Jon Watts

Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Jon Watts was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the University of Nebraska System in September 2025.

As COO, Watts will serve as a key integrator of system-wide priorities, working closely with leadership to evaluate, plan, and enhance core operations in support of our commitment to being a learner-centered university.

A native of Kearney, Watts brings both public and private sector experience to this new role. He most recently served as regional general manager for ALLO Communications, following his tenure as chief business officer at UNK. Jon’s experience within the NU system and his collaborative leadership style make him a strong fit for this new role, and he will be instrumental in helping unify and align business operations across the university.

Watts joined UNK in 2010 as assistant director of business services and was promoted to director of business services and accounts payable in 2013. He’s served as vice chancellor for business and finance since June 2016, providing direction and oversight for universitywide budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, compliance, facilities maintenance and construction.

During his time as chief business officer, Watts helped deliver $290 million in construction, renovation and expansion projects on campus, including new residence halls, a 90,000-square-foot STEM building and the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex.

He also played a key role in the development of University Village, a 104-acre site that combines educational, residential, commercial and recreational opportunities to create a vibrant neighborhood that connects urban and rural Nebraska. The public-private development includes the Regional Engagement Center, Element 30 housing project, Ernest Grundy Tennis Center, Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center and UNK’s Village Flats apartments, along with the Nebraska Medicine cancer center that’s expected to open in December.

Watts served on countless UNK and NU System committees and is a graduate of the Leadership UNK, Leadership Kearney and Leadership Nebraska programs. He received the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year award in 2012 and Distinguished Leadership Kearney Alumni Award in 2016.

Watts obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Communication Studies and master’s in Management from Bellevue University. He has also earned the designation of a Certified Auxiliary Services Professional.