Mission Statement

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is a collaborative research project located in Andersen Hall, home of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Privately funded by two native Nebraskans who have funded similar projects internationally, Strategic Discussions for Nebraska collects, publishes and disseminates information on current issues relevant to the economy and culture of Nebraska and Nebraskans. Its purpose is to inform Nebraskans about issues affecting the state and its residents, but also to promote discussions across the state among regional and opinion leaders. Leaders of Nebraska's colleges and universities participate in identifying relevant research and collaborate in the best interests of the state.

The pilot project on immigration began July 1, 2007. Each research collection is published in hard copy format and also on the Strategic Discussions for Nebraska website; a multimedia presentation on each topic also is produced for delivery on-site to regional and opinion leaders in Nebraska.

The organization includes a body of scholars and leaders from Nebraska colleges and universities, as well as private sector leaders who serve on an advisory board. The board provides valued guidance not only on topic development, but also on ways Strategic Discussions for Nebraska may be able to improve statewide communication and understanding.

Mary H. Garbacz, Director
Strategic Discussions for Nebraska
College of Journalism and Mass Communications
133 Andersen Hall
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0443
mgarbacz2@unl.edu
402.472.3075

SDN Projects

2010 Opportunities for Nebraska 
Opportunities for Nebraska is the first magazine in a series that showcases University of Nebraska-Lincoln research. The world population is expected to grow to nine billion by 2050 and this research will result in producing twice as much food with the same amount of land and water. Watch and listen as UNL experts tell the stories of research and innovation at one of the top research universities in the country!
Read More >>

Ord Community Study
UNL student researchers along with SDN conducted a major research project to study the ways Ord residents communicate about what is happening in the community.
Read More >>

Immigration in Nebraska
Published in June 2009, Nebraska's Economic Future includes a summary of findings; stories based on individual interviews; summaries of community conversations; and articles written specifically for this magazine. The articles represent varied geographical perspectives as well as perspectives on various parts of the state's economy.
Read More >>

Immigration in Nebraska
SDN published research on Immigration in Nebraska for the project's initial study in May 2008. We selected Scottsbluff, Lexington, Crete and Omaha and looked at the impact immigration has had on those communities.
Read More >>