Kelly Legler is an instructor in the department of Business and Economics at Wayne State College.

Legler teaches Introduction to Accounting, Business Communications, Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting and Personal Finance. Legler received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Florida, in May of 1998, and her Master of Business Administration at WSC, in May of 2021.

Legler has always had a passion for teaching.

“I have many years of teaching experience, but none were in Higher Ed until this year,” Legler said. “I was anxious to use all my business and accounting experience and knowledge to help students in the classroom.”

Legler worked in the Hahn Administration building on campus while working on her master’s degree in business.

“I was the Director of Student Accounts where I enjoyed helping students with their financial aid and payment plans, however I was anxious to get back into the classroom after I finished my MBA at Wayne last Spring,” Legler said.

Legler’s favorite part of teaching is helping students accomplish their goals.

“I hope to inspire students to imagine a future as a business leader, entrepreneur or accountant,” Legler said.

Legler was a staff accountant at one of “The Big Four” accounting firms, Ernst & Young, in New York City from 2000-2001 before she found her passion for teaching.

“I was the Chief Financial Officer for a commercial real estate company in Jacksonville, Florida, from 2007-2013 before becoming an elementary teacher in Micanopy, Florida, from 2013-2017,” Legler said.

Legler and her family moved to Nebraska in August of 2017 after her husband, Dr. Christian Legler, accepted a faculty position in the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Wayne State College.

“One of the biggest adjustments when moving to Wayne was the weather. Coming from Florida, that was one of the biggest changes,” Legler said. “We love the snow and found it to be so beautiful, and my daughters enjoy sledding and tubing. We also have found the people to be so kind and gracious. They’re just so welcoming, and our neighbors are wonderful.”

Legler has lived in the city of Wayne with her husband and two daughters for four years now.

“The Wayne community has been so welcoming from day one,” Legler said. “When we pulled into our driveway with a U-Haul after a 21-hour drive from Florida, our neighbor came over with a meal and directions to the grocery store. And on our first night in town, a colleague of Christian’s brought Wayne Blue Devils sweatshirts for the kids and an offer to help with childcare. During our first blizzard, when all we owned was a small shovel, our neighbor used a snow blower to clear our driveway and sidewalk. We have met so many wonderful people since moving here and made so many lifelong friends. We try to stay active with every community event and college event and to make the most of everything that Wayne has to offer.”