Jane Meza, PhD, has been named UNMC vice chancellor for academic affairs effective Nov. 1, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. She has served as interim vice chancellor since July 2024.
UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said Dr. Meza impressed the review committee and has shown, while serving as interim vice chancellor, that she is the right person to oversee the institution’s academic programs, policies and faculty.
“Dr. Meza is a widely respected and trusted leader who brings a deep understanding of UNMC, its people and its mission,” Dr. Davies said. “Her extensive experience across the University of Nebraska, combined with her thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership, makes her exceptionally well suited to serve as our permanent vice chancellor for academic affairs. I am confident that, under Dr. Meza’s leadership, our academic programs will continue to flourish and create meaningful opportunities for the students, faculty and communities we serve.”
“I am honored to serve as the vice chancellor for academic affairs and to work with our students, faculty and staff to build upon UNMC’s strong foundation,” Dr. Meza said. “Together, we will continue to create enriching learning experiences for students and trainees, and cultivate the ongoing professional growth of our educators.”
Throughout her tenure at UNMC, Dr. Meza has played an integral role in advancing UNMC’s mission, including helping to lead the campus through the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding UNMC’s global presence. As vice chancellor, she will continue her work in global engagement and strategic planning.
A professor in the UNMC Department of Biostatistics, Dr. Meza joined UNMC in 2000 after earning her doctoral degree and master’s degree in statistics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has served as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, and held positions that included interim executive director for health security, created as part of UNMC’s response to COVID-19; interim dean of the UNMC College of Public Health; chair of the UNMC Department of Biostatistics; and senior associate dean of the UNMC College of Public Health.