Mari Wheeler

Mari Celeste Wheeler joined the Nebraska Athletic Department as a Culinary Associate in September of 2021. As a culinary associate, she assists the chefs with preparing student-athlete meals, trains and supervises student workers, maintains knowledge of and enforces updated food safety protocols and communicates with the chefs and dietitians about service updates and observations. Additionally,  she serves as a consultant for student dietitians on improving buffet and fueling operations.

Wheeler previously worked at the Nebraska Training Table in May of 2019 as a student supervisor, helping improve efficiency and organization of front of house operations.

Prior to coming to Nebraska, Wheeler was a shift manager at Wendy’s in Lincoln, was a marketing/merchandising intern at Italian Vine Wines and a food and beverage associate/banquets supervisor at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel.

Wheeler earned a bachelor of arts in hospitality, restaurant, tourism management with minors in leadership and communications from UNL in August of 2019. She also earned an associates of arts and sciences in culinary arts with highest distinction from Great Plains Culinary Institute in May of 2021.

Wheeler was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in both Missouri and Nebraska. She became a Certified Culinarian through American Culinary Federation (ACF) in March 2021 and is studying to become a Certified Sous Chef through ACF. Her passions include cooking, baking, traveling and running marathons.