Dexter Hanzel, a Wayne State College graduate who is currently a math and science teacher at Neligh-Oakdale Junior/Senior High School, has received the Milken Educator Award for Nebraska. Hanzel, who is originally from Platte Center, earned his bachelor’s degree in Math Education from Wayne State in 2016, and Hanzel is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Wayne State.
This marks the second time since 2018 that a Wayne State graduate has received a Milken Educator Award. Jon Pickinpaugh, a 2005, 2010, and 2018 graduate of Wayne State, also received the honor.
The award includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize the recipient may use however they choose. Hailed as the “Oscar of Teaching,” the Award was created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken in 1987 to further excellence in education and inspire the next generation of educators. Governor Jim Pillen and State Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher joined Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller in recognizing Hanzel – the first Milken Educator Award winner in the district’s history.
