Walking by Java Notes on campus, it’s hard to miss the warm, welcoming presence of Berneta DeBoer. For nearly 30 years, DeBoer has been a staple of the university’s food service, and her love for the students is as evident as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that fills the air.
“These kids have been like family to me,” DeBoer said. “I just love them all.”
Before DeBoer became the familiar face behind the counter at Java Notes, her life was filled with many occupations.
“I was a hairdresser by trade,” DeBoer said. “A cosmetologist, actually, and I was even a director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. I had a life before this.”
Although she was born and raised in Logan, Kansas, DeBoer’s heart found a home in Kearney when she moved here to attend beauty school after getting married.
Her connection to the area was so strong that, despite a brief move back to Logan, she and her husband returned to Kearney, where they’ve stayed ever since.
“One time, we moved back home because my dad wanted my husband to work with him,” Deboer said. “That didn’t last very long, and we moved back here.”
After decades in the beauty industry, DeBoer decided it was time to give up her cosmetology license.
“I had it for about 50 years,” Deboer said. “In order to keep your license, you have to do continuous education and it’s expensive to keep up.”
That life, though full of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually shifted when her neighbor suggested applying for a job in UNK’s kitchen. What began as a simple job application turned into a lasting career.
“My neighbor worked for the kitchen and mentioned applying here,” DeBoer said. “So, I applied and I ended up getting the job.”
DeBoer interacts with students everyday, whether she is working behind the counter or somewhere off campus.
She treats them like family.
“Both of my kids are grown, so these students could be my grandkids,” DeBoer said. “I’ll see them at different places, and they’ll acknowledge that they know me. It makes my day.”
It’s this sense of family that defines DeBoer’s time at UNK. For her, the job is about much more than coffee; it’s about being a steady, caring presence for the students who pass through her line. Many students come to Java Notes not just for their caffeine fix but to share a moment of familiarity and comfort in their busy schedules.
DeBoer has become more than just a friendly face for students; she has also made a lasting impression on her colleagues.
“When I first started, she was my lead, and I would eat lunch with her every day,” said Tiffany Shultz, retail manager for UNK Dining by Sodexo. “She is very creative, knowledgeable, dedicated and most of all, loving to all students.”
It’s a relationship that goes beyond customer service. For DeBoer, the students are more than just coffee drinkers – they are part of a larger family. This connection is mutual, as students regularly come back to visit her throughout their time at UNK.
“Berneta is such a nice lady,” said Anna Howard, an elementary education student. “I like to stop on my way to class and talk with her.”
Outside of her job at UNK, DeBoer’s life has been just as full. At one point, she and her husband were passionate about dancing.
“We used to teach country dancing and I even did competition dancing,” DeBoer said. “I don’t do much of that anymore.”
Despite stepping away from dancing, DeBoer and her husband still maintain an active lifestyle. They own a small acreage outside of town where they raise a few animals.
For DeBoer, UNK is more than just a workplace.
“I am more comfortable here than I am in my own house, because it’s an empty nest,” DeBoer said. “This is my home.”
As she approaches 30 years of service, DeBoer’s presence reflects her commitment to the campus, providing not just coffee but a sense of warmth and connection to everyone who stops by.
