Public encouraged to engage in UNL chancellor search process

University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds is reminding Nebraskans that they have several key opportunities to participate in the search process for the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

A team from Isaacson, Miller, the executive firm that is assisting Bounds in the search, is in Nebraska for several days this week and will hold an open forum at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Nebraska Union Auditorium on UNL’s City Campus. The Isaacson, Miller team will invite attendees to share what they hope the next chancellor will accomplish; how they will know in the next three to five years that the right person was hired; what they feel are the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing UNL; and what experiences, skills and personal attributes they think the next chancellor should have; among other topics. All faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and interested members of the public are welcome to attend the forum.

The Isaacson, Miller team has a number of individual and small group meetings scheduled during its Nebraska visit, including with the president, search advisory committee, UNL senior leaders, the campus commissions on women, people of color and environmental sustainability, faculty, staff and student leaders, representatives of athletics and the arts, and University of Nebraska Foundation leadership, donors and corporate leaders.

Additionally, Bounds invites members of the public to share their thoughts on the chancellor search by filling out a survey available here. Responses to the survey, which asks the same questions above, will help inform a job description and candidate profile for the next chancellor.

Isaacson, Miller is working with a 24-member search advisory committee appointed by Bounds to identify, recruit and screen potential candidates. The advisory committee includes representatives of the faculty, staff, administration, student body, private sector and agricultural community – all key constituencies with whom the UNL chancellor regularly interacts. Bounds will identify no fewer than four finalists who will participate in public forums and university visits that will provide opportunities for key constituents and members of the public to meet the individuals and offer feedback. The appointment of the next chancellor will be made by the president, subject to approval by the Board of Regents. 

Current Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced in April that he will step down in 2016 after leading UNL through an era of significant growth and progress.