At its March 21 meeting, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider the appointment of James Linder, M.D., of Omaha, as interim president of the university, effective May 3, 2014.
Current NU President James B. Milliken is leaving Nebraska to become chancellor of the City University of New York. A national search is underway for Milliken’s successor. By mutual agreement with the board, Dr. Linder will not be a candidate for the permanent position.
Dr. Linder currently serves part-time as senior associate to the president of the University of Nebraska for innovation and economic competitiveness and as president of the University Technology Development Corporation. He also holds a faculty appointment as professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC. In addition to his NU employment, Dr. Linder serves as chief medical officer of Roche Diagnostics Hematology of Boston.
“The Board of Regents considered several outstanding candidates for interim president, and Jim Linder emerged as our consensus top choice to lead the University of Nebraska during this period of transition,” said Howard Hawks, chairman of the Board of Regents.
“Dr. Linder is very familiar with the university, having served in faculty and administrative positions at UNMC and in the office of the president on a full- or part-time basis for more than 30 years. He has a wide range of related experience in teaching, research, and external engagement which will serve the university well while we complete the search for the next president.”
If his appointment is approved by the Board, Dr. Linder will become a full-time employee of the university on April 1, and his title will become interim president-elect. This will help ensure a smooth presidential transition by allowing him to work closely for about a month with Milliken, whose resignation is effective May 2. While serving as interim president-elect and interim president, Dr. Linder will continue his employment with Roche in accordance with and subject to the limitations of the university’s outside employment policy.
“I have great pride in the University of Nebraska, so I am deeply honored to serve as interim president,” Dr. Linder said. “I have learned a great deal by working with President Milliken and understand the priority of maintaining the momentum that has built on each campus, and in our university-wide institutes. At the same time, until a new president is selected, the university must be ready to pursue new opportunities that arise.”