The rural Engagement and Wellness summit seeks to build relationships across Nebraska’s rural health and wellness sector, according to Emily Frankel, PhD, a UNMC assistant professor and event organizer. The summit is a collaborative effort between the Great Plains IDeA Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) Network, based at UNMC, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. The event will take place at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Key details for the summit include:

• Date: Sept. 29
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Location: UNK Regional Engagement Center, 2204 university Drive in Kearney
• Cost: Free

Registration for the Nebraska Rural Engagement and Wellness summit is available at this link.

Additional details can be found at this UNMC event listing.

The summit coincides with UNMC’s expanding presence in rural Nebraska, aimed at addressing the state’s rural health workforce demands. New UNMC health professions students are beginning their studies in Kearney this academic year, with medical students expected to join in August 2026 upon the opening of the new Health Science education Center II.

“As UNMC’s presence in rural communities continues to grow, it is essential that we listen to and learn from those who live and work in these areas,” Dr. Frankel said. “By doing so, we can build meaningful partnerships, align resources with community priorities and advance strategies that support long-term health, wellbeing and resilience across the state.”

Keynote Speakers and Summit Format

The summit will feature keynote addresses from several prominent figures. Brothers Andy and Cade Craig,both MDs and graduates of the UNMC college of Medicine,who practice at Kearney County Health Services in Minden,Nebraska,will be among the speakers. Both participated in the Kearney Health Opportunities Program at UNK before their time at UNMC.

Brandon Grimm, PhD, vice dean of the UNMC College of Public Health, professor of health promotion and interim chair of the UNMC Department of Health Services Research and Administration, and Jane McElroy, PhD, of Rural Health research and Extension in Missouri, are also scheduled to deliver keynote addresses.

“As UNMC’s presence in rural communities continues to grow, it is essential that we listen to and learn from those who live and work in these areas.”

Dr. Frankel noted that the summit will adopt an “unconference” format,empowering attendees to shape the discussions and lead conversations.

The summit aims to pinpoint the most critical health challenges facing rural communities, promote innovative and collaborative solutions, and translate these efforts into actionable strategies. According to Dr. frankel, “Hosting the Rural Engagement and Wellness Summit provides a powerful chance to bring together community members, academics, clinicians, educators, public health officials and other partners united by a shared commitment to the health and vitality of Nebraska’s rural communities.”