University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. visited communities across Nebraska earlier this month, engaging in conversations about the future of the university and how it can support a robust and thriving Nebraska.
The tour kicked off on July 10 with a day-long visit to several locations in Norfolk and continued July 21-25 with visits to multiple sites in many additional communities including Peru, Auburn, Beatrice, Grand Island, Kearney, Curtis, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Alliance and Chadron. The tour included visits to state colleges, community colleges, businesses, hospitals, chambers of commerce, university campuses and research sites and more.
“During my travels across Nebraska over the past month, I again witnessed first-hand the collaboration between the university and our communities, schools, hospitals, businesses, farms and ranches,” said Dr. Gold. “It is clear Nebraskans value their public university and are excited to strengthen the partnership between the University of Nebraska and residents of our state. I have never felt more proud and humbled to lead this incredible university.”
During his six-day, 1,500-mile tour across Nebraska, President Gold met with nearly 500 students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders and community members at 17 stops in 12 cities. At every stop, he explored opportunities around workforce development, educational access and the university’s current and future impact in communities across the state.
Discussions with leaders at state and community colleges focused on strengthening the workforce pipeline and expanding opportunities for transfer programs. In North Platte and Grand Island, community events celebrated local arts and culture, underscoring the role of the humanities in creating well-rounded citizens and vibrant communities. President Gold also visited university locations in Kearney, Curtis and North Platte to highlight the impact of the university’s health, agriculture and Extension initiatives. Guided tours by students and faculty showcased hands-on research and academic excellence, from veterinary science and entomology to precision pesticide and fertilizer application and equine technology.
“These students, faculty and researchers are engaged in work that is deeply meaningful to the future of our state,” Dr. Gold said. “Their passion is evident in the questions they ask, the solutions they pursue and the pride they take in serving their communities. It is this spirit of excellence that will drive discovery and ultimately improve lives across Nebraska.”
This year’s tour took place as the university prepares to trim more than $20 million from its systemwide budget due to modest state investment, rising costs, diminished federal investment in research support and unfunded tuition mandates, among other financial pressures. These reductions do not include the structural deficits at UNL, UNO and UNK that also must be addressed.
In an email to NU faculty and staff last week, Dr. Gold shared that campus leaders were working to address those financial pressures, lay the foundation for a balanced budget, and invest in key strategic growth areas that serve Nebraska students, communities and stakeholders.
“Everywhere I traveled, one thing was clear: Nebraskans believe in their university and the role it plays in building a stronger future,” said Dr. Gold. “Continued partnership and investment will be essential for us to keep delivering outstanding education, cutting-edge research and high-quality outreach programming and across Nebraska.”