Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
Earlier today, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the next important step in Project Health, which will broaden access to lifesaving care and ensure a talented pipeline of healthcare workers for our state. The action during this morning’s meeting allows for the next phase of construction to begin on this project, marking a significant milestone on our Odyssey to the Extraordinary.
Project Health is the state’s largest teaching, clinical research and clinical care facility. It will serve as the primary inpatient hospital facility for Nebraska Medicine, house state-of-the-art clinical care rooms, and will be one of the nation’s largest and dynamic clinical learning environment for the next generation of health professionals.
As we celebrate this progress, we are also navigating national developments that affect our university community. Earlier this week, the chancellors and I shared with you an email in anticipation of what was then a possible shutdown of the federal government. On Wednesday, a shutdown went into effect. We anticipate that short-term impacts will be limited for most students, but that there may be disruptions to federally funded research and grants. Longer term impacts will likely be more significant. We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to keep you informed; you can find updates and FAQs here.
At the same time, we know this is a challenging moment across higher education across our nation—and that includes our own university. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now moving forward in its budget reduction process, with difficult decisions ahead. These discussions will impact our people and our programs. They are painful—and they will reshape the university in many ways. As we work through this, I ask that we lead with compassion, grace and care for one another.
I remain profoundly grateful for all that you do. These are not ordinary times—but I believe deeply in the strength of our university and the people who make it great. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students, our mission and the future of Nebraska.
With appreciation,
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
President, University of Nebraska System