The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution stating the university’s intent to work with the Omaha Community Foundation with the goal of admitting the foundation as a governing member of Nebraska Medicine.
In July of 2024, Clarkson Regional Health Services announced its intent to withdraw membership from Nebraska Medicine as it shifted away from healthcare management. Clarkson and the university have shared member-governance of what is now Nebraska Medicine since the health care system was founded in 1997.
After Clarkson announced plans to step away from Nebraska Medicine, numerous philanthropic organizations reached out to the Board of Regents to express their interest in ensuring Nebraska Medicine remains a world leader in healthcare.
The resolution, approved unanimously during the board’s regular June meeting, also allows for the appointment of two members representing the Omaha Community Foundation to the Nebraska Medicine board for an interim period spanning from July 1 through Oct. 1, replacing board members currently representing Clarkson Regional Health Services. The university and the Omaha Community Foundation will also develop amended articles and bylaws.
During the meeting, Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln called the resolution “the biggest decision that I have made in my entire 18-year career on this board.”
Clare thanked the Omaha philanthropic community for ongoing support of the university, which has transformed facilities and programs across all four university campuses and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
“Without the philanthropic support over the years, we would not be where we are,” he said.
“We are very grateful to the Omaha Community Foundation for its willingness to partner with us during the months ahead and hopefully thereafter,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.“Their well-respected role as one of the largest and most successful community foundations in the nation, representing thousands of individual donors and numerous private and family foundations to serve the entire state, is a perfect fit as we work together to sustain the continued success of Nebraska Medicine.”
Also during the meeting, the board approved the university’s 2026-27 operating budget, including a 4.25% tuition increase. The increase, which follows a period of inflation, will take effect for the 2026-27 academic year. The budget also calls for about $8 million in reduced spending to offset previous cuts that have not yet been fully realized. Much of the reduction has already been realized through voluntary retirement programs, administrative consolidations and operational efficiencies.
“Like many universities across the country, we continue to face challenges related to rising costs, declining state support and ongoing federal pressures," Dr. Gold said during his remarks to the board. “We remain committed to fiscal responsibility, affordability and ensuring that every dollar entrusted to us is used wisely in support of students, our mission, and the future of Nebraska.”
During his remarks to the board, Dr. Gold highlighted momentum and accomplishments across all four NU campuses. He began by highlighting finalization of the joint accreditation process between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which is anticipated later on this month. The final approval, which will be granted by the U.S. Department of Education, will cap off two years of work and allow the campuses to more fully and accurately represent the impact of the research, teaching, outreach and Extension work taking place across both campuses.
“By now reporting key institutional metrics such as enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty honors and research expenditures of UNL and UNMC together, we will more fully reflect the scale and strength of our work and align ourselves with the reporting structures used by many of our Big Ten and AAU peers,” said Dr. Gold.
Dr. Gold highlighted the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s role as a co-host and important collaborator of the College World Series. UNO students are working as broadcasters, athletic trainers and operations staff. At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, several students have been selected to participate in the nationally recognized Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, which will culminate in a student-designed experiment to be launched aboard a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station in 2027. At UNMC, the Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning, or iEXCEL, program has achieved reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Education, reflecting Nebraska’s leadership in virtual reality and simulation-based education.
And UNL has been recognized as one of the top 40 programs globally for agriculture and natural resources by QS World Rankings. In addition, UNL’s Ed Cahoon, professor of biochemistry and Director of the Center for Plant Science Innovation, was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Gold recognized Husker student-athlete Jordy Frahm, who recently received the Honda Award for Softball and was recognized as the National Player of the Year and Big 10 Pitcher of the Year. He also recognized longtime Husker Softball Coach Rhonda Revelle, who has coached teams to three Women’s College World Series appearances and numerous conference championships. During Thursday’s meeting, the board voted to name Nebraska’s softball facility in her honor.
“Naming the field in her honor is a fitting tribute to a coach whose impact extends far beyond wins and losses,” said Dr. Gold. “Her legacy will continue to inspire future Huskers for generations to come.”
Finally, Dr. Gold recognized the impact of Regent Emeritus James McClurg who passed away earlier this month.
“Regent McClurg’s leadership was marked by integrity, humility and a deep commitment to public service. He understood that the decisions made around this table have consequences not just for today, but for future generations of Nebraskans,” said Dr. Gold. “Because of his leadership, our university is stronger, our mission is clearer and our future is brighter.”
Dr. Gold concluded his remarks with a moment of silence in honor of McClurg.
In other business, the board:
- Approved major renovations to the Selleck Quadrangle Residence Center and dining hall;
- Formally approved the establishment of the system-wide Artificial Intelligence Institute;
- Approved several administrative appointments, including those of UNMC Chancellor Dele Davies and UNL Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Jen Nelson. Both appointments will take effect July 1.