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KEARNEY – Bob Caldwell has been selected as the 2025 UNK College of Business and Technology Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient.
He will be honored 11:30 a.m. Oct. 10 during the 45th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive. Tickets are $30 per person ($35 starting Sept. 27) and $15 for children ages 12 and younger. They can be purchased until Oct. 1 at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.
“Bob Caldwell’s career reflects the very best of what it means to be a UNK graduate – visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to community,” said Brooke Envick, dean of the UNK College of Business and Technology. “We are proud to recognize his achievements and continued service to Nebraska and beyond.”
A Kearney native, Caldwell has built a distinguished career in law, business and civic leadership.
Caldwell served as UNK student body president and the university’s first student regent. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in political science from UNK in 1990, followed by a Juris Doctor in 1996 and a Master of Business Administration in 1998, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He served as general counsel for Linweld/Matheson and president and CEO of Hampton Enterprises. Currently, he’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer at NEBCO. Caldwell co-founded Heartland Ag Systems, the largest application equipment dealer in North America, and served as vice chairman of the $75 billion Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka.
Caldwell serves on the board of Capital Casualty Company, White River Nutrition and Bryan Health. His previous board service includes Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center/Nebraska Heart Hospital, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln Public Schools Foundation and the National Gases and Welding Distribution Association.
He has also been active with the Capital Humane Society, Nebraska Bar Association, Lincoln Lutheran High School Touchdown Club, Messiah Lutheran Church Foundation and Nebraska College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board. He is a member of the UNK College of Business and Technology Dean’s Council and a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee.
Caldwell was recognized with the Midlands Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award and is a graduate of both Leadership Lincoln and Leadership Nebraska. A graduate of Lewellen Rural High School, he now resides in Lincoln.
