The University of Nebraska Board of Regents honored outstanding faculty, reviewed academic program changes and heard an update from President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., during its Aug. 14 meeting at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St., in Lincoln.
During the meeting, the Board recognized recipients of the 2025 President’s Excellence Awards — the highest honor presented by the NU system — which celebrate exceptional achievements in teaching, research, innovation and engagement.
“Our students thrive because of the extraordinary work and dedication of our faculty and staff,” Dr. Gold said. “The individuals and programs honored today represent the very best of our university, defined by their innovation, commitment and impact. Their work is at the heart of the value higher education brings to Nebraska.”
In his remarks, Dr. Gold highlighted recent successes across the NU System, including a first-of-its-kind clinical trial at the University of Nebraska Medical Center that is advancing treatment for multiple sclerosis. Using an approach previously deployed for blood cancers, the research team’s pioneering work has opened new doors for patients facing severe autoimmune disease — with one Nebraskan becoming among the first in the world to benefit from the therapy.
“These kinds of discoveries demonstrate the extraordinary talent and innovation taking place at the University of Nebraska every day,” Dr. Gold said. “They change lives here in our state and far beyond.”
Dr. Gold also shared highlights from a statewide tour last month, which included meetings with more than 500 students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business leaders and community members in 12 communities. Those meetings underscored the importance of the university across the state, he said, as well as the broad support Nebraskans have for the university. Despite that support, the university faces significant financial challenges, said Dr. Gold, including state appropriations that do not keep pace with rising costs, unfunded tuition waivers and reduced federal research funding.
“We need the strong, sustained support of our state’s elected leaders. We need meaningful investment, because the University of Nebraska is not only a treasured institution, but one of the most powerful tools our state has to grow its economy, build its workforce and improve lives for generations to come,” Dr. Gold said. “Any other path limits our capacity to deliver on our mission and weakens our ability to meet Nebraska’s needs today and tomorrow.”
The Board took action on several academic program changes. Programs approved for elimination or consolidation include:
- Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics (University of Nebraska–Lincoln)
- Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (UNL)
- Certificate in Perioperative Nursing (University of Nebraska Medical Center)
- Master of Arts in Economics (University of Nebraska at Omaha)
Regents approved the addition of several programs, including:
- Master of Arts in Education in Health Education (University of Nebraska at Kearney)
- Dual-track Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (UNO and UNL)
Artificial intelligence appeals to a broad group of students, including both traditional students and people already in the workforce looking to upskill in the area of AI, said Lance Pérez, dean of the UNL College of Engineering.
The program has potential to serve students in Nebraska and the broader Midwest, said UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett.
“I believe it is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together and collaborate,” he said.
The dual-track master program also exemplifies the university’s commitment to serving the needs of both students and the workforce needs of Nebraska, said Dr. Gold.
“Aligning our academic offerings with the evolving needs of our students and the changing workplace will be critical to the long-term vitality of the University of Nebraska and the state we serve,” he said.