NU Regents considering near billion dollar deal that would end partnership with Clarkson, Nebraska Medicine

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is set to decide on a proposal in which Clarkson Regional Health Services would give up 50% of its membership in Nebraska Medicine.

The deal would give the university complete control of the Nebraska health system.

A series of agreements between the two entities includes Clarkson’s withdrawal from Nebraska Medicine and the university’s purchase from Clarkson of the land and buildings Clarkson has continued to own since the partnership commenced in 1997.

Under the deal, the university would pay Clarkson $500 million for its stake and an additional $300 million for all of Clarkson’s land and buildings.

Clarkson also announced a $200 million donation to support the University of Nebraska Medicine’s “Project Health,” making it one of the most significant gifts in its history.

According to officials, the change is expected to improve alignment and efficiency between Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.

There will be no changes to Nebraska Medicine’s day-to-day operations, services, or staff as a result of the transaction.

It is expected that Nebraska Medicine will remain a separate legal entity and nonprofit organization, rather than being a component of the University.

“Clarkson’s partnership with the University to establish and grow Nebraska Medicine has been a successful one, and we are proud of the advancements we have made together in serving our community,” Jim Landen, Chairman of the Clarkson Board, said in a press release.

Nebraska Medicine opposes the deal, calling it “the Board of Regents’ state takeover.”

“Becoming a state-controlled health system is totally unnecessary and is not in the best interest of our patients, our clinical experts, and health care in Nebraska, and we are pursuing all actions necessary to prevent a state takeover of Nebraska Medicine,” said Lance Fritz, Chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors. “We remain fully committed to our mission and believe there is an opportunity to work with the Board of Regents and Clarkson to move forward more productively and continue Nebraska Medicine’s bright future as an independent health system.”

Nebraska Medicine said the deal is being negotiated without its input or approval, despite repeated efforts to negotiate an alternative agreement.

The full release from Nebraska Medicine is available here: 1-2-2026 Nebraska Medicine Opposes Board of Regents’ State Takeover.

The contemplated transactions are expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.

The Board of Regents will meet on Jan. 9 at 3 p.m. in the boardroom at Varner Hall.