The University of Nebraska Board of Regents today unanimously approved the appointment of Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, positioning the campus to build on the 18-month period of growth and momentum it has experienced under Dr. Gold’s interim leadership.
Dr. Gold is scheduled to serve as UNO chancellor through June 30, 2022, at which time a successor selected in a national search would assume leadership of UNO.
Dr. Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center since 2014 and UNO’s interim chancellor since 2017, was named the priority candidate for UNO chancellor by NU President Hank Bounds on Nov. 5. As required by state law, his candidacy underwent a 30-day public vetting period that included open forums and feedback opportunities for UNO students, faculty, staff and stakeholders.
Bounds thanked the UNO community for their input throughout the search process. "Again and again, I’ve heard how much Jeff Gold cares about our students, how committed he is to growing our impact, and how creatively he approaches collaboration, not just between the Omaha campuses but with all university partners," Bounds said. " Jeff has a deep understanding of and appreciation for the distinct and vital missions of each campus, and he is focused on how those missions can complement each other as we work to transform the quality of life and economic well-being of our state. I’m impressed by what UNO’s talented students, faculty and staff have accomplished under Jeff’s leadership, and I’m excited about the achievements yet to come."
Dr. Gold said: "I am proud of my time as a part of the Maverick culture. UNO is a truly transformational a force in our students’ lives and the communities we serve. Thanks to our exceptional faculty and staff, I am certain the years ahead of us will bring continued bold thinking and mission-driven growth in access and outcomes. I am honored to play a role in such vital work and to continue my leadership of two phenomenal institutions that are changing lives daily through education, research and service."
UNO’s recent accomplishments include an incoming class that set records in both size and diversity; research growth including record-high external funding and expanded success in technology transfer; growth in academic programs and facilities; and operational collaborations with UNMC and within the entire university system that have yielded critical savings and efficiencies.
Bounds said leadership stability in the near term will allow the campus to build on those successes. UNO and UNMC will remain separate institutions and the university’s plan is for each campus to ultimately have its own chancellor.
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Dr. Jeffrey Gold Named Priority Candidate for UNO Chancellor:
What Others Are Saying
"Dr. Gold’s leadership has focused on turning challenges into opportunities and opportunities into realities. Successful pathways and partnerships with the medical center, and new partnerships with business and industry are examples. He is an intellectually talented leader. His business acumen and data-driven approach to decision-making have been and will continue to be assets to UNO."
–Dean Nancy Edick, UNO College of Education
"Chancellor Gold has proven to be a reliable partner in promoting goals that the faculty senate shares with administration, for example in student retention. We hope we can build on the past eighteen months and set UNO’s leadership on a stable course for the future."
–Chris Kelly, UNO Faculty Senate President, Gerontology Associate Professor and Graduate Program Chair
"Chancellor Gold has exceeded expectations. During his leadership, he has proved that we can trust his judgment. On top of that, he is easily accessible and seriously assessed our concerns, of any kind. The dual role hasn’t left UNO with a partial chancellor; with Dr. Gold in that role, UNO has been set on a path for even more success."
–Renata Valquier Chavez, UNO Student Body President, Student Regent
"I applaud President Bounds’ thoughtful and strategic decision to extend Dr. Gold’s role as Chancellor of UNMC and UNO. Chancellor Gold has demonstrated remarkable ability serving in this capacity, and he has been instrumental in leading the two campuses to align opportunities for collaboration and integrate services for improved efficiencies and outcomes. Each campus is currently on a very positive trajectory. Chancellor Gold’s new appointment ensures the presence of strong leadership and stability, for the continued growth and success of both institutions for the foreseeable future."
–Kyle P. Meyer, PhD, MS, PT, FASAHP
Dean, UNMC College of Allied Health Professions
"The faculty at UNMC is grateful for the opportunities Dr. Gold’s leadership has provided, and eagerly anticipate further opportunities to arise as he advocates for faculty at both UNO and UNMC."
–Corrine Hanson, Ph.D., UNMC Faculty Senate President
"Chancellor Gold’s visionary leadership, commitment to excellence, and tireless advocacy for students has been unwavering throughout his tenure at UNMC and UNO, and he will undoubtedly continue to accomplish great things in his capacity as Chancellor of both campuses. Under his leadership, both UNMC and UNO students have benefited significantly from the strengthened relationship between our two campuses. It is an exciting time to be a student at the University of Nebraska in the city of Omaha."
–Sarah Hovoty, UNMC Student Senate President, Student Regent