Heart Felt Sympathy From the NBEA Friends of Dr. Patricia Arneson

Tribute and Reflection from Dr. DeLayne Havlovic, NBEA President and Undergraduate Business Education Student of Dr. Patricia Arneson (Wayne State Class of 1998).

The National Business Education Association Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Staff extend deepest sympathy to the family, friends, students, and colleagues of Dr. Patricia (Pat) Arneson. Dr. Arneson taught high school business education at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa before entering a 46-year career as a business professor at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. Pat was a dynamic educator and leader that was recognized as a colleague and friend by business teachers not only across Nebraska but across the United States.

Professionally, Pat was recognized as an Outstanding Collegiate Business Educator by the Nebraska State Business Education Association (NSBEA) in 1989, the Mountain-Plains Business Education Association (M-PBEA) in 2007, and the National Business Education Association (NBEA) in 2013.

More specifically, Pat was a best friend to NBEA. She served on the NBEA Board of Directors for a term as a regional director and served as the NBEA Convention Program Chair numerous years, leading efforts to ensure NBEA members experienced professional development, each year more dynamic than the year before. Pat also served on numerous NBEA committees, ad-hoc roles and assignments – some officially and some as a expert, advisor, and friend. NBEA members, especially those frequent convention attendees knew Pat well and expected to see her every year.

Personally, as the 2022-23 President of the NBEA, the loss of Pat is difficult. I first met Dr. Arneson in 1995 when I sheepishly found her in her office at Wayne State College inquiring about changing my major from English to Business Education. Dr. Arneson quickly grabbed her colored pen and a couple of forms and circled what she was advising me to be my best plan of action. I quickly knew I was stepping into her world of high standards and passion for business education topics. Dr. Arneson shaped me as a business educator with everything from the 1990’s introduction to the Internet to making sure I had a haircut before an interview or competition. Dr. Arneson’s students always will be a reflection of her professionalism and she knew and expected that constantly.

Fast forward to 1998-2000, Dr. Arneson was there for my graduation and frequently checked in on me during my first days as a teacher at Omaha Central High School, one of Nebraska’s largest high schools. Omaha is considered the big city compared to the Wayne State community. Dr. Arneson always had tips and strategies for working in a large, urban school from her time living and teaching in the Omaha metro area years before. Dr. Arneson periodically visited my school, brought her Wayne State College Business Education Methods students to my school and district (although everyone who knows Pat knows any trip to the city ended with a trip to the shopping center benefitting her closet) with a sense of pride that she pushed me to get where I was and am today.

Fast forward again to the last decade or more – Dr. Arneson became just Pat to me. We served on committees and boards together, attended conventions and traveled professionally together, shared meals, and laughed together. Pat was the final push for me to begin my doctoral program. While I was writing my dissertation, she frequently called to check on my progress. At one point, she shared that even if my dissertation was as perfect as it could be, my committee would likely send it back for additional content. We both paused during that conversation and collectively decided that I would hold back ten pages of my literature review to drop in after this critical review took place. We both laughed. She told me I was finished. I knew that I had a piece of Pat in my heart and soul.

As we prepare to travel to Kansas City, Missouri for the 2023 NBEA Annual Convention, I will miss having Pat there with us. Like my doctorate, Pat was the final push for me into seeking presidency of the National Business Education Association two years ago. Pat told me she wouldn’t be president or on the board but would be there for anything, behind the scenes or to support when and where I needed it. Pat told me the time was now and that according to her “sources,” it was my time to lead. I am still not sure what “sources” means. Pat and I agreed that she would be a “personal attendant” to what I needed during the convention and again we both laughed. I am stepping into convention time knowing that Pat will be my personal inspiration as I continue to serve NBEA, my district, and the students of Omaha Public Schools.

Thank you, Dr. Patricia Arneson for inspiring and growing so many with a professional sense of commitment.