Spotlight: Dexter Hanzel (NE '24)

Nebraska Milken Educator Dexter Hanzel (NE ‘24) is currently the 7-12 principal at Neligh-Oakdale Jr./Sr. High School. At the time of his Milken Award notification on on February 11, 2025, he was a math and science teacher at the same school. Hanzel’s commitment to his students, colleagues, and community, whether on the field, in the classroom, or through his leadership, is a true example of what it means to serve and inspire.

Milken Family Foundation: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

Unfortunately, I was sick the day of my notification and almost didn’t go to school that day. After the notification I felt numb and shocked. It was an unreal feeling. 

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

My students seemed happy for me and congratulated me on the Award. Then in typical teenage fashion, they wanted to know what I was going to do with the money and if they could have some. 

MFF: What made you want to pursue a career in education?

I’ve always enjoyed the education process and the power it has on kids and our society. I’ve known I wanted to be in education since I was in high school, and I never wavered from what felt like my calling. I’ve always wanted to help kids grow up to be strong and respectable men and women. 

MFF: How do you design real-world projects, like the Neligh promotional video, that connect math and science to students’ lives?

I feel like to design these projects I had to be willing to go the extra mile, try new things, and fail. Failure is a huge part of learning and growing because failure takes risk to try new things. Many things have flopped and the goal is to learn from these moments and improve. 

MFF: With your involvement in MTSS and curriculum development, how do you ensure all students are supported while keeping instruction engaging and challenging?

I think this can only be achieved with a team of teachers and administrators that have a focus on empathy for students and making sure every kid feels welcomed. That, paired with a growth mindset, can push students to reach high expectations. 

MFF: What does “success” look like for you and your students in life?

For me, success looks like seeing a former student 1,3, 5, 10 years after they graduate, and them being happy, excited to see me and update me on their lives. For my students, success is when they can be confident and comfortable in society, and are willing to pursue a career they are passionate about. 

MFF: Who are your role models in education?

My role models in education are my coworkers, my administration, my wife, and my high school teachers and coaches. 

MFF: How do you hope to be remembered by your students?

I hope to be remembered as a teacher that truly cared about their students and wanted what was best for them, even if that meant I was tough on them at times. 

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

I have started a new role as the 7-12 principal in the same school where I was a teacher and received the Award. I hope to empower my teacher staff to go outside the box, take risks, and try new things to help all students succeed.