Martin A. Massengale served as chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 1981-1991. He is president emeritus of the University of Nebraska, director of the Center for Grassland Studies and a Foundation distinguished professor.

Massengale joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1976 as the vice chancellor for agriculture and natural resources. He accepted the position of chancellor in 1981. In 1991, after ten years in the university's top leadership post, he became the president of the University of Nebraska system from 1991-1994 – a position that he had held as interim from 1989-1991. He became president emeritus of the University of Nebraska in 1994.

As chancellor, Massengale was known as an effective leader and supporter of integrating research, education and extension. Among his many duties as chancellor, Massengale was responsible administratively for the Lied Center when it opened in 1990. His most notable work is the creation of the Center for Grassland Studies. Under his leadership, the program has grown into an integrated study of grassland agriculture and turf management with a staff of over 130 members across the University of Nebraska campuses.

Massengale has published numerous papers and presentations, served as the principal or co-investigator on multiple research studies and has worked to build worldwide cultural understanding of agronomy, botany, plant physiology, and crop ecology.

In addition to his experience in academia, Massengale has served on numerous commissions and advisory boards including the board of trustees of the Nebraska Historical Society Foundation, University of Nebraska Foundation and Bryan Medical Center, among others.