Doane University is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board of Trustees and bids farewell to two members. Officially elected in May 2026, the four new members are:

Current board members nominate new members, who are then elected based on a variety of criteria as the Board looks to diversify its thought leadership.

The board also welcomed new leadership changes from within, with Susan Fritz Ph.D., named as the new Chair, Stephen Joel, Ed.D. ’76 as Vice-Chair and Elizabeth J. "Betty" Mason ’86 as Secretary of the Board.

Two members have left the board since the start of the year: Dr. Mark W. Mulkey '82 and Donald Campbell '61. Dr. Mulkey was elected to the Board in 2017 and unexpectedly passed away in January 2026. Campbell was elected to the Board in 2011 and resigned in May 2026.

Doane’s Board of Trustees is an independent elected body that oversees the university’s strategic plan, aids in advancing Doane’s mission and supports all systems designed to further that mission. 

 

David Ballesteros

Founder, equity and business partner at technology companies

What compelled you to join the Board of Trustees?

After getting to know Doane University when President Hughes took over, I was thoroughly impressed by the faculty/staff, the student body and the overall experience while on campus. I was also able to work with the IT group on some technology initiatives which demonstrated the level of caring and effort that is put forth by all who work there. Most importantly, I am excited about the opportunity to help Doane stand out amongst private liberal arts colleges by leveraging the skill sets inherent within the area. Lastly, I have known President Hughes for many years going back to his days at Stetson University and have the highest regard for him as a person, his character and work ethic. The bottom line is, I know we can get things done and my contributions will be valued.

What are unique skills or experiences you bring to the Board?

I have spent over 30 years in the high tech industry, working with some of the leading manufacturers and software providers to the world's largest brands. I now run my own company focused on helping organizations navigate the complex world of technology and guide them during their evaluation and procurement processes. In addition to that, I have served on the boards of two non-profit organizations for many years and also on the Advisory Board of the School of Business at Stetson University. Prior to any of this, I was raised by parents who demonstrated the spirit of giving in all facets of their lives which has helped shape my own desires to help others improve their lives.

How do you see Doane growing in the near future?

Doane is positioned to be an institution that provides unique opportunities to students, alumni and faculty alike. The location is in the heart of the United States, so centrally accessible to any region and is surrounded by people with a strong work ethic and kind demeanor. It is also small enough to be nimble and adapt to the ever-changing needs of learners and industry. By customizing curriculum to fit the trends driven by consumer demand and industry, I am confident that a degree from Doane will be extremely valuable, leading to high employment rates which, in turn, will lead to a solid base of future donors and overall supporters of the institution.  

 

Tracy Hightower-Henne '04 J.D., LL.M.

Founding partner of Hightower Reff Law 

What compelled you to join the Board of Trustees?

Doane University had a profound impact on my life. As someone who came from a large high school, I found tremendous value in Doane's close-knit community, small class sizes and the personal relationships I developed with faculty, staff and fellow students. The four years I spent at Doane were truly transformative and helped shape the person, lawyer and leader I am today.

I am deeply grateful for the education and experiences I received at Doane, and joining the Board of Trustees is an opportunity to give back to an institution that has given so much to me. I want future generations of students to have the same life-changing opportunities, support and sense of belonging that I found at Doane.

What are unique skills or experiences you bring to the Board?

I bring the perspective of both an alum and a professional who has built a career in Nebraska. My experiences as an attorney, business owner and community leader have given me an appreciation for the importance of strong relationships, thoughtful decision-making and long-term planning.

I also bring the perspective of someone who has remained actively engaged in Nebraska's professional and civic communities. Those experiences have given me insight into the evolving needs of students, employers and communities, and I look forward to contributing that perspective as Doane continues to prepare students for meaningful and successful lives.

How do you see Doane growing in the near future?

I believe Doane is well-positioned to continue growing by building on the strengths that have always made it special: a personalized educational experience, meaningful faculty-student relationships and a strong sense of community.

As higher education continues to evolve, students and families are increasingly looking for institutions that can provide both academic excellence and clear pathways to career success. I see opportunities for Doane to expand partnerships with employers and alumni, strengthen experiential learning opportunities, and continue demonstrating the value of a Doane education. At the same time, I believe it is critical that Doane preserve the personal attention and supportive environment that set it apart and have made such a lasting impact on generations of students like me.

 

Eric Himmelberg '04

Director of Information Technology at UNICO Group, Inc.

What compelled you to join the Board of Trustees?

As an alum of Doane, I am grateful for the role the university played in shaping my personal and professional journey. Joining the Board of Trustees is an opportunity to give back to an institution that has meant a great deal to me. I also believe higher education is entering a period of rapid transformation, driven in large part by accelerating technological change. Doane has an important opportunity to help prepare students not only for the careers that exist today, but for the new roles and industries that will emerge in the years ahead.

What are unique skills or experiences you bring to the Board?

My professional background is rooted in information technology leadership, analytics and strategic planning. I have spent my career helping organizations use technology and data to improve operations, strengthen decision-making, manage risk and plan for the future. I hope to bring that perspective to the Board as Doane evaluates how technology, workforce trends and evolving student needs should shape its long-term strategy.

How do you see Doane growing in the near future?

I see Doane growing by continuing to align its academic programs with the needs of the future workforce while maintaining the strong student experience that has long distinguished the university. That growth should be thoughtful and financially sustainable, with a focus on preparing well-rounded graduates who are adaptable, capable and ready to contribute in a rapidly changing world. By staying responsive to change while remaining grounded in its mission, I have no doubt Doane will continue to provide tremendous value to students and the broader community.

 

Gary Lothrop, DVM

Retired veterinarian 

What compelled you to join the Board of Trustees?

My grandparents graduated from Doane in 1908 and 1909 and 22 of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have also attended Doane over the years.

Over the past 122 years, the Lothrop family and Doane have been neighbors and the connections are very deep. I am glad to have this opportunity to help the Doane and Crete communities, continue to be successful and supportive of each other.

What are unique skills or experiences you bring to the Board?

I have been the veterinarian for the family pet of the last five Doane presidents since 1984 and have enjoyed being the veterinarian for many Doane faculty and students over the past 42 years. 

How do you see Doane growing in the near future?

I know as a member of the Crete community that Doane has always produced quality graduates, and going forward, I am less interested in increasing the numbers and more interested in maintaining the long commitment to quality.