UNMC leaders address campus growth, budget situation

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, Anne Barnes, UNMC’s vice chancellor for business, finance and business development, and Jane Meza, PhD, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate vice chancellor for global affairs and strategic planning

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, was joined by Anne Barnes, UNMC’s vice chancellor for business, finance and business development, and Jane Meza, PhD, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate vice chancellor for global affairs and strategic planning, in addressing budget concerns, strategic planning and many other issues at last week’s all-campus forum. The “hybrid” forum was the first to feature an in-person open discussion option since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Gold said the medical center’s “growth mode” makes it uniquely suited to withstand and minimize future headwinds. UNMC’s momentum remains unimpeded, the chancellor said.

“My confidence in our growth and our ability to weather future headwinds is as optimistic as ever,” Dr. Gold said.

See a recording of the November all-campus forum online here.

Construction of the new Rural Health Education Building in Kearney, the CORE Building in Omaha and several other ongoing projects also boosts that future growth, Dr. Gold said.

“We are going to increase the rural health professions workforce, increase our rural health research, make all of Nebraska healthier and at the same time partner with the state of Nebraska do it,” the chancellor said.

Barnes also expressed confidence: “We are in a mode of growth in nearly every area of campus. We will look for ways for greater efficiency. We do not anticipate layoffs because that would impede our growth,” she said.

Dr. Gold concurred. “Growth is what we are focused on; however, there is much to focus on to sustain our future growth,” he said.

Where are we now?

Campus zero-based budget templates have been completed and turned in. Leadership is studying them and looking for ways to gain efficiencies, while also noting things unique to UNMC that are essential contributions. UNMC will work with its colleges, centers and offices to explore potential future reductions into the FY24 budget.

Varner Hall also is hard at work, Dr. Gold said.

A collective zero-based budget will be submitted by the Dec. 1 regents meeting, and the university community will know more then.

The forum also touched upon:

  • The strategic plan. Dr. Meza invited the UNMC community to check on strategies, goals and initiatives in the new version of UNePlan, available online at this link or through quick links. Leadership will work on the next planning cycle at a December goal setting meeting. And the ongoing Breakthrough Thinking series features special guest Maj. Gen. (ret.) Paul Friedrichs, MD, on Dec. 15.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI). Emily Glenn, dean of the McGoogan Health Sciences Library, and Rachel Lookadoo, JD, assistant professor of epidemiology in the UNMC College of Public Health, are chairing a task force of work groups to explore AI.
  • Enrollment for NUFlex Benefits. Dr. Gold reminded the campus that the deadline is Nov. 17, and the University of Nebraska has new health insurance carriers. “It took me under 30 seconds” to enroll, the chancellor said. Barnes said don’t forget to also take part in the health risk assessment. “That takes longer than 30 seconds,” Dr. Gold said.
  • Recruiting and retaining quality employees. The panel talked about competitive compensation and took a suggestion on shortening the wait time to enroll in retirement match. “Let’s put that on the business and finance agenda to look into,” Dr. Gold said.
  • Representation for staff as well as faculty and students. UNMC is looking at the addition of a staff advisory council, thanks to employee feedback. “Hearing the voice of the staff in a clear and organized way is very important to us,” he said.
  • Project Health. Project NExT’s phase I is now called Project Health: Building the Healthiest Nebraska. Dr. Gold expressed gratitude to the NU Board of Regents for its unanimous supporting resolution on Oct. 5.
  • Construction, especially along Saddle Creek. “A lot of steel is going up, a lot of dirt is flying from new buildings,” Dr. Gold said. Construction related to the new UNMC Innovation Hub will include a parking structure, a bridge and skywalk. Expect a covering over the UNMC Ice Rink for summer use as a gathering space or for performances and concerts.
  • The recent opening of a Community Wellness Collaborative in North Omaha. “We had a tremendous turnout. This will be the home of important programs with Nebraska Medicine,” Dr. Gold said. He also congratulated community partner Carolyn “CT” Williamson, who – along with Amanda McGill Johnson – recently won the UNMC Community Service to Research Award.
  • An award for the entire medical center. While Dr. Gold recently was honored as The Aksarben Foundation’s Most Honored Citizen at the charitable foundation’s 128th annual Aksarben Ball, he said the honor was for all of us. “Any recognition is really recognition of the entire med center, and built upon incredible energy of faculty and students and staff,” he said.

Dr. Gold closed by thanking the medical center community for its hard work and passion, in the face of headwinds that are being felt across the nation.

“We are accomplishing our goals and doing it with grace,” the chancellor said.

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