchise courses, experiential learning, internships, and the Husker Franchise Club, making it accessible to students from all majors.
"We see Nebraska quickly earning a worldwide reputation for franchising," Paul said. "We want students to know if they want to understand franchising or become great franchise leaders, there is no better place than Nebraska."
Open to students across the university, the program offers:
- Franchise courses
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Internships
- The Husker Franchise Club
Students can explore the franchise model, network with franchise owners and industry professionals, and develop skills for business ownership and leadership.
The program builds on growing student interest in franchising and the work of the Center for Entrepreneurship, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this fall. This center provides resources and programs to support students interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, and family businesses while connecting them with the local business community.
"We want students to recognize that Nebraska is one of the few universities that has a Franchise Leadership Program," Paul said. "This program gives students a truly unique franchise leadership foundation."
Paul emphasized the program's focus on leadership as crucial:
“Today there are higher expectations among franchisors and other companies serving franchise organizations, and this program will help UNL students have an advanced level of understanding so they can quickly contribute,” Paul said. “They are looking for people who not only learned about franchising but also possess strong leadership skills."