Keynote/Featured Speakers
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Empowering People, Impacting the World
Keynote Speaker, Tuesday, June 10
Considered among America's finest speakers, Rick Rigsby challenges audiences with a compelling message that engages the mind, energizes the will, and encourages the spirit!
A master storyteller, Dr. Rigsby weaves a life of triumphs and tragedies with timeless common sense values--to respond to the challenges of our day.
Following a successful career as a television news reporter for a CBS affiliate in Northern California, Rick Rigsby began graduate studies, earning a Master's degree at California State University, Chico, followed by his Doctorate from the University of Oregon. For the last two decades, Dr. Rigsby has served as a college professor--the last 14 years at Texas A&M University--where he continues to serve as chaplain for the Aggies football team.
Through his 30 years in broadcasting and academe, Rick Rigsby has received numerous commendations and awards. Consistently ranked a top-rated speaker and audience favorite, Dr. Rigsby now devotes his full attention to empowering people! As president of Rick Rigsby Communications, and founder of Rick Rigsby Ministries, this Champion for Character speaks to audiences as diverse as churches in the jungles of Nigeria, to top corporate executives on Wall Street. He's a popular motivational speaker among high school students, and a favorite devotional speaker at Christian colleges and chapel services for numerous teams in the National Football League.
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Keynote Speaker, Wednesday, June 11
As Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Dr. Christensen has led kindergarten through 12th grade education initiatives since 1994 and is a highly sought after speaker at the national level. Dr. Christensen rose through the ranks, beginning his life-long education career in the classroom, moving to principal and superintendent before becoming Nebraska Deputy Commissioner of Education and then Commissioner. Promoting sound educational practices that are good for students is his passion. Assuring equitable learning opportunities for all students is at the heart of his never-ending work.
His strong background in public school education and his passionate interest in curriculum and assessment are the foundation of his leadership and vision and the basis for a growing national interest in his work. In recent years, he was a keynote speaker for Columbia University Teachers College Symposium; National Conference on Indian Education; Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development National Conference; Education Commission of the States National Forum on Education Policy; National Education Association Scholar's Institute; National Council of Teachers of English, and the Governor's Summit on Workforce Development.
His work in public education has garnered state and national recognition. His significant honors include: Nebraska 1990 Superintendent of the Year; Governing Magazine's 2003 public official of the year; Nebraska Council of Administrator's 2004 Distinguished Service Award; the Association of School Curriculum and Development's 2004 Alvah Kilgore Award; National Council of Teachers of English Academic Freedom Award; and Nebraska State Education Association Friend of Education Award.