Of all the unsung heroes who make UNMC world-class, Bob Bartee stands out from the crowd.
As vice chancellor for external relations, he needed to have the versatility of a Swiss Army knife, directing UNMC’s governmental, alumni, public and community relations efforts. He has been the right-hand man to six different chancellors. Yes, six. He even handled a myriad of similar duties at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for two years.
If you reviewed every major UNMC success over the past four decades, you’ll find Bob Bartee’s fingerprints on most of them. Yet, when the accolades are given, Bob is usually nowhere to be found. He never sought the limelight. He just wanted to get the job done.
Growing up on a farm in Battle Creek, Nebraska (population 1,168), Bartee came from “humble rural roots.”
As he explains it, there are two kinds of horses – show horses and work horses. “I have a passion for anonymity. I prefer to be a work horse, who works behind the scenes.”
Perhaps former University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken, who is now chancellor of the University of Texas System, put it best: “Bob was always the guy who made things successful. No assignment was too big or too complicated. In fact, when it was big and complicated, you wanted Bob at the helm. Bob made big things happen with a rare combination of discipline, wisdom and diplomacy.”
Bartee dedicated his entire career to navigating the challenging, uncertain waters of the political arena. Working closely with state legislators, governors, U.S. senators and community leaders, Bartee was unparalleled in putting UNMC’s best foot forward and getting important projects to the finish line.
“The impact that Bob has had over the past decades is truly immeasurable,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “In many ways, he has truly defined the reputation that UNMC enjoys regionally, across the nation and around the globe.”
When Bartee was named vice chancellor in 2006, Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, MD, said, “Bob is a visionary and strategic thinker with unmatched political skills.”
Bartee was inspired to make public service part of his career by his grandmother, Katie, a community volunteer, and his father, John, a farmer and later in life feed salesman who worked on the city council.
A lifelong progressive Democrat, Bartee knew he had to “check my political image at the door.”
“In my UNMC professional life, there is no distinction between Republicans and Democrats. To be effective, you have to be a scout – you have to know what’s on the horizon in terms of trends that are emerging or leaving our culture. You must be trustworthy. It’s all about building relationships with elected officials and their staff.
“There can be no surprises. You have to know both sides. You need to inform the elected officials about the positive benefits that can result for the state and inform them of potential opponents and the reasons why.”
The plaudits for Bartee roll in from some of Nebraska’s most distinguished politicians:
Mike Johanns: “Working with Bob Bartee was a joy and a privilege. I will be forever grateful for his dedication and leadership on so many issues. I will always remember Bob as the honest broker who always told the truth. I cannot imagine UNMC without Bob.”
Dave Heineman: “Bob Bartee is an exceptional individual because he cares about Nebraskans, the state of Nebraska and UNMC. He is the epitome of UNMC’s commitment to excellence in health care.”
Chuck Hagel: “Bob has devoted his energy and life to the noble cause of education and making the world a better place for all people. I always relied on his good judgment and wise and honest counsel and perspective.”
Ben Nelson: “His efforts and accomplishments have extended beyond the borders of our state through partnerships with other institutions, government agencies and the private sector. Bob challenged us to set high goals and then helped us to achieve them. Countless numbers of people have benefited from Bob’s service and leadership.”
Bob Kerrey: “I have known Bob since 1982. This I know about him. He is kind. He is smart. He can be trusted. Through him, many men, women and children have survived illness and disease. Through him, many have had their pain reduced. Through him, many have been trained to do the heroic work of helping others in dire need.”
Former state senator Sara Howard sounded a familiar theme: “Bob for me was one of the kindest, most reliable and trustworthy lobbyists I encountered during my eight years in the legislature. Not only did I respect his deep knowledge of all things UNMC, but I also desperately wanted to emulate his thoughtful leadership methods, his articulate communication style and his ability to make people feel at ease. With the ease of a ballet dancer, he made extremely difficult political circumstances manageable.”
The Bartee File: The life and accomplishments of Bob Bartee.
As part of his public relations duties, Bartee always calmly spearheaded UNMC’s handling of crisis management situations.
Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor, academic affairs, and dean for graduate studies, said: “Bob elevated the role of strategic communications to a trusted voice at the leadership table, making sure that many potentially problematic situations were handled with skill and poise before they got out of hand.”
Bartee was a stalwart defender of UNMC’s research efforts, recognizing that UNMC’s growing national prestige hinged on the work of its researchers. He worked tirelessly with university leaders and state politicians to build a strong research enterprise.
And he deftly handled crisis situations that, he said, come with the territory. “If you only have calm waters, you never feel compelled to build a better boat. If you are not confused, you are not thinking clearly. The tough issues are not black-and-white – there are a lot of gray areas. You have to make tough decisions without all the data being there.”
Through his efforts to support UNMC research, Bartee has “literally saved thousands, maybe millions of lives,” said Mike Yanney, longtime UNMC supporter and Omaha business leader.
Three things people may not know about me
- A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, I was thrilled when they won the World Series on my 70th birthday in 2016, breaking a 108-year drought.
- For someone who can’t carry a tune or read a musical note, I enjoy an eclectic number of musical genres. My favorites are classical, jazz and, of course, rock-and-roll.
- I’m an avid reader of current events in newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times, The Atlantic and The New Yorker, in order to scout for trends that are either emerging or leaving our culture, politics and society and to discover new ideas that might be applicable to UNMC.
Bartee cited UNMC’s research growth as one of its incredible success stories. “Early in my career at UNMC, Dr. Sam Cohen (former chair of pathology and microbiology) told me that the only journal in the department was the Wall Street Journal. Now, the work of our scientists is published in all the best scientific journals, and we bring in close to $200 million annually in research grants.”
After more than 42 years at UNMC, Bartee has retired as vice chancellor and has become senior advisor to the chancellor. Chris Kratochvil, MD, is the new interim vice chancellor for external relations.
Retirement will provide more time to spend with Helen, his wife of 53 years. “She’s my North Star,” Bartee said. “She’s my toughest critic and greatest supporter.”
To get away from the stress of work, the Bartees love to hike and go to national parks. A favorite activity is to sit on the edge of a quiet lake and watch the sunset.
After an amazing career, it sounds like the perfect way to spend the next chapter. For once, it’s your turn to take a bow, Bob.
G.O.A.T. It’s that simple. You will be greatly missed, Bob. Enjoy your retirement, no one deserves it more.
Thanks so much, Lisa, for your kind words. You have always been someone I’ve admired for making things happen and getting things done at UNMC. You are one of the real treasures of our institution. Take care.
Bob, it has been a pleasure to be your friend for all these years. Thank you for all you have done. Myrna and I wish you the best in your retirement.
Dear Bob:
This article is spot on. I am one of the few people who have been here longer than you. I witnessed the transformational changes you helped shepherd at UNMC. You did it all with infinite expertise, hard work and grace. Congratulations on the next chapter of your life.—Irv Zucker
A Class Act. Hard to define impossible to repeat.
Bob has been a great leader, colleague and mentor. He was always available to talk about problems and help develop creative solutions. Bob played a critical role in shaping the incredible growth in UNMC over the past 4 decades. He played an important role in the growth of cancer research, clinical care and education resulting in the completion of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – the largest public private partnership in Nebraska to date. From the Battle Creek football team to UNMC, Bob has always been an important leader. It’s been great working with you.
Bob
It has been a privilege to know you and work with you during my many years at UNMC. I wish you a happy and healthy retirement.
Dad,
Congratulations on your retirement. I’m so proud of you. You are so humble that I am even learning about all your accomplishments at the Med Center. I love you so much because with all your responsibilities at work you never once put your family on the back burner. You are Superman. You were at all my events-soccer, basketball, piano, plays, even tolerated my electric guitar phase. You always had time to help me with my homework or throw a ball around in the yard, give me advice on life or see what little one and big one were up to or visit Dr Toenail. Our vacations to The Tetons and CUB memories were so great. You are also an amazing grandfather always attending my kids events and guiding them through this crazy world. Thank you for supporting my career at Children’s Hospital. Thank you for being the best dad and especially showing me these last six months what it really means to have strength and courage. Again, I love you and you are my North Star.
Deanna Bartek (Bartee)
Bob, thank you for your service to the state and UNMC. You made many sacrifices personally as well to devote your time and energy that impact many people positively. I wish you well in your retirement.
We are so fortunate to have had your strategic, caring and steady leadership through the years. Nebraskans will no doubt benefit from your amazing efforts and impressive results for many decades to come. Thank you for all you have done for UNMC and Nebraska!
Dear Bob,
Congratulations on your accomplishments! Thank you for your support to the Center for Reducing Health Disparities and our community partnerships over years. Wish you the best in your new chapter of life!
You’re the best Bob. I will miss knowing you’re there to cover things and help us navigate the landscape. I already miss your set shot and your skill at finding the open man. Another thing people don’t know about you – a great pickup basketball player! Cheers to you Bob!
Bob, thanks for everything you have done for UNMC, the faculty and staff, and the citizens of Nebraska. So many important programs, buildings, and lives have been shaped by your thoughtful guidance. We will all miss your leadership!
Bob, from your colleagues on the Nebraska Medicine communications team, THANK YOU for your years of leadership and collaboration. The quotes and comments here are testament to an exceptional career and an impact that we’ll feel for generations to come.
Bob, I will definitely miss having your navigational skills, perhaps I could have you on speed dial should I need you the next time I head out on the road? Seriously, though, you and Helen deserve all the best my friend!
B – Brilliant
O – Optimistic
B – Brave
B – Bright
A – Authentic
R – Reputable
T – Talented
E – Empathetic
E – EXCEPTIONAL
You are the Rock of Gibraltar! CONGRATULATIONS, BOB!
I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Bob over the course of almost 30 years. His contributions to UNMC over the course of that time (and the future as well, I’m sure) are so numerous and so consequential that UNMC would be a much different place absent his presence. Happy retirement Bob and Helen.
Don and Jani Leuenberger
Thank you for everything, Bob. The UNMC High School Alliance was your idea and we are proud to continue carrying your vision into the future. You have helped shape the lives of so many health professionals throughout this city and the State of Nebraska. Your legacy will live on at UNMC.
Congratulations on your retirement, Bob. Your legacy is rich and I was honored to start my career under your leadership.
Great to see TO come out of retirement to write this beautiful career tribute!
All true comments about Bob. He has a unique quality of listening intensely and making everyone feel very important. Best to you and Helen. Rick
The impact Bob has had on research alone because of his role in helping to develop and shape the Tobacco Settlement funds has been immense. And for that, I am very thankful. And it should not be missed that Bob has always had an abiding commitment to improving rural health care and rural communities as well as all inequities for which the state should be very proud and thankful, as well.
What a wonderful laudatory article, Bob, and deserving in every way. The Innocents of 1968-69 score another hit!
Congratulations and best wishes always.
Bob Bartee has made great contributions for all of us at UNMC. His friendly persuasion and accomplishments are founded on his tireless work ethic, his compassion for those in need, his superlative interpersonal relationship skills in both listening to others and then convincing others to find better ways to solve our common problems, and his well-deserved reputation as a fine gentleman and sportsman. He made adversaries into respectful friends. I know. I learned to respect his elbows playing basketball against him! Bob has done all this while making few (if any) enemies. When Abraham Lincoln was criticized for his conciliatory attitude toward the southern states, he said, “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” Bob has helped to make UNMC a much better place.
If we all could follow Bob’s example, this world would be a much better place!
Bob, your leadership and caring is exemplary! Thanks for all the help, guidance, support and encouragement through the years at UNMC.
Bob, I believe there are few superlatives that have not been used to describe your contributions to UNMC and the State of Nebraska and I say “amen” to all of them! However, to help balance this well-deserved out-pouring let me remind you that we coached our sons on the Swanson Elementary School soccer team to a rather lackluster finish. Thus, perhaps you could focus on coaching some eight-year olds to a winning soccer season as one last great thing to accomplish!
Bob, I first met you when I took a job with newly elected state senator Chris Beutler in 1979. It was immediately apparent that you were all about sound public policy. You were attentive to and respectful of everyone in the statehouse, so far as I could tell. And for the rest of your career, it was always a pleasure to work with you. I hope your retirement is filled with adventures and ease.
Outstanding career! Thank you for all you have accomplished. I wish you and your family a long and happy retirement.
Bob, congratulations on a wonderful career. It has been a long time since we crossed paths, but I have fond memories of working with you when you were in Lincoln. Enjoy your retirement.
Although he has many great qualities, what I like most about Bob is his positive spirit. He is definitely a “yes and” person who never found a task too daunting or a vision too bold. He will be truly missed!
Congratulations Bob. Job well done. Enjoy your next stage.
We met several years ago at a Nebraska Applesseed Good Apple Awards Dinner. Your kindness struck me and your suport of justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans deepened my pride in UNMC. Thank you for that.
Bob: I need to thank you again for helping me navigate the sometimes stormy waters at UNMC when I entered as a very inexperienced administrator. Many others owe you the same thanks and admiration for your steady and wise guiding hands. All the best to you and Helen in your “retirement” which I know will still be a full-time work!
When Bob sees that potential in you, he has a gift for guiding you to achieve it. In reading the list of well wishes and memories from others, I realize even more that I am in a unique class of folks that when Bob saw the potential you have, he wasn’t going to let you waste it. I cannot thank Bob enough for all of the wisdom and guidance he has given me. I promise you, Bob, I will not waste my potential. Thank you for seeing the best in me and helping me to manifest it. Much love…always.
I am excited to see that Bob’s accomplishments are coming to light as he has never sought the limelight. I enjoyed 19 years working with him and the learnings during that time have shaped me as a person and communications professional and person. When I would hear of a major accomplishment at UNMC, I always knew he was part of making it happen though not many people knew. His vision is remarkable. Bob you deserve more time for yourself and your family, but I know UNNC is and always will be your passion!! Blessing I
I had the opportunity to meet Bob through a community organization, Wellness Council of the Midlands, where he served on the board and also chaired it. Also got to know Bob through many years of pick-up basketball.
Bob, as many people know, is a great leader. His strategic thinking abilities are unmatched. He is one of those leaders that lead by example which in my opinion are the best kind. Bob has been not only a great role model for his family but many others as well. One of my favorite character traits about Bob is that he makes all people feel important. I feel honored to know Bob and be his friend. Finally, with all of his great accomplishments, he also has a sneaky good hook shot in the paint. Have a great retirement, Bob. You deserve it!
When you think of leadership strategies of UNMC, the name Bob Bartee has to be in the middle of them. I had the opportunity to work with Bob for over 20 years. He was a true mentor and guiding light for our accomplishments at UNMC.
Bob had a quiet side, yet he put that sincere smile and welcome out to all, regardless of the sleepless nights he had answering phone calls from politicians, and administratrators.
Sharing the same birthday ( scorpios) we still managed to get along and move forward on key issues! With discussions,of course!
When I first started work at UNMC, my office was next to Bob’s. I would occasionally hear him bouncing a tennis ball off the wall (stress management) and I would frequently knock on his open door and ask him minor questions. Finally, he said “let’s set up regular meetings to discuss your questions. ” Tactfully said of course!
Among the many learning moments, Bob expressed to me ( which he may have regretted ) 1) Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission and 2) You may have to lose a battle to win the war.
Bob, your passion for UNMC and Nebraska will continue to shine as you and Helen have more time to be together with family – , knowing that you have made an imprint on Nebraska’s wellness like no one else has done. Friendships can last forever, and you have many of them to share!
Bob, your defining legacy is measured by the impact you’ve had on the health and lives of thousands through your leadership and tireless dedication, and by your many deep and abiding friendships. Many blessings to you and Helen in your retirement! And, thank you for your mentoring, friendship, and the many laughs along the way.
Congratulations Bob! You were a tremendous advocate for students. I was grateful for the doors you opened for us to be heard and have influence on the UNMC campus.
You’re the man. It was a real pleasure to work with you.
Bob,
It’s hard to add to the many previous comments (which I enthusiastically endorse) however, I wanted to share my experiences with you as an educator.
I had the pleasure of co-teaching a senior seminar with you on health care policy and advocacy for the past decade or so. You had an amazing ability to engage with the students while also delivering an inspirational message about the importance of community engagement and service during their professional lives. You have left a lasting legacy for the students who were lucky enough to spend time with you.
In addition, you taught me so much about Nebraska health care policy during the time you chaired the “Thursday morning” committee. I really appreciated your thoughtful analysis as well as your wise advice about the many tricky issues in the complex field of health care policy.
Best wishes,
Tom
Bob– so very grateful for all you have done for UNMC! You have truly been the most amazing “ambassador” for this institution. You have impacted so many in our community. Thank you for being you!! Blessings to you!
Bob you were the best the best!
You’ve always been so fantastic to work with and so kind!
I have a lot of fond memories of our group traveling through the western part of Nebraska with you!
You were such an amazing friend and I cherish that!
Take care and God bless!
UNMC would not be the same without Bob’s efforts. Thank you, Bob, for paving the path to success that UNMC has enjoyed. The best to you and Helen in retirement.