Reshell | Student Leadership, Involvement, & Community Engagement

In Memoriam: Reshell Ray

Reshell Ray, a longtime university administrator known for her dedication to student engagement and mentorship, died Feb. 10, 2026. She spent more than 35 years working at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she became a trusted presence for generations of students.

Ray served as associate director for programs and events in the office of Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement on East Campus and led the Campus NightLife program. In that role, she worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students to plan events designed to foster connection and build community across campus.

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I loved working with Reshell

on many East Campus activities over the last 20 years, including the concerts on East Campus during Homecoming Week, and on her efforts to allow our student club to work for the Home Run Club's Merchandise Store at the Husker baseball games as our fundraising efforts. Reshell was committed to supporting the development and growth of our undergraduate students on East Campus. Reshell was a Rock Star for this university and will be missed.

~ Dann Husmann, colleague

Reshell was such a bright light.

I loved sharing her name (though spelled differently they are said the same way). As an undergraduate and then master’s student she showed me how to lead with love in working with students and I still use her lessons in my own work with students now (as a professor).

~ Rachelle Winkle-Wagner, student

From 2010–2012, when I was a graduate assistant at UNL,

I had the privilege of working alongside Reshell Rey.

Reshell was someone I always looked up to and deeply admired. She was a force — confident, direct, and unwavering in her standards — but everything she did was rooted in care. She cared about her programs. She cared about her students. She cared about doing things the right way. You always knew where you stood with her, and you always knew she was fighting for what mattered.

Thirty-five years of commitment to the University of Nebraska is remarkable. That kind of loyalty and stewardship is rare. Like many others, the news of her passing hit me like a ton of bricks. It has been years since I last saw her, yet I always felt comfort knowing East Campus was in good hands because Reshell was there. That steady presence meant something.

My heart goes out to her family, her friends, and her colleagues. Husker Nation lost a legend, and so many of us lost someone who helped shape our early careers in ways we may not have fully realized at the time.

I am grateful I had the chance to learn from her.

~ Rachel Barth, former co-worker

My heart is broken,

yet filled with lovely memories of Reshell's gifts of strength, laughter, and wisdom. Her smile could melt butter. Her compassion was infectious. And her heart was golden. She will be missed.

~ Valerie Wetzel, advisor, colleague and friend

Reshell was the brightest of lights.

I am heartbroken to hear of her loss. I've known her since I was an undergraduate student and through rounds of being student organization advisors and other campus activities. My deepest sympathies.

~ Megan Patent-Nygren

I am a first year student at the University,

and last semester I had an extra credit opportunity given to me by Jon Gayer to go and meet her and thank her for planning a welcome event and that small interaction was so lovely. She was so happy to hear from us and was so kind to my friend and I.

That small interaction made Nebraska U feel just that bit more welcoming. My experience of an average student coming into contact with her once was shared by countless over the years, just making my week a little better.

She seemed like a wonderful woman and campus lost someone very special this week.

~ Jack Reiss, student who met her

Reshell and I met outside the union by the fountain.

I was tabling for an RSO and she made sure to come over and introduce herself. We talked about how important it was for everyone to have a place to represent themselves and their beliefs and involvements on campus. She was truly a wholesome soul - she wanted the best for everyone. I saw her at a few on campus events since then, always talking to someone and having a smile on her face. She truly was a face of student involvement on campus. Everyone will miss her but her impact will forever remain visible!

~ Nick Stefanik, Student involved on campus

Reshell came to UNL when I was an undergraduate and she a grad student.

We were in the same circles because we had the same interests on campus, worked at the Cultural Center, involved with APU, we both were presidents at one time and advocated and supported the few Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian students on campus. We were a tight group.

I looked up to her because she was a bit older and was always on top of things. She had an intentional way about the things she did and believed in. Always kind, supportive and giving.

I remember when she began having kids, whew I used to think, little ones are a lot, she held it down and was an amazing and loving mom.

Her unexpected death I know is surreal and devastating. I pray those who love her will be comforted knowing she is with God.

❤️🙏🏾

~ Tonya Horn, former UNL student and friend

I had the privilege of working closely with Reshell

on multiple events for our students, and I cannot fully express how much I enjoyed collaborating with her.

She brought such creativity and heart to every project. No idea was ever too big or too crazy. She embraced each one with enthusiasm and a willingness to jump in wholeheartedly. Working alongside her never felt like work because she truly believed in what we were doing and in the students we were serving.

What I will miss most is her passion and her presence. She had a way of lighting up a room and making even the most ambitious plans feel possible. Her dedication to students was genuine and unwavering, and it was inspiring to witness.

I will deeply miss her presence and the joy of working with her. She was truly special, and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to know her. There is a void on campus that will never be filled.

Please know that I am holding your family in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

~ Hollie Swanson, colleague & friend

Seeing Reshell on campus always filled my heart.

Her big smile and welcoming hug brightened my day as I know was true for so many people. I loved hearing stories from her student workers who energetically and creatively made Friday night events come alive with Reshell’s blessing. She empowered students with confidence and belief in who they were. I know she is singing in heaven and continues to smile down on all of us!! Her legacy lives on. ♥️

~ Mikki Sandin, colleague

I met this amazing woman only a few times,

but she stood out in her kindness and grace. She brought such joy to the university of Nebraska Lincoln student body, and many of us never knew how hard so worked to create an awesome student engagement program. Even in my few interactions with her, she treated everyone with such love that she made an incredible impression. My condolences and best wishes.

~ Cheyenne Storms

I met Reshell in 2020 when I started at UNL

and we became fast friends. She was such a bright light, so full of joy and inspiration. I feel blessed to have known her for a short time. She often spoke about her kids & grandkids with so much pride. I have her family and friends in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest in peace dear Reshell.

~ Nicole Pilcher, coworker & friend

She was the kindest soul!

I remember her greeting me each day while I was at work and she always checked on me. She always treated everyone with kindness and carried a warm smile on her face. She will truly be missed! Sending love and prayers to her family.

~ Amara Smith Speights, former student worker at Nebraska East Union

Reshell has been my mentor since 1989,

and we always joked about retiring at the same time. She will live in my HEART forever!!!

I am sure Reshell is looking down on us saying don't be sad and continue her legacy of guiding our students to be their best selves and to celebrate their accomplishments. I am so happy Reshell visited me at Popcorn Pop-Up last Thursday and sat down to talk with students. I am especially thankful that we had our weekly Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) Team meeting on the morning of that fateful Tuesday.

We always have a "Tell Me Something Good" at the beginning of our meeting and the question was, "How have you demonstrated the value of caring deeply in your work recently?" Reshell told us how much she LOVED getting to meet new students, spending time with them, and helping ALL students make connections. She also reminded us how much she ENJOYED being part of our SLICE Team and working with each of us.

Reshell was a phenomenal woman, who devoted over 35 years of service to students, and I started my journey with her 30 years ago as a student and then our adventures came to end after being her colleague for the past 26 years. Reshell was not only my mentor but my friend and confidante. She provided support and praise to me and so many others to help us grow and develop personally and professionally.

~ Karen Freimund Wills, co-worker and friend