Scholars Academy: Judson Hixson

The UNO College of Business Administration Scholars Academy is a close-knit community of ambitious, high-achieving business students who want to challenge themselves while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

During this four-year program, Scholars are mentored by Omaha-area business professionals, take special business courses taught by award-winning faculty, and gain real-world experience through community engagement and international travel. They also receive generous scholarships.

Scholars are selected the spring of their senior year in high school after a rigorous and competitive application process.

Meet new member Judson Hixson of Randolph, Nebraska.

Why did you choose UNO?

I chose UNO because there were multiple people from my hometown, Randolph, Nebraska, who have gone through this college. They all had great things to say about this university and the business college. One of the people I have known my whole life is currently in the CBA Scholars cohort a year ahead of what I will be. Once he told me about the Scholars program and his experience at UNO, I was confident that this was the right place for me.

Why did you choose business as a major?

I chose business as my major mostly because of my parents' influence. That is not to say that they forced me into anything, because they did not. They both have successful careers. My dad is the business teacher and football and basketball assistant coach at my high school, and my mom is the Chief Financial Officer at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, Nebraska. If it worked out for them, why not me? They both set a good example for me.

What business concentration are you planning to pursue? Why?

I have not yet decided on what concentration I plan on pursuing. I hope that I will take a class in the first two years of college here that will spark an interest in a certain concentration. Right now I am interested in both management as well as marketing.

What aspect of the Scholars Academy are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to getting to Omaha and meeting the rest of my cohort. I had a great time talking with the other candidates at Interview Day, and I look forward to getting to know the final cohort.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I really like sports, both playing them and watching them. No matter what time of the year it is I can find one of my favorites teams to watch. I never miss a Husker football game, and I enjoy watching the Chicago Cubs. I like to play video games and listen to music. I often hangout with my friends. Unfortunately in little Randolph (population: 950) there is not much else to do but go to someone's basement and watch TV.

What is one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

One thing that people would be surprised to learn about me is that I have been a part of a fourth place state tournament basketball team. I was a starter on my 2016-2017 season Class D1 state fourth place basketball team. I got to play a game in the Devany Center in Lincoln, which was an entire different universe from my little gym back in Randolph.