Nicole Michelle (Smith) Frerichs, 35, of Lincoln, assistant dean of student success for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, died Jan. 23.
Frerichs joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2014 as coordinator of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’ Cares program. She also served as an adviser for Camp Kesem, the largest national organization through which college students help support children impacted by a parent’s cancer.
She played key roles in defining and developing a number of CASNR programs that support students, including New Student Enrollment, Start Smart, CASNR Cares, Camp Kesem, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, and Salute to Graduates.
“There are few in our community who have touched the lives of so many and who have worked so tirelessly to help students, faculty and staff,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the college. “Her unwavering commitment to providing the support our students need to be successful will have a lasting impact on our campus and in our world.”
Frerichs graduated from Midland Lutheran University in 2008 with a degree in public relations and advertising. She earned a Master of Science in education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2010 and a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2019.
She married Hayden Frerichs on July 19, 2019. She is survived by her husband; parents, Michael (Mindy) Smith, Elizabeth Lindahl (Philips), and Alan Lindahl; in-laws, Trevor and Teri (Cody and Olyvia); grandparents, Joyce Smith, Gene and Nancy Philips; siblings, Scott (Rhonda) Lindahl, Jessica (Jeff) Beisner, Jordan (Kamron) Malone, Alyssa Lindahl, Montana (Jeff) Gaston), Joshua Smith, Cody Smith, and Cheyenne Townsley; and nine nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at Horizons Community Church, 3200 Grainger Parkway. A visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the church.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to the family for either Water’s Edge Church in Omaha or the university’s Camp Kesem program.
The family obituary along with an opportunity to leave condolences online are available here.
