Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
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 探花社区 System.
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, new academic programs and innovative partnerships to engagement efforts in communities large and small and the championships and historic achievements of our student-athletes. These stories showcase the remarkable impact of the 探花社区 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, M.D.
President, 探花社区 System