Jim Pillen named chair of University of Nebraska Board of Regents
University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen of Columbus assumed the role of chairman of the board for 2020 on Feb. 7. Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst was elected vice chairman.
Pillen, who represents District 3 on the board, was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2018. He served as vice chairman in 2019.
Pillen grew up on a farm in Platte County, where he raised pigs with his father. He graduated from Lakeview High School, then earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. He formed Pillen Family Farms in 1993, a pork producer that engages approximately 1,000 families and has evolved into its own grain merchandising and swine genetics company.
“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to serve our great University in this role,” Pillen said. “This is a special time in our history, and we on the board can’t wait to see what the year ahead will bring. We think President Carter is spot-on in pledging to make the success of our 51,000 students our highest priority. We will do all we can to serve our students, to develop clear expectations for our future, and to support President Carter and the chancellors as they expand the work and impact of our University even further.”
Omaha Regional Hospice & Palliative Symposium now accepting registrations
The 2020 Omaha Regional Hospice & Palliative Symposium: Growing Palliative Care, to be held on April 7 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Scott Conference Center, is now accepting registrations. The one-day symposium will provide interdisciplinary dialogue on the current and future work of palliative care and hospice in the Omaha metro area and surrounding region. Topics will include updates on local clinical, advocacy, research and educational endeavors, as well as expert speakers from neighboring regions. This symposium is designed to provide both novice and expert level content. Additional information can be found on the symposium website.
College of Pharmacy alum takes reins at American Pharmacists Association
UNMC College of Pharmacy alumnus Scott Knoer, Pharm.D., has been selected as CEO and executive vice president of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). APhA is “the largest association of pharmacists in the United States and is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession,” according to its website. The advocacy organization considers itself “the voice of pharmacy,” and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Dr. Knoer previously served as chief pharmacy officer at the Cleveland Clinic. He also served in leadership at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, the University of Texas Medical Branch and the University of Kansas Medical Center. He also is on the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s dean’s advisory board.
UNMC/Nebraska Medicine bicycling apparel available for order
UNMC is making custom campus cycling apparel available again this year. Campus employees and students must place their order to purchase by Feb. 19.
Orders will be delivered to the Center for Healthy Living by approximately April 17 for pickup. View and order the apparel.
Answers to Tuesday’s Black History Month quiz
- Silas Robbins was the first African American to be admitted to the bar and the first African American attorney in Nebraska.
- Fred Conley was the first black African American elected to the Omaha City Council.
- Ernie Chambers was first elected to the Nebraska State Legislature in
1970. - Edmae Swain was the first African American female principal in Omaha Public Schools.
- Harold Dow was the first black news journalist on television in the state of Nebraska.
- Don Benning was the first African American faculty member at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Congratulations!