Future University of Nebraska interim president outlines his priorities

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Chris Kabourek, a David City native, will soon become the University of Nebraska’s interim president.

He said this new role is an opportunity of a lifetime. 

“This is probably more than I ever thought possible growing up as the first in my family to go to college,” Kabourek said. 

He said he has two main goals for the University of Nebraska: to keep moving the university forward and to invest in priorities.

“I’m an absolute believer that a strong university is imperative to a strong state of Nebraska,” he said. 

Kabourek also talked about budget cuts for the university system.  

The University of Nebraska system is facing a $58 million budget shortfall, and all four of its universities are trying to make cuts. 

“We’re going to have to take a strong look at our spending and make priorities, make decisions in what we’re going to invest in and in what we’re not,” Kabourek said.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously selected Kabourek as a temporary replacement for President Ted Carter earlier this month.

Carter’s last day is Dec. 31. He is leaving to become president of Ohio State University. 

“Fortunately, President Carter has set a really good foundation for us,” Kabourek said. “We have a really good plan in place. My primary focus is to make sure we keep moving and executing on that plan.”  

Kabourek is currently the university’s senior vice president and chief financial officer. He will assume his interim position on Jan. 1.

He will not be a candidate for the permanent position.