In a forum held at the UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division, UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, spoke to the UNMC community on topics ranging from university-related issues at the Nebraska Legislature to the university’s budget to the upcoming Nebraska Science Festival.
Dr. Davies and other UNMC leaders were in Norfolk, Nebraska, and traveled later to Columbus, to speak to community leaders about expanding partnerships, housing options and other topics as UNMC prepares for the opening of the new building in the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Complex in Kearney. The UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division is located in the J. Paul & Elenor McIntosh College of Nursing building on the campus of Northeast Community College, where the forum took place.
Joining Dr. Davies on the trip was Robert Messbarger, MD, regional associate dean for the UNMC College of Medicine at Kearney; Faye Haggar, EdD, manager of the UNMC Office of Community-based Education & Preceptor Excellence; Chandra Are, MD, associate dean for graduate medical education, and Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine.
Lisa Walters, assistant professor at the UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division, and nursing students Chloe Ash and Jayden Hochstein joined Dr. Davies on the forum panel.
During the forum, Dr. Davies discussed Dr. Gold’s recent testimony in front of the legislature on bills regarding tenure and DEI, before turning his attention to the university budget. Dr. Davies said that university leaders have been in contact with legislators, “just making sure that there’s a clear understanding of how vital the university system is to the state.”
He also spoke on federal actions, including the proposal to limit NIH indirect rates to 15%.
“That would be a big blow,” he said, adding that university advocates continue to educate federal legislators on the potential impact of such a policy change. “We have been working hard to advocate and make sure that there’s an understanding of what cuts of these magnitude would mean to UNMC.”
He added, “We continue to advocate through our national organizations for a greater understanding of why, as a health science organization, it is important that our trainees feel qualified and competent in caring for everybody from every segment of our society.”
Responding to concerns about federal and state changes and what they might mean for UNMC, Dr. Davies said:
“We recognize they present significant challenges that we have to tackle together. I am confident that we will, and I am working with our excellent leadership team in exploring opportunities for increasing our revenues, be more efficient in areas that we can and ensuring whatever cuts we end up having to make preserve the core of our mission and vision.
“Our mission, vision and values have not changed,” he said. “We have been here 150 years … and I believe we will be here 150 years from now.
“We know we’re going to get through this, because we have.”
UNMC faculty, students and staff can watch the forum on the campus intranet.
In a discussion with Dr. Davies, Walters said the UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division is proud to see its graduates working in rural Nebraska.
“We have studies that show the millions of dollars that remain in this part of the state because UNMC is here,” she said, noting that the campus has a total of 80 students this year, with a larger class expected next year. The college also has several programs, offices and faculty in place to help students succeed.
“Anything we can do to support our students is important to us,” she said.
She also spoke to the importance of nurses as health care advocates for their patients.
“Everything we do in nursing relates to policy,” Walters said. “It’s up to us to stay aware of the policies that are being implemented when it comes to health care in our country.”
Dr. Davies also asked nursing students in attendance why they’d suggest prospective nurses come to UNMC and specifically the Northern Division. Students said there was a “personal investment” on the part of the faculty in the students’ success.
“I hope you’ll take the opportunity to be preceptors one day,” Dr. Davies told the students as he thanked them for sharing their thoughts.
On other topics, Dr. Davies:
- Spoke about the upcoming UNMC 2025 Employee Engagement Survey, stressing the importance of participation in the anonymous survey that will begin on April 15.
- Said UNMC supports its international students and faculty, but urged “being thoughtful” about what individuals post on social media or what activities they participate in.
- Previewed this week’s “I Love NU Day,” in which the university community visits the state legislature to speak about the importance of the university to the state.
- Thanked the UNMC community for its support during the For the Greater Good giving campaign.
- Encouraged everyone to take part in one of the many activities being held in April as part of UNMC’s Nebraska Science Festival.
- Invited the campus to the April 16 annual faculty meeting, where he will deliver the annual State of the Faculty address.
- Congratulated faculty winners of the Impact in Education Awards.
- Congratulated the UNMC College of Medicine for its successful March 21 Match Day.