We begin the new academic year with opportunities for continued learning and growth.
 
August 27, 2019
 
To the Students, Faculty and Staff of the University of Nebraska:
 
A new academic year is underway at our University, bringing with it new opportunities for learning, growth and discovery.
 
To those of you who are new to the University of Nebraska, welcome. Many of you are the first in your families to attend college. I was in your seat once. I am so glad you are here.
 
Each of you has chosen a place where our 52,000 students come first, where we celebrate the rich diversity of our community, and where our faculty are engaged in work that matters first to Nebraska but with the potential to improve the human condition around the world. As I told our summer graduates, this place – and the people it binds together – are truly special.
 
 
It is the privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside you. Growing up on my family’s farm, I could not have imagined the lifelong connection I would build with the University of Nebraska – first as a student, then as a faculty member, dean and now as president.
 
Much has changed over those decades, but what has not is the talent, creativity and commitment of the students, faculty and staff who make up our University. I am in awe of the work you do: your literary creations, your research innovations, your service to the state, your entrepreneurial ideas and so much more.
 
We begin this new academic year with remarkable momentum – a credit to your commitment to our fundamental mission to serve the people of Nebraska. Our faculty have celebrated major research breakthroughs recently, like innovations in agriculture that will feed a growing global population and a discovery that could lead a cure for HIV. Many of you, including dozens of students, have given of yourselves to serve Nebraskans impacted by this year’s devastating floods.
 
And we remain focused on our highest priority of providing affordable, outstanding education that will grow Nebraska’s workforce and quality of life.
 
As we look to the opportunities ahead, I invite you to contact me at president@nebraska.edu with your ideas and comments.
 
Thank you for all you do for the University of Nebraska.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Susan Fritz, Ph.D.
Interim President, University of Nebraska