Dr. Gold holds forum

Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D, spoke to the UNMC community at a forum Tuesday morning, discussing the budget, his role as chancellor of UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and other issues.

He noted the Appropriations Committee’s decision to cut the budget 2 percent this year and 1 percent in the 2018-19 fiscal year, smaller cuts than Gov. Ricketts had originally requested.

Dr. Gold said he had asked campus leaders, working from the list of examples of proposed cuts, some of which were shared with the legislature, to finalize this year’s budget and next year’s budget later this spring.

Dr. Gold said he would not be aware of specific cuts in the budget until he had heard from these leaders.

“That will come to me, not from me, and I will share that when I have that information,” he said, pledging communication in a transparent and timely fashion.

Although Dr. Gold acknowledged that any state budget difficulties would continue to affect the university going forward, he also said that he had been speaking with Nebraska business leaders about the importance of the university for business development and economic development — “particularly on this campus, where we educate the next generation of health care professionals and research scientists.”

Dr. Gold also spoke about his role as chancellor of both UNMC and UNO, calling it “one great job, not two jobs.”

He praised the leadership team, faculty and students of both campuses and noted the growing number of collaborative programs.

In response to questions from audience members, he also discussed:

• The fact that hiring continues for essential campus positions, including the recruitment of Ashley Wysong, M.D., to head the UNMC Department of Dermatology, and her recruitment efforts for the department.
• The potential relocation of the Munroe-Meyer Institute to UNO’s Aksarben campus.
• Potential uses for the Charlie Graham Body & Service property at 42nd and Leavenworth streets, including using it to help ease traffic congestion at the intersection of Leavenworth and 42nd streets.
• Potential development along the Saddle Creek corridor.

Dr. Gold also spoke at the UNO campus later in the day Tuesday.