Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., chancellor of UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Tuesday announced the appointment of Sacha Kopp, Ph.D., as the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Welcome reception today
Join Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., as he welcomes Sacha Kopp, Ph.D., UNO’s next senior vice chancellor for academic affairs to the Maverick family.
A public reception will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. today in the Milo Bail Student Center Chancellor’s Room (MBSC 228). All campus community members are welcome to attend. Light snacks and beverages will be served.
For more information please contact Jennifer Walcutt at 402-554-2180.
As UNO’s chief academic officer, the position provides strategic direction, in support of the chancellor, toward the advancement of UNO’s academic mission with a commitment to academic excellence as well as student access and opportunities.
“Dr. Kopp is a true leader in higher education with a demonstrated record as an effective educator and inspirational leader,” Dr. Gold said. “I have the utmost confidence in his ability to build on our current efforts toward enhancing academic excellence and student-centered learning, fostering a culture of innovation, and implementing the key initiatives within our strategic plan.”
“I am thrilled to be coming to Omaha,” Dr. Kopp said. “It is clear UNO is a very special place. Its deep connection to Omaha is unlike anywhere else. I was also so impressed by the passion and care of every faculty and staff member I spoke with during my interviews and recent campus visit. I am honored and excited to join this exceptional, mission-driven institution.”
The announcement follows a national search conducted in partnership between a 29-person UNO search committee and a leadership search firm. More than 70 higher education leaders applied for the position. Twelve participated in preliminary interviews and four advanced to extensive campus visits as finalists. Each finalist participated in a series of campus interviews with university stakeholders and a public forum. Feedback was accepted via online forms that were open to all members of the campus and the Omaha community. Hundreds of hours were dedicated to references and thoughtful input from the community. This recommendation has now been passed to University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, Ph.D., and the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
“I cannot overstate my gratitude for the careful consideration and diligent work of everyone involved,” Dr. Gold said. “This was a comprehensive search process that involved representation from students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and community stakeholders at every level. I am so pleased with the level of engagement in this search. The vast number of questions and comments we received throughout the process speaks to just how highly we Mavericks value the academic excellence of this institution.”
As senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, Dr. Kopp succeeds current UNO Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs B.J. Reed, Ph.D., who will retire May 31, after 36 years of service at UNO in both faculty and administrative roles.