UNL Community –
Yesterday, the Board of Regents approved the contract of Dr. Jeffrey Gold as President of the University of Nebraska System. I am so pleased that our Regents have selected a leader with Dr. Gold’s academic background and proven leadership ability. I look forward to working with Dr. Gold to envision the University’s exciting future.
The Board also approved the system’s FY25 budget, including a tuition increase. The budget requires the NU System to make $11.8 million in permanent reductions across campuses and the Office of the President over the next year. As we begin this work, we will utilize shared governance processes to move forward in an engaged and thoughtful way.
As many of you know, at UNL we have been working to address a recurring structural deficit. I am seeking clarity on how the numbers shared at Thursday’s Board meeting impact this work.
Looking forward to the fall, we expect to realize enrollment growth, and now is the time to ensure we are all doing what we can to retain our current scholars and solidify commitments from prospective students at all levels. We should do so with great urgency and with a spirit that every person and every interaction matters.
I want to close by thanking you for your good work this past academic year. It has been an outstanding year for UNL, and I expect the same for next year. We realized enrollment growth this spring, and our retention and graduation rates are rising. All across campus, new collaborations and partnerships are leading us to reach new heights. We are teaching at a high level and preparing our students to succeed. Our research productivity, creative activity and awards have risen to record levels, and we continue to positively impact communities across Nebraska.
Thank you, and as always, Go Big Red!
Rodney D. Bennett
Chancellor