Creighton Billboard Highlights Professor and Student
A new Omaha billboard spotlights a Creighton University professor and a scholarship-winning student.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Scholarships
Creighton University has installed a billboard in Omaha featuring Associate Professor of Computer Science Steven Fernandes and Goldwater Scholarship recipient Sara Avila. The display aims to promote the university's academic environment.
Why it matters
The billboard highlights the personal mentorship and academic achievement fostered at the institution. It serves as a public representation of the faculty and student success stories at the university.
The billboard is situated on 72nd Street, located approximately 4 miles from the university campus. The featured professor has been employed at the institution for 6 years.
The players
Steven Fernandes
He is an associate professor of Computer Science at Creighton University who previously conducted research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Central Florida.
Sara Avila
She is a student at Creighton University who earned a Goldwater Scholarship for her academic and research achievements.
Creighton University
It is a private Jesuit university located in Omaha, Nebraska, that maintains a focus on academic and research excellence.
The details
The marketing effort by Creighton University displays the message 'Learn with people who bring out your best' to local residents. The billboard features Steven Fernandes, who previously served as a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Central Florida, alongside student Sara Avila.
Timeline
The billboard feature was published in news reports on October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
This promotional display reflects the broader trend of universities leveraging personal success stories to boost their public profile and attract prospective students. By highlighting specific individuals, the institution signals a move away from generic advertising toward authentic academic recognition.
Residents in Omaha who commute along 72nd Street will encounter the new signage daily. The promotion provides visibility into the academic accomplishments of students and faculty currently active in the community.
The takeaway
The use of real faculty and students in marketing materials emphasizes the importance of mentorship in higher education. Aspiring students can look to such displays as indicators of the academic support available at local institutions.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational opportunities on the Omaha Scholarships page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mid-day.
