LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is taking the first steps in the search for the eighth president at NU.
Regents invites Nebraskans to consider the qualities, characteristics and skills they would like to see in the university's next leader.
“The University of Nebraska presidency is one of the best jobs in the country. The Board intends to conduct a timely national search to find the best possible person for the job,” Tim Clare, NU Board of Regents Chairman said.
He cites enrollment records, research funding, graduation rates along with increased efficiencies, collaboration and public-private partnerships during President Hank Bounds' four-year tenure.
“A successful search requires a good process, guided by feedback and engagement from Nebraskans across the state who care about the continued success of their University. Because of Hank Bounds, the University of Nebraska is on an incredible trajectory. We’re excited to begin a conversation with Nebraskans about how we keep that momentum going," Clare said.
The board encourages NU students, faculity, staff, stakeholders and Nebraskans to submit their comments to presidentsearch@nebraska.edu.
The board wants to hear from stakeholders and plans to hold public listening sessions soon. Officials will announce dates, times and locations of the meetings in the near future.
As part of the next steps, the board will direct university staff to use a consulting firm to assist in the president search.
The board also plans to appoint one or more advisory committees to help identify candidates for the job, which follows the board's bylaws. Students, faculty, staff, stakeholders and Nebraskans will help make up the committee or committees.
State law requires the board to identify a priority candidate for president. The appointment of him or her will be subject to a public vetting period of at least 30 days before her or his selection goes to a vote of the board.
The vetting period will include a forum at each NU campus where the public can meet, ask questions and provide feedback on the candidate.
Clare said when the board’s executive committee determines a recommendation for interim NU leadership, the appointment will be brought to the full board for a public vote.
Bounds announced in March his plans to step down late this summer to transition to other educational work.
