John Adams, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for budget and strategic planning at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will retire Dec. 31.
“I’m pleased with what I’ve been able to contribute toward making UNMC a dynamic medical center, and I’m proud to have worked with a variety of staff throughout my 23 years here,” Dr. Adams said. “I’ve had a number of terrific mentors, and I’m proud to have served as a mentor to many colleagues throughout my time here.”
Harold M. Maurer, M.D., the fourth chancellor under whom Dr. Adams has served, said he is unique and brings comfort to those who work with him. Dr. Maurer first worked closely with Dr. Adams during the merger of Clarkson Hospital and University Hospital, a merger on which Dr. Maurer led negotiations and Dr. Adams served as UNMC’s facilitator.
“John is like the IRS; he never lets you do anything that would not pass muster or the smell test; he is not afraid of saying ‘no,’” Dr. Maurer said. “He is always correct the first time. If I need a document from John, he reaches into a drawer and pulls it out without much thought or effort. His opinions are valued, so much so, that no one would dare do anything other than what he recommends.
“His knowledge of bonding was critical as we developed the funding plans for the new buildings on campus. His expertise in strategic planning is legendary. Central Administration trusts him, especially as we go through budget cycles. We will have a very difficult time replacing John. I unsuccessfully tried to convince him to stay on longer. He is a good friend."
Dr. Adams held several positions at UNMC. Hired as the asst. finance director for budget and fiscal analysis, he later held roles as the campus quality officer, project manager for an organizational re-design, campus planning officer, and director of strategic planning and budget. He assumed the assistant vice chancellor title in 2002. In this role, Dr. Adams was a member of the Chancellor’s Council and served as a key advisor on many issues.
Dr. Adams named three recent projects of which he is particularly proud:
n The financing of building projects that requires a great deal of coordination between receiving pledges from donors, paying construction costs by issuing bonds and then repaying the bonds from pledge payments.
n Initiating long-range financial planning.
n Implementing a strategic planning process that provided more than “paper plan”. The current process provides firm accountabilities and dates, and has resulted in several big initiatives, such as the creation of the College of Public Health and the construction of the Sorrell Center, among other construction projects.
Dr. Adams also noted his satisfaction with his work as a member of the Society for College and University Planning, an organization through which Dr. Adams has developed professionally, presenting best-practice findings and ideas in publications and at national conferences.
Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for Business and Finance, said Dr. Adams has has played a critical role in UNMC’s growth and transformation over the last decade and more.
"He has been a colleague, a friend and someone whose good judgment and discretion can always be relied on,” Leuenberger said. “In many ways, John has created and defined the position he holds here, and UNMC has benefited a great deal from his talent and hard work. His will be very hard shoes to fill."
Leuenberger soon will appoint a committee to search for an assistant vice chancellor for budget and strategic planning.
A native Californian, Dr. Adams accepted a full-time teaching position at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1972. After nearly a decade there and another six years at a non-profit agency in Council Bluffs, Dr. Adams was hired at UNMC.
In retirement, Dr. Adams plans to spend more time with his wife, Bettie, and instructional aide at Underwood Hills Focus School in Omaha, and daughter Megan, a middle school principal in New York City. A lifelong hiker and camper, he also plans to concentrate on his upcoming role as president of the Fontenelle Nature Association and to help that association through its centennial celebration in 2013.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.