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Jennifer Boomgaarden, Executive Director of the Omaha Symphony, posing confidently with a warm smile.

Jennifer Boomgaarden, Executive Director of the Omaha Symphony, brings passion and leadership to one of Omaha’s premier cultural institutions.

Michael Hilt Headshot

By Michael Hilt

Michael Hilt Brings Fresh Perspective to KVNO’s Arts Today

May 16th, 2025

As the Dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Michael Hilt, Ph.D., has long championed the importance of creative leadership and community engagement. Now, he’s bringing that same passion to the airwaves.

Hilt is launching a new recurring segment within KVNO’s Arts Today, where he’ll sit down with people in leadership roles at Omaha’s arts and cultural institutions. The goal? To explore the stories, decisions, and vision behind the organizations that shape Omaha’s creative life.

For his first interview, Hilt speaks with Jennifer Boomgaarden, Executive Director of the Omaha Symphony. Their conversation touches on the balance of tradition and innovation, what it takes to steer a major arts institution, and how the symphony continues to connect with new audiences.

With his deep ties to both academia and the arts, Hilt brings a thoughtful and informed voice to Arts Today. His new segment offers listeners a richer understanding of how Omaha’s arts ecosystem works — and who’s helping it thrive.

Keep an ear out for future interviews, as Hilt continues to highlight the leaders shaping Omaha’s cultural future.