Gov. Pillen appoints former Husker Joel Makovicka to NU Board of Regents

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday appointed Joel Makovicka to fill the District 4 vacancy on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Makovicka’s appointment comes following the resignation of former Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, who resigned after being charged with a DUI.

“I appreciate Joel’s willingness to step into this role, and I have great confidence that he will serve the Board well, and with the best interests of the University in mind,” Pillen said in a press release.

Makovicka received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he played football for the Huskers and was a pivotal part of three national championship teams.

He began his professional career with the Arizona Cardinals, then retired and coached at the University of Virginia.

Makovicka earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University and continues to serve as president of his own practice, Makovicka Physical Therapy, with locations in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas.