By University of Nebraska-System
LINCOLN, Neb. - The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the appointment of Katherine S. Ankerson as interim chancellor for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln during a Feb. 6 meeting.
NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., tapped Ankerson to serve as interim chancellor following the departure of Rodney Bennett, who served as UNL Chancellor from mid-2023 until January. Prior to stepping into the role of interim chancellor, Ankerson served as UNL’s executive vice chancellor, with previous roles as dean, associate dean and professor in UNL’s College of Architecture.
“Interim Chancellor Ankerson is the right leader for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln at this moment,” said Dr. Gold. “She is extremely collaborative and forward-looking, and I have greatly enjoyed working with her over the past month. I look forward to seeing how the Lincoln campus moves forward and grows stronger under her leadership.”
During the meeting, the board heard a legislative update from Speaker John Arch, who shared an update on the state budget and highlighted the many partnerships between the state and the university over the past decade. He highlighted UNK’s Rural Health Education Building; an investment in pancreatic cancer research at UNMC; construction of an agricultural innovation facility on UNL’s Innovation Campus; and a program to expand internships as examples of collaborative projects between the state and the university that move Nebraska forward.
“I’m grateful for our partnership with the members of our legislature,” said Dr. Gold. “I often say that what is good for the University of Nebraska is good for our state, and I’m proud to work with state leaders who share our vision of a thriving and prosperous Nebraska.”
The board also recognized Sen. Deb Fischer with the National Champion of Science Award for her work to secure major investments for University of Nebraska research initiatives, including funding for precision agriculture, drought mitigation, medical surge capacity, and transportation safety, among others.
“Champions of Science like Sen. Fischer believe that federally funded scientific research conducted at universities is essential to our nation’s future, drives innovation and fuels our economy,” said Regent Robert Schafer, who presented Sen. Fischer with the award.
During his comments to the board, Dr. Gold welcomed Regent Joel Makovicka of Omaha, who Gov. Jim Pillen appointed to the District 4 seat earlier this week. Dr. Gold also highlighted momentum across the NU campuses, including progress on the new Health Science Education Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, which after it officially opens later this spring, will more than double University of Nebraska Medical Center student enrollment in Kearney. He noted the renewal of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, which recognizes the campus’s commitment to meaningful community partnerships and engagement. He highlighted the search for the next permanent UNMC chancellor, which was made public on Thursday.
He also recognized two UNL faculty members, both of whom have recently received national recognition for their contributions to research and scientific discovery. James Schnable, the Nebraska Corn Checkoff Presidential Chair at the University of UNL last month was awarded the 2026 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture, one of the National Academy of Sciences’ highest honors. Mathias Schubert, the J.A. Woollam Distinguished Professor of Engineering, was named a 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in January.
Together, these accomplishments move the University of Nebraska forward on its Odyssey to Extraordinary, said Dr. Gold.
“Step by step, we continue forward, each day a day closer to the extraordinary future we are building together,” he said. “This odyssey belongs to the people of Nebraska, and with your partnerships, it continues with high energy and dedication.”
In other business, the board:
- Recognized four employees from each of the NU campuses with system-wide Kudos awards for exemplary service;
- Eliminated two low-enrollment majors and one center at UNO;
- Transitioned seven programs formerly available to students in UNO’s College of Businesses Administration as concentration areas into academic majors;
- Approved the Board of Regents meeting schedule for the coming year.