OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell and the University of Nebraska Foundation announced Wednesday the return of alumna Ellie Brecht '19 as Associate Athletic Director of Development. Brecht will begin her role on Dec. 10.
 
"Our donor base shares our excitement about Ellie's return to Omaha. During her time at UNO, she made an incredible impact and developed meaningful relationships with our supporters," Dowell said. "We look forward to her leadership of our development office as we continue our momentum in elevating the holistic experience for Maverick student-athletes."
 
Brecht makes her return to Omaha after serving as the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts at Arizona State. In her brief tenure with the Sun Devils, Brecht developed and executed tailored solicitation strategies for high-capacity donors and served as the primary liaison for more than 50 contributors to ASU Athletics.
 
In her first stint at Omaha, which concluded as Director of Development, Major Gifts, Brecht worked directly with Omaha Athletics donors to secure philanthropic resources for key department initiatives. As a member of the Athletic Development team, Brecht contributed to a record-breaking fundraising fiscal year 2024, where Omaha Athletics secured $6.1 million in commitments from a record 2,565 donors. In 2023, Brecht launched the department's first-ever women's athletics fundraising initiative, Maverick HERoes, which raised more than $400,000 in six months and received national coverage.
 
"I am deeply honored to return to Omaha and serve Maverick student-athletes in this new capacity," said Brecht. "The evolving landscape of college athletics makes this role incredibly important, as it provides an opportunity to lead our development efforts with a strategic approach on securing philanthropic resources. Now more than ever, resources are essential to ensuring our programs and student-athletes have the support they need to thrive in the classroom and in competition. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with our community to elevate UNO's presence through intercollegiate athletics. I am grateful to Adrian (Dowell) and [Vice President for UNO Advancement] Lauren Miltenberger for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity."
 
A former Maverick student-athlete herself, Brecht also led initiatives to support student-athlete scholarships and holistic programming, in addition to spearheading ONE Fund fundraising efforts.
 
"Ellie is a talented fundraiser with a passion for Omaha Athletics," said Miltenberger. "Her background and experience will help the Athletic Department achieve its mission of fostering holistic development of student-athletes and elevating the profile of the University. We look forward to welcoming Ellie back to the University of Nebraska Foundation and seeing the impact she makes on student-athletes, coaches and programs."
 
Brecht graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a minor in business. She is a four-time Summit League Academic Honor Roll member, three-time Summit League Distinguished Scholar and two-time Summit League Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence honoree. Brecht played four seasons of Omaha women's basketball from 2015-19 and was a two-year captain and starter.
 
On the national scene, Brecht served as the Summit League representative to the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) from 2023-24 and was the 2023 NAADD Diversity Initiative Recipient.
 
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America's best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska's premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.
 
About the University of Nebraska Foundation
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During the most recent fiscal year, a record $388.8 million in new funds were committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, 57,603 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University's Future is its current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.