Sept. 24, 2026
Dear UNL Community,
I am writing to share that we have officially launched the formation process for a search advisory committee for the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
As we begin this process, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Interim Chancellor Katherine Ankerson for the steady and thoughtful leadership she has provided since January. She has guided UNL with a deep commitment to the university, its people and its mission. I am grateful for her continued service and leadership.
Selecting UNL’s next chancellor is one of the most important responsibilities we will undertake in this academic year. We are committed to conducting a thoughtful national search that reflects the aspirations of the university and identifies an exceptional leader prepared to build upon UNL’s strengths, address the challenges ahead and advance its vital mission of teaching, research and engagement.
We are assembling a search advisory committee that will represent a broad range of UNL constituents, both within the university and across the community. Dr. David Jackson, Executive Vice President and Provost for the University of Nebraska System, is helping to convene the committee and coordinate the process. We also will engage a national executive search firm to assist with candidate recruitment and evaluation. That firm has not yet been selected.
This fall, we will hold listening sessions to hear from faculty, staff, students and other members of the UNL community about the qualities, experience and priorities we should seek in the next chancellor. Your perspectives will help inform the development of a position profile that will guide the search and be used to recruit a strong pool of candidates.
Our goal is to publish the position profile and job posting by the end of 2026. Applications will be reviewed and candidates evaluated in early 2027, with interviews planned for the spring. I anticipate presenting a finalist to the Board of Regents at its June 2027 meeting, with the goal of having UNL’s next chancellor in place as soon thereafter as possible.
To ensure we have a strong pool of applicants, we will be providing opportunities for the university community and stakeholders to nominate candidates. Our selection process and the committee’s work will be strictly confidential in alignment with state statute. Once a priority candidate is selected, there will be a 30-day vetting period and numerous opportunities for individuals to provide an assessment and input on the potential hire. We will continue to provide updates as the search committee is finalized, the search firm is selected and listening sessions are scheduled.
UNL’s next chancellor will assume leadership at an important moment for the university. I am confident that, with the thoughtful participation of the UNL community, we will identify a collaborative and visionary leader who understands the university’s distinctive role and is committed to its continued strength and success.
Thank you in advance for your engagement in this important process and for all you do each day to serve UNL, the University of Nebraska System and the people of our state.
Sincerely,
