Search begins for Buffett Institute Director

The University of Nebraska has started a search for the inaugural executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute.

The new institute, made possible in large part by a generous gift from Omaha philanthropist Susie Buffett, will be a universitywide, multidisciplinary research, education, outreach and policy center that seeks to transform the approach to early childhood development and education in Nebraska and across the nation.

Nominations and other information Nominations or expressions of interest in the position may be sent to Kim.Morrisson@Divsearch.com.

The primary focus of the new institute will be on the learning and healthy development of children from birth to age eight, with special attention to those children who are vulnerable because of poverty, abuse, or developmental, learning or behavioral challenges, University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken said.

The university seeks a recognized leader in early childhood education, child development or other early childhood-related field with some applied background. The director will work to build the institute into a leading center that will be a game-changer in early childhood development and education.

Milliken has named a 12-member search committee composed of faculty members and administrators from the four NU campuses as well as representatives from Head Start and K-12 education and the business community.

UNMC representatives on the committee are:

• Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., dean of the College of Public Health; and
  
• John Sparks, M.D., chairman of the UNMC Department of Pediatrics.

Milliken hopes to name the new director by the end of the calendar year.