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By Tyler Ellison
UNK Communication
KEARNEY – Amy Otting has never been afraid to take a test.
Seven years ago, she and then-husband Paul quit their jobs, moved from Madison, Wisconsin to North Platte, Nebraska and started a brewery with their business partners — Paul’s brother Mark and sister-in-law Mandy.
“Looking back on that now, it seems crazy, but at the time we were pretty gung-ho,” Oettinger said. “When you’re in love and you know your work ethic, you forget what your mind tells you to do and just go with your heart.”
Paul’s Brewing Company opened in March 2017, with Oettinger managing the taproom and restaurant and Paul serving as brewmaster.
The business is a huge success. Known for its great beer, delicious food and friendly atmosphere, Pals has developed a reputation as a regional destination for visitors and locals alike.
The brewery has certainly kept Oettinger busy — she handles event planning and marketing, oversees a staff of about 60 and operates the McNeil House Bed & Brew, which was added in July 2019 — but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing another dream.
She wanted to get a bachelor’s degree.
It’s been a personal goal of mine since I graduated from dental hygiene school in 2002. It’s always at the top of the list,” said Oetting, who has been a dental hygienist for 15 years.
In August 2020, she decided to make that dream come true. That’s when Oettinger enrolled in the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s online business administration program.
“I had experience opening, running and managing Pals, but I didn’t have the education to back that up,” she said. “UNK’s online program is where it fits my needs and lifestyle.
Perfect for working professionals, the program allows people to develop their business knowledge and skills on their own schedule. Instead of logging in for scheduled hours each week, students can watch lectures and review course material to see what works best.
“The flexibility that this program offers to adults is amazing,” Oetting said. “If there was an event or something at Pals and I had to adjust my schedule, I could.”
UNK Online students are not physically in the classroom, but still receive high-quality instruction from experienced faculty. The business administration program is accredited by AACSB International, the highest achievement standard for business schools worldwide.
Oettinger is able to connect with her peers through online discussion boards where they exchange ideas on classwork and lessons and share lessons from their own experiences.
“We’re really learning from each other, which is really helpful,” she said.
UNK’s program also includes an experiential classroom where students take the knowledge they acquire and apply it in a real-world business setting. Of course, this part is much easier when you own a brewery.
“Every day I learn something new, I’m thinking, ‘Man, I could have used that information a few years ago,'” Oetting said. “That’s how I know the program is useful. You are gaining valuable knowledge for today’s business world.
With her son Jack now attending Lincoln College, Oetting decided to move to Florida last August to be closer to family there. She remains co-owner of Pals Brewing Company, which plans to open a second location in Wisconsin Dells early next year.
Oettinger will complete her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a management emphasis this summer, then take the next step in her professional journey. It could be in restaurant or event management, human resources, dentistry or something completely different.
With her education and experience, the possibilities are endless.
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