Chair Kenney, members of the Board, university leaders, faculty, staff, students and guests, thank you for being here today. It is always an honor to address each of you, and today, we come together today with milestones to celebrate decisions to make, which will impact our University of Nebraska and the communities that we serve.
I would like to begin by sharing a milestone that reflects both our history and our future: the joint accreditation of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which became official this month. This important achievement is a result of just under two years of work and will now allow us to more accurately represent the extraordinary impact our faculty, researchers, scholars and staff make across Nebraska every day.
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. The impact is significant. For example, based on last year’s National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development survey reporting, our combined research expenditures will move the University of Nebraska from around 125th nationally to 55th in research rankings, helping us attract talented students, outstanding faculty and staff, and additional public and private research opportunities.
Just as important, this accreditation change creates new opportunities for collaboration. We have already planned a joint summit this fall that will bring together leaders from both campuses to identify new opportunities in education, research and innovation and will strengthen existing partnerships, remove barriers and expand our collective system-wide impact.
At the heart of this effort was always a simple question: What is best for Nebraska? The Lincoln and medical center campuses began as one institution and shared accreditation from 1913 until 1968. This move brings us closer to that original alignment while preserving the distinct missions, leadership and governance structures that make each campus unique. Together, we are stronger, and together we can better serve our state.
As we celebrate that milestone, we also celebrate remarkable accomplishments across each of our campuses.
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, students have been selected to participate in the nationally recognized Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. Through this initiative, one student-designed experiment will be launched aboard a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station in 2027. It is an extraordinary opportunity that will allow UNK students to experience scientific research at the highest level. From proposal development to national review and ultimately conducting research in microgravity, these students are demonstrating that world-class discovery can begin right here in Nebraska.
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and its Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, our programs continue to earn global recognition. In the latest QS World University Rankings, UNL’s agriculture and natural resources programs rose to 40th in the world among nearly 500 institutions, placing our agriculture programs in the top 9 percent globally. This distinction reflects decades of excellence in teaching, research and outreach and reinforces Nebraska’s role as a global leader in feeding and sustaining the world.
We also celebrate one of UNL’s most distinguished researchers. Dr. Edgar Cahoon, director of the Center for Plant Science Innovation, who was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. This is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive. His groundbreaking work in plant biotechnology is advancing biofuels, improving crop resilience and strengthening food security around the globe. Dr. Cahoon’s election is a testament not only to his remarkable career but also to the caliber of research taking place throughout the University of Nebraska. Dr. Cahoon, will you please stand and be recognized?
And just earlier this week, as a member of the APLU Board of Directors, I was asked to participate with a small group of land grant university leaders in a series of meetings with Secretary of Agriculture, Brook Rollins, to discuss our leadership in national research and the future investments in the U.S. bioeconomy.
At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, we continue to demonstrate leadership in health care, research and public service. UNMC was once more called upon, as our nation’s only federal quarantine facility, the National Quarantine Unit or NQU and remains actively engaged in monitoring American citizens with a cruise ship exposure to the highly lethal hantavirus through providing critical support and expertise during a time of concern. I commend our faculty and staff who have yet again, gone above and beyond.
In addition, UNMC’s highly regarded iEXCEL program has achieved reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Education Institute through 2031. This accomplishment reflects years of dedication from the iEXCEL team and confirms that Nebraska remains at the forefront of experiential virtual reality and simulation-based education. It is a powerful example of how innovation at UNMC is improving education, health care and patient outcomes across our state, while positioning Nebraska as a national leader in this space.
And at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, we once again find ourselves in the midst of one of Nebraska’s most iconic athletic events: the College World Series. As co-host of the tournament, UNO plays a vital role in the success of the CWS. Maverick students are gaining hands-on experience as broadcasters, athletic trainers, operations staff and members of the famed “mud crew,” helping prepare baseballs for play. Their work behind the scenes demonstrates the value of experiential learning and showcases the talent and professionalism of our students on a national stage.
Turning to today’s agenda, the Board will consider several important items that will shape the future of our university.
First is the University of Nebraska operating budget. Like many universities across the country, we continue to face challenges related to rising costs, declining state support and ongoing federal pressures. The proposed, balanced budget includes a tuition increase based upon an average of multiyear inflation trends and approximately $8 million in additional reductions across our campuses. Through careful planning, voluntary retirement programs, administrative consolidations and operational efficiencies, much of that work has already been accomplished. 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.
In addition, the Regents will review a major renovation of the Selleck residential complex and dining hall at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This project represents a significant investment in the student experience and will help ensure that future generations of Huskers have facilities that support learning, community and success.
The Board will also consider appointments for two outstanding leaders. Dr. H. Dele Davies as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Dr. Jen Nelson as Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to our mission. I am grateful for their service and confident they will help guide our institution to even greater success in the years ahead.
Another item before the Board is particularly meaningful. Today, the Regents will formally consider naming Nebraska’s softball facility in honor of Coach Rhonda Revelle.
For more than three decades, Coach Revelle has embodied excellence, leadership and dedication. She is the winningest coach in Nebraska athletics history and one of the most respected figures in collegiate softball. Under her leadership, Nebraska softball has reached three Women’s College World Series appearances, earned countless conference championships and postseason berths, and developed generations of student-athletes both on and off the field. Naming the field in her honor is a fitting tribute to a coach whose impact extends far beyond wins and losses. Her legacy will continue to inspire future Huskers for generations to come.
I would also like to recognize one of our remarkable student-athletes, softball player Jordy Frahm.
Jordy was recently named the recipient of the prestigious Honda Award for Softball, joining an elite group of athletes recognized as the very best in collegiate sports. She is a four-time first-team All-American, National Player of the Year, Gold Glove winner and Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. More importantly, she represents the values of dedication, excellence and perseverance that define Nebraska Athletics. Jordy, congratulations on this extraordinary achievement. We are so proud and grateful for the way she represents our university and warmly welcome her to our Husker family of world class coaches.
Finally, I would like to conclude with recognition of former Regent Jim McClurg, who recently passed away.
Throughout his service to our state and most critically during his time as a Regent, Dr. McClurg has been an extraordinary leader, a thoughtful statesman and a steadfast advocate for higher education. He approached every issue with a clear focus on what was best for Nebraska, what was best for the University of Nebraska and what was best for our students.
His 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. Because of his leadership, our university is stronger, our mission is clearer and our future is brighter.
Jim and Lori have also been close friends during my journey since day one, now more than twelve years ago. Whether it was in the board room during the early planning stages for the cancer center or on the court in Devaney arena, Jim was always there, asking the right questions, convening and caring for others.
On behalf of the entire University of Nebraska family, thank you, Regent McClurg, for your service, your wisdom and your unwavering commitment to this institution and to Nebraska.
May the examples you have set of integrity, wisdom and stalwart commitment continue to guide all that we do.
Thank you. Regent Kenney, I ask that we request a moment of silence to honor the memory of Dr. Jim McClurg before we resume the formal business of our meeting.