Regents approve key interim positions











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Deb Thomas



Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved appointments of two key UNMC interim positions.

The interim appointments are:

  • Effective July 1, Deb Thomas was appointed interim vice chancellor for business and finance. She succeeds Don Leuenberger, who stepped down June 30 after 27 years in the role.
  • Effective Oct. 1, Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., will serve as interim director of UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI). He succeeds Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., who will retire Sept. 30 after eight years as MMI director and 41 years with the institute.

In her role as interim vice chancellor for business and finance, Thomas will be responsible for all campus facilities, budget, human resources, information technology, finance/business services, security and legal service. More than 600 people are included in these departments.

“Deb Thomas is a consummate professional who has been involved in all aspects of the business and finance department,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “While it is difficult to replace Don Leuenberger, with his nearly 30 years of experience in this role, I’m pleased that Deb will be in this interim leadership role. With her intimate knowledge of the department and the help of her committed and innovative colleagues, I know the department will continue to run in its usual efficient and effective manner.”

Dr. Stuberg joined the UNMC faculty in 1984, serving as the director of the physical therapy department at MMI. He is currently professor and associate director at MMI, a position he has held since 2009, and also is director of the MMI University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities.

“Dr. Stuberg has a deep commitment and passion for MMI’s service and support for the needs of children and adults with intellectual, developmental or genetic disorders,” Dr. Gold said. “He will lead the MMI team through this transition. His entire career has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of families with children and embodies the spirit of MMI.”

He currently serves as the chairperson of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Board of Health and is a member of the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Stuberg has served as a consultant for the state of Nebraska on the Governor’s Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council and also as a member of the Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Council.

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