Pete Poppert

Assistant Professor of Practice

Phone Number: 402.467.9004
Department: Agribusiness
Office: FBC203-3
Email: pete.poppert@doane.edu
Campus: LINC
Credentials: MS, JD

Pete Poppert serves as Chair of the Agribusiness Department. He started at Doane University in 2010 as an adjunct faculty member and is currently Assistant Professor of Practice in Agribusiness. Pete’s highest degree level obtained is a Juris Doctorate obtained from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Professor Poppert has taught in a number of different environments, non-traditional, traditional, and corporate; specializing in agriculture business. Prior to Doane, he worked in the corporate world for over forty years, serving in various roles as consultant, director, and manager. He is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association.

Follow this link to learn more about the Agribusiness Program at Doane University!

Education

J.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1994
M.S. (Animal Science), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1988
B.S., (Agriculture Honors), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1982

Courses

• Agriculture Law & Policy (AGR 310)
• Advanced Agribusiness Management (AGR 430)
• Strategic Management (BUS 496)
• Executing Business Strategy (BUS 498)

Professional Experience
Chair of the Agribusiness Department, Doane University, 2019-Present
Client Service Partner, Fiserv, 2008-2020
Corporate Educator, National Research Corporation, 2004-2008
Co-Owner/Consultant, Cattlemen's Consulting, 1993-2003
Director, Nebraska Cattlemen's Association, 1988-1990

Teaching Experience
Doane University, 2010-present
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1987-1988, 2006-2007

Professional Accolades

Impact Award- For living the mission and values that have significant impact on people, the environment, and life, Doane University, 2019

• Training Solutions, Train the Trainer Certification, 2007
• Outstanding Leadership Award - For exceptional leadership in pursuing the Harvey Picker's ideals to improve patient-centered care, NRC Picker, 2006

Professional Highlights

• Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy, Virginia Tech University, 2018
• Scott, T., Milton, T., Dicke, B., Poppert, P., & Hollis, L. (2000). The effect of V-Max on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle fed corn and corn by-product finishing diets. Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports, 391.
• Mader, T. L., Poppert, G. L., & Stock, R. A. (1993). Evaluation of alfalfa type as a roughage source in feedlot adaptation and finishing diets containing different corn types. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 42(1-2), 109-119.
• Mader, T. L., Poppert, G. L., & Stock, R. A. (1993). Effect of alfalfa and corn moisture level on whole corn mastication. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 42(3-4), 309-318.
• Current Member of Nebraska Bar Association
• Current Member of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture
• Facilitated Strategic Planning sessions for non-profit organizations.
• Led group discussions on leadership development.
• Actively involved in many organizations over the course of his career, including:
  • Past-President - South Central Corn Growers Association
  • Past-President - Nebraska Agribusiness Club
  • Past Member - Board of Directors of the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Past Member - Board of Directors of the Sheridan Lutheran Church Foundation

Why did you become an instructor? How did you become interested in teaching?

I became an instructor as a way to help people learn and succeed in the corporate world. I found my passion and pursued a more permanent opportunity as a professor to help students learn and grow.

What is your career advice to us? How can we have successful careers?

Employers are looking for individuals who are good communicators, think critically, demonstrate a drive to succeed, among other things. Make every part of your education include activities that can help develop these important skills. Never back away from a challenge. One of the best ways for students to succeed is by engaging with their instructors. My door is always open, so reach out and visit me whenever you would like. If you can't meet with me in person, please feel free to contact me via phone, email, or text.

What is your teaching style? Can you briefly explain your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy continues to evolve as I experience new and different ways of connecting and communicating with students. I have found teaching to be both challenging and rewarding. Because of my diverse business background, I am aware of the practical side of education. Concepts and theories are important, but only if a student can relate them to the real world. The success of this teaching philosophy is measured by the accomplishments of students in my corporate education settings. Many have grown into leadership positions at major corporations in Lincoln and beyond.

My course content matches the ever-changing needs of the business world. Students and employers rely on my skills and understanding of current business practices to achieve the full value of their investment. I continue to ask if the course curriculum is still applicable not only in today's business world, but also into the future. I am also interested in leveraging the strong partnership with business communities to help my students be successful in their career.

I am incorporating new techniques, such as simulations, special projects and guest speakers, into my course curriculum as a way of demonstrating to students the relationship of the course concepts with real-world experiences. It is important for me to not get mired down in what is easy and yet ineffective. In the end, I am always striving to improve, develop and execute my teaching techniques.