University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, sent this message to University of Nebraska students, faculty and staff on Friday, Sept. 5, on the state of the university.
Dear colleagues,
Yesterday, I had the privilege of delivering my first State of the University address at the Nebraska State Capitol. It was a moment of both reflection and gratitude, marking one year since I introduced the Odyssey to the Extraordinary in that very spot during my investiture as the ninth president of the University of Nebraska.
One of the most inspiring parts of the address was the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary individuals and programs that make up our university. From groundbreaking research and new academic programs to innovative partnerships, to engagement efforts in communities large and small, to the championships and historic achievements of our student-athletes — these stories showcase the remarkable impact of the University of Nebraska and represent just a small fraction of all that we have to be proud of.
At the same time, I wanted to be candid about the fiscal challenges we face. Over the past decade, we have absorbed a funding shortfall of more than $260 million compared to inflation-adjusted levels, and this year alone, we are implementing more than $40 million in reductions across our campuses. These are difficult but necessary steps to place us on stable financial footing. I believe you deserve transparency about these realities, and I pledge to continue communicating openly as we navigate them together.
You can read more about our budget, our people and everything else I shared during the address in the full text of my comments, available here.
Even as we confront hard truths, I remain deeply optimistic about our future. Our people — our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners — are the reason I know we will emerge stronger. Together, we will continue our Odyssey to the Extraordinary.
With gratitude,
Jeffrey P. Gold, MD
President, University of Nebraska System