The University of Nebraska remains steadfast in its mission to be a strong partner to the state, a key driver of economic and workforce development, and a leader in research and education, University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., told the Board of Regents during a Feb. 7 meeting.
During the meeting, which took place at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St., Dr. Gold highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to serving Nebraska through education, research, and engagement, emphasizing that every decision is guided by a focus on long-term benefits for the state. Despite financial challenges posed by proposed state budget reductions and shifting federal policies, Dr. Gold reassured the Board that the University of Nebraska is prepared to address these issues with strategic planning and data-driven decision-making.
“We remain unwavering in our dedication to serving the people of Nebraska,” Dr. Gold said. “Through extraordinary teaching, research, partnerships, culture, and stewardship, we will continue to ensure that the University of Nebraska is an indispensable asset to our state’s future.”
Dr. Gold’s message aligned with that of Sen. John Arch, speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, who shared a legislative update with the Board.
The legislature is working to balance the state’s budget while also working to ensure that Nebraska’s youth and students are able to build successful careers and families in Nebraska, Arch said.
“We are working together to build a state of opportunity here in Nebraska,” he said.
The Board also heard from Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, adjutant general of the Nebraska Military Department. Maj. Gen. Strong gave an overview of the work of the Nebraska Military Department, including several in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He also highlighted UNMC’s work with the Department of Defense in creating a new Infectious Diseases Air Transport Training Facility. The project, which is currently in the works, would provide training in the safe transport of military members with infectious disease.
“UNMC is uniquely positioned to be a center of excellence for the DOD when it comes to this capability,” he said.
Dr. Gold shared an update on the university’s strategic plan, which he announced during the Board of Regents’ December meeting. The plan is built upon five pillars, which focus on innovation in teaching, strengthening research, fostering partnerships, enhancing campus culture, and ensuring effective resource stewardship.
Since announcing the plan in December, Dr. Gold has worked alongside university leaders to identify 16 strategies for advancing those pillars, including enhancing curriculum innovation, establishing a unified NU research identity, and reliance on data-driven decision-making to maximize impact.
He also shared an update on a forthcoming economic impact report, which will be released on Feb. 11. Preliminary results of the study show the university has a $6.4 billion annual economic impact on the state of Nebraska and a $10 return on every $1 of state investment.
“The incredible economic impact of the University of Nebraska is not the national norm for a public university such as ours,” said Dr. Gold. “Even through the challenges of recent years, when the economic impact of many other universities has remained flat or fallen, the impact of the University of Nebraska has soared. That is a testament to the work of everyone in this room, as well as many others.”
The full impact report will be released during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. at Hudl, 600 P. St., Suite 400, in Lincoln.
The highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s combined choir, which recently had the honor of performing at the U.S. Presidential Inauguration in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Led by Dr. Peter Ecklund, the choir’s performance of “One Voice” was a moving representation of unity and excellence. Dr. Gold praised the students for their hard work and for serving as outstanding ambassadors for the university on a national stage.
“For these students, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an opportunity not only to showcase their talents but also to represent the University of Nebraska at one of our nation’s most significant events,” Dr. Gold said. “Their performance was simply stunning.”
The meeting included a surprise live performance from the choir, giving attendees a firsthand experience of the talent and dedication that earned them national recognition.
In other business, the Board:
- Elected officers for the coming year. Regent Paul Kenney was elected president, and Regent Jim Scheer was elected vice president.
- Recognized outgoing Regent Rob Schafer for his year of service as president of the Board of Regents.
- Approved an agreement with Aramark to provide concessions at UNL’s athletic facilities.
- Passed a resolution in support of Project Health, a $2.19 billion public-private healthcare facility at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that will serve as a clinical learning center to train the next generation of health care providers, conduct research and offer clinical trials.
- Approved the title of Regent Emeritus for Jim McClurg, who served on the board from 2002-2012, and as its chairman from 2006-2012.
- Recognized employees Alex Straatmann (UNK); Sheila Steward (UNL); Debbie Vidlak (UNMC); and Sophia Potter (UNO) with Kudos Awards in recognition of exemplary service.