Nebraska regents could pick priority candidate for university’s next president
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Board of Regents could pick a priority candidate Wednesday for the university’s next president.
On Tuesday morning, the board sent out an updated meeting agenda, which now features the “potential designation” of a candidate for NU’s ninth president.
Nebraska has been without a permanent president since Ted Carter left for Ohio State on Dec. 31.
Chris Kabourek, the university’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, took over as interim president.
The meeting comes after the abrupt departure of Athletic Director Trev Alberts.
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Gov. Jim Pillen, a former regent, said last week that it was “unacceptable” that the board hasn’t yet chosen a permanent president.
“That’s a fallout that takes place with a lack of leadership,” Pillen told Channel 8. “We have to get the position filled. Get it done. Let’s go.”
Rob Schafer, chairman of the board, said the regents are not to blame for Alberts’ departure.
“We are all disappointed to see Trev leave,” Schafer said. “We had hoped he would be a Husker for many years, and at the leadership level, we certainly took significant steps to make that happen.”
The Nebraska Board of Regents meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
Channel 8 spoke to UNL students about the qualities they want to see in the next president.
“I think a good next president of the University of Nebraska is someone who listens, especially to the students and the need of the students,” said Audrey Ellis, a UNL student.
Another student said she wants the Board of Regents to make the best decision.
“It’s been kind of weird not having a president for so long,” Olivia Palmer said. “It’s kind of frustrating at this point.”
