University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken Wednesday informed the university community that after nearly a decade as NU’s president, he will leave Nebraska to become the next chancellor of the City University of New York, the nation’s premier urban public university.
To see the full press announcement on President Milliken’s departure, click here.
The CUNY Board of Trustees unanimously approved Milliken’s appointment in a special meeting Wednesday. Milliken will begin his tenure at CUNY no later than June 1.
|
“As a native Nebraskan, serving as president of the University of Nebraska has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Milliken said. “I am incredibly proud of what’s happening here — which is a testament to the quality of our outstanding faculty, students and the leadership of many.
“Today the University of Nebraska is doing more than ever to provide students in Nebraska and beyond with an affordable, excellent education; to conduct research in areas critical to people in Nebraska and around the world; and to help people in communities across the state live healthier, more productive lives. This university is poised for great things.”
Read the New York Times story on the announcement here.
“J.B. was an outstanding president who established a culture of excellence at the university,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “He was unflappable in dealing with the Legislature when budgets were tight, and he had a phenomenal record in terms of getting funding for the university. He was a great ambassador for the university and was extremely well liked across the state. We wish him all the best.”
Dr. Maurer added that Milliken was “a great supporter of UNMC,” citing last year’s Building a Healthier Nebraska initiative which generated state funding in the amount of:
- $50 million for a cancer research tower as part of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
- $15 million for a building addition at the University of Nebraska at Kearney to house an expanded UNMC College of Nursing division and new programs in the UNMC School of Allied Health Professions.
Tim Clare, chairman of the NU Board of Regents, said a national search will be conducted for the next university president. An advisory committee will be appointed to assist the board in the search. The size and composition of the advisory committee will be determined by the board, but it will include representatives of the principal constituencies with which the president interacts.
Clare said an interim NU president likely will be designated by the board at a later date.