Sara Lechman
Mr. Reynoso
The Art Department at Hastings College is excited to welcome a fresh face this year—Mr. Reynoso, who primarily teaches painting. Originally from California, Mr. Reynoso has traveled and taught across the country, with time spent in New York and Tennessee before making his way to Hastings, Nebraska.
What drew him to Hastings College was the impressive art building—something he says he “fell in love with” immediately. He was amazed that a college of this size had such a beautiful, dedicated space for the arts.
Another draw was the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center’s scholarship program, which supports and encourages student creativity. But beyond the facilities, it was the people who made the biggest impression. “Everyone here welcomes you with open arms,” Mr. Reynoso shared. “I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to teach in such a great building and on such a great campus.”
Mr. Reynoso brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to his teaching. He sees art as a way of solving problems—giving students a challenge and encouraging them to express their solutions through painting. Rather than giving direct answers, he guides them by asking questions like, “How are you handling this?” and “What’s your next step?”
So far, Mr. Reynoso says being a Hastings Bronco has been both fun and—he admits with a smile—“just a little crazy.” But he’s excited to be part of the campus community and looks forward to inspiring students through their artistic journeys.
Mrs. Kulwicki
Hastings College is proud to welcome Mrs. Kulwicki as an assistant professor in the teacher education program. A lifelong resident of Hastings, Mrs. Kulwicki brings decades of classroom experience and a deep love for the community to her new role.
She earned her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and spent 26 years teaching at Lincoln Elementary School. Now, she’s excited to help prepare the next generation of teachers for the challenges and rewards of the classroom.
Mrs. Kulwicki is passionate about mentoring future educators. Having been in their shoes, she understands the importance of strong support and practical preparation. “I want to help young teachers build the skills they’ll need not just for their first year, but to set them up for success in the years to come,” she shared. “I’ve been there, and I truly care about each of my students.”
As a proud wife and mother of three, Mrs. Kulwicki values the strong sense of community here in Hastings. She loves how kind and welcoming everyone is, and she appreciates how the campus staff supports students in every way. “The size of Hastings College is just right—not too big, not too small,” she said. “It really feels like family.”
Grateful for the opportunity to teach at her hometown college, Mrs. Kulwicki is already enjoying everything Hastings has to offer. “I love being a Hastings Bronco,” she said. “It’s such a joy to be part of this amazing campus and community.”
Next month we’ll talk to new faculty members from the music, theater, and finance departments.