At Nelnet, we’ve built over 40 years of success by focusing on innovation, listening to customers, and anticipating their needs. While our eyes are always on the future, reflecting on what we’ve achieved helps guide the next steps in our journey.
Join us as we review Nelnet’s highlights from 2024, celebrating the milestones that shaped the year and set the stage for an exciting 2025.
January
Nelnet Recognized as a Top Workplace for Diversity
Nelnet was honored in Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024. This recognition reflects the strength of our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, Better Together. Through programs like a formal Mentorship Program, small group “Empower Hour” conversations, and 10 associate-led associate resource groups (ARGs), we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. These efforts, combined with policies supporting work-life balance, create an environment where associates feel valued and supported.
Servicing Discover’s $10.4 Billion Student Loan Portfolio
Nelnet was announced as the new servicer for Discover Financial Services’ student loan portfolio, adding approximately 500,000 borrowers to the overall Nelnet Consumer Services portfolio. This decision was backed by our technological expertise, proven track record in both federal and private loan servicing, and a positive recommendation from Wells Fargo.
February
Partnering to Launch K-12 High-Yield Savings
Two Nelnet businesses, Nelnet Bank and FACTS, partnered to introduce high-yield savings accounts tailored to K-12 schools. These accounts feature tiered interest rates, no maintenance fees, and quick access to funds, helping schools manage their finances more effectively.
Nelnet Campus Commerce Earns Top Recognition for Payment Security
Enterprise Security Magazine named Nelnet Campus Commerce a Top 10 Payment Security Solutions Company for 2023. This recognition highlights more than 25 years of safeguarding higher education payment data with secure, cutting-edge solutions.
March
Milestones Achieved for Federal Loan Servicing Contracts
Nelnet Diversified Services hit three milestones for the Unified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) contract:
- Launching Sloan Servicing, Nelnet’s new consumer-facing brand for commercial/Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) student loan servicing.
- Debuting the co-branded Nelnet.StudentAid.Gov site for federal student loan borrowers. This replaces the previous Nelnet.com borrower site.
- Standing up a servicing environment for Central Research, Inc. (CRI), which was also awarded a USDS contract. As part of CRI’s original proposal to win a USDS servicing contract, CRI selected Nelnet to be their hosted-servicing platform.
New Servicing Partnership with SoFi
Nelnet Consumer Services began a servicing partnership with SoFi, managing more than 250,000 existing education refinance and private student loans. This partnership will also leverage Nelnet’s white-label servicing platform, Nelnet Velocity, for SoFi’s growing loan portfolio.
April
Strengthening Leadership with Two New Executives
Nelnet welcomed DeeAnn Wenger and Emily Olinger to its executive team. DeeAnn, a long-time leader of Nelnet Business Services, has driven significant growth and diversification, while Emily brings extensive experience in HR and leadership from her time at Monolith and Spreetail. Together, they strengthen Nelnet’s leadership capabilities.
Recognized by United Way for Community Impact
United Way of Lancaster County awarded Nelnet three honors, including second place in overall campaign dollars. Over 20 years, Nelnet associates have raised more than $9.5 million to support local community programs across the country.
Responding to Tornado Devastation
In the wake of severe tornadoes across Nebraska and Iowa, Nelnet’s executive team responded with a donation from the Nelnet Foundation to Rapid Response America and direct support to affected associates. Giving back to the communities in which we live and work remains a Nelnet core value.
May
Becky Pollock Wins Prestigious Leadership Award
At Nelnet’s annual All Directors Meeting, Becky Pollock, President of Nelnet Payment Services, received the 2024 Steve Butterfield Leadership Award. Becky was recognized for her innovative leadership, client-centric strategies, and contributions to a strong company culture.
July
FACTS Unveils Brand Refresh and New Website
FACTS debuted a refreshed brand and new website to unify its expanded portfolio of solutions under one umbrella. This refresh reflects years of product innovation, acquisitions, and market growth, positioning FACTS for continued success in the future.
Recognition for FACTS Learning Management System
FACTS’ Learning Management System (LMS) was named a Top 10 Employee LMS by Talented Learning. Industry expert John Leh acknowledged the learning platform’s comprehensiveness, praising its versatility in onboarding, training, and talent development.
August
ALLO Earns Top Internet Service Provider (ISP) Ratings
Allo ranked third among internet service providers (ISPs) in Consumer Reports’ annual survey, receiving high marks for reliability, speed, and customer service. With a score of 88 out of a possible 100, Allo was the highest-rated commercial ISP in the survey.
Kiddovation Events Inspire Creativity
Based on the success of our first Kiddovation event held in August 2023, Nelnet held additional events in Lincoln, Neb. and Madison, Wis. More than 60 children of Nelnet associates came together for creative, hands-on projects aimed at discovery, flexibility, and fun. Kiddovation events foster a culture of innovation not just among associates, but also within their families.
September
Nelnet Hosts First AI Learning Day
At Nelnet, associates are encouraged to explore the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and opportunities AI tools offer to help us do our work better, faster, and more productively. Hosted by our Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence team, Nelnet’s inaugural AI Learning Day featured webinars and resources to help associates explore how AI can enhance productivity and innovation.
October
Celebrating Our First Free College Graduates
Nelnet hosted its first graduation ceremony, celebrating our first 32 associates to receive their associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees through Colorado Technical University (CTU). Associates earned degrees with tuition fully covered by Nelnet and CTU through the Commitment Grant program, marketing a major milestone in our commitment to education and career development. We look forward to recognizing the 111 associates currently working on their degrees.
Supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, Nelnet’s People Services team worked directly with impacted associates to ensure they had access to Earned Time Off (ETO) as needed to prioritize their well-being and tend to clean-up efforts in their communities. In addition, the Nelnet Foundation donated to the American Red Cross to aid in broader relief efforts.
November
Innovation Week Fall 2024
This fall’s Innovation Week, themed the MindFlex Academy, encouraged associates to flex their creative muscles through interactive sessions, brainstorming exercises, and insights from guest speakers like Chief Operating Officer of Don’t Panic Labs Bill Udell. The event was a success, helping to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across teams.
December
Nelnet Launches Dedicated Associate Experience Team
Nelnet announced the introduction of a dedicated Associate Experience team as part of the People Services group. This decision underscores our commitment to fostering an awesome work environment by enhancing every touchpoint of the associate journey. The goal is to create a supportive and empowering environment where associates can thrive and align with Nelnet’s core values.
Explore Nelnet’s history.
As we reflect on 2024’s accomplishments, we’re excited about what’s ahead. Discover Nelnet’s 40-year journey and explore our interactive timeline to see how we’ve grown—and where we’re headed next.
