The NU Board of Regents voted to eliminate four academic programs and combine four others into two interdisciplinary schools on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus during its regular meeting on Friday, Dec. 5.
The units approved for elimination — Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; Educational Administration; Statistics; and Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design — were proposed by UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett as part of an effort to achieve $6.74 million in academic program cuts, contributing to a broader goal of $27.5 million in budget savings across the campus. Those cost-saving measures also include a voluntary separation incentive plan, the extension of a hiring freeze, and other cost-reduction actions.
In addition, the board approved plans to merge the Departments of Entomology and Plant Pathology to create one interdisciplinary school, and to combine the Departments of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication into a second interdisciplinary school. The framework and naming for both new schools will be developed in spring 2026.
UNL faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members testified regarding the programs slated for elimination during the meeting, citing the history of the programs and the benefits they provide to students and to the state of Nebraska.
NU Regent Tim Clare, of Lincoln, acknowledged the programs slated for elimination – like all of the programs across NU’s four campuses – are valuable. However, he said, the university faces serious budget challenges that threaten the future of the institution. The cuts, he said, are necessary to ensure the future sustainability and viability of the university, he said.
“Our state-aided budget relies almost entirely on two sources: state appropriations and tuition. These are the funds that sustain our day-to-day academic operations,” Clare said. “The simple truth is that our current revenues are not sufficient to cover our costs.”
University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., spoke to the difficulty of the reductions, emphasizing the human impact behind the decisions.
“Today is a meaningful and highly impactful day for our university and for the communities we serve, as we address academic changes that touch real people, real programs, and real futures,” he said.
Dr. Gold emphasized that fiscal responsibility, while difficult, is necessary for the future success of the university. That success, he said, is continually playing out at UNL and across the other three campuses.
During his remarks, Dr. Gold highlighted the Board’s historic approval and the Higher Learning Commission’s affirmation of joint institutional accreditation for UNL and UNMC; UNL’s launch of the Digital Ag DNA Networking and Engagement Series to advance data-driven agriculture statewide; the upcoming opening of the 110,000-square-foot Health Science Education Center in Kearney; UNMC’s global engagement efforts, including its work with Ukrainian physicians specializing in battlefield injuries; and UNO’s successful recruitment of a new dean for the College of Business Administration.
Dr. Gold also noted inspiring achievements such as Husker Volleyball’s Big Ten championship and record-setting philanthropic events across campuses.
“Even in this time of challenge, we are making remarkable progress. We are moving forward on our Odyssey to the Extraordinary, and I see evidence of that across all our campuses,” said Dr. Gold. “There is much success ahead, and I am confident in our direction, our mission, and our people. Together, we will continue on our Odyssey to the Extraordinary.”
In other business, the board:
- Recognized five NU employees with Kudos awards for exemplary service;
- Recognized General Anthony J. Cotton, commander of U.S. Strategic Air Command at Offutt Airforce Base, with a resolution in appreciation for service to the United States and Nebraska, as well as for his partnership with the university;
- Approved a program statement for construction of new athletic facilities at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The facilities would be funded entirely through private philanthropy.
About the University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska is the state’s only public university system, made up of four campuses – UNL, UNO, UNK and UNMC – each with a distinct role and mission. Together the campuses enroll nearly 50,000 students and employ 16,000 faculty and staff who serve the state, nation and world through education, research and outreach. For more information and news from the University of Nebraska, visit nebraska.edu/news.