Featured Tigers is a series wherein the spotlight shines on a few students, alumni, faculty and staff from our Crete, Lincoln and Omaha campus locations. These individuals stand out in the best way — as talented and driven leaders.
View all Featured Tigers here.
What is your name and graduation year?
Kate Konrad, 2025
What is your hometown and high school?
Omaha, Millard South High School
What is your major or degree program?
M.Ed in Educational Leadership
What do you hope to do after completing your degree?
I plan to continue serving in my current professional role as an instructional coach and continue working to support students, staff and community better each day.
How is Doane preparing you to reach your goals?
The EDL program prepared me to be a leader of both systems and, just as importantly, the people within them. I was able to engage in field experiences every semester that allowed me hands-on opportunities to authentically apply the concepts we read about and discussed in class. Beyond that, the Cadre model provided me with a network of support I know will hold a special place in my life, both professionally and personally, well beyond graduation.
Who has been a major influence for you during your education at Doane? How have they helped you?
Dr. Teresa Perkins's dedication to high academic standards was inspiring to me. She knew each of us to know just how much we could be stretched and challenged to fulfill our individual potential. She modeled continuous learning, often sharing her own reading recommendations and how they influence her action. Dr. Anna Thoma embodied authenticity. Her interactions were warm and provided a safe environment for us to make mistakes and ask questions. She is a dynamic leader who is informed and current on issues in education and is leading in many capacities outside of her role at Doane, yet maintains a spirit of humility and service. Doane EDL Cadre 49 supported one another in countless ways and embraced vulnerability to allow maximum individual and collective growth.
What is something you're proud of accomplishing or achieving while at Doane?
I am proud of the impact my Continuous School Improvement Project had on the school I have served for the last 12 years. I am proud to have countless more skills to better serve students, staff and the education community.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Any degree program is what YOU decide to make of it. Challenge yourself to embrace experiences that, while perhaps challenging, will leave you better than you were before.
What's something you like about yourself that other people may not know?
I like that I am curious. The world is full of interesting things to know, and I love collecting as many ideas as I can.
What is something you've really enjoyed about your time at Doane?
I have really enjoyed the depth of conversation and discussion we had in class. I always left inspired by my classmates and challenged to continue growing.
