University of Nebraska convenes committee to search for UNL chancellor

The University of Nebraska has convened a 30-member advisory committee to lead the search for the next permanent chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. NU Executive Vice President and Provost David Jackson announced the committee’s formation in a Wednesday email, noting that he will serve as the chair.

The search follows the January resignation of former Chancellor Rodney Bennett, who left his post about six months before his three-year contract ended. Bennett took over the role in July 2023 after the retirement of Ronnie Green. Bennett’s tenure was marked by the elimination of four academic departments and more than $27 million in cuts, which led the UNL Faculty Senate to vote “no confidence” in his leadership. The university finalized $27.5 million in cuts in December 2025. As part of a separation agreement, the university paid Bennett $1.1 million. NU has since appointed former College of Architecture Dean Katherine Ankerson as interim chancellor, who has expressed interest in the permanent position. Ankerson, who returned from retirement for the role, assumed the post on Jan. 12, 2026, becoming the second woman to lead UNL in an interim capacity.

Committee Composition and Search Firm

The advisory committee consists of Jackson and 29 other members, described as offering a “broad range of perspectives and experiences.” The group includes students, faculty, staff, community members, and the chancellors of the three other NU campuses. Notable members include:

University of Nebraska convenes committee to search for UNL chancellor — Photo: nebraskapublicmedia.org

Jason Ball, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Joseph Young, president and CEO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau
Troy Dannen, UNL director of athletics
Anne Barnes, NU senior vice president and chief financial officer

The university has also hired the executive search firm WittKieffer to assist in identifying and evaluating potential candidates.

Timeline and Community Input

To help create the position description, the university will hold listening sessions on Nov. 12 and 13. These sessions are open to the public but targeted toward specific groups:

Nov. 12 (4-5 p.m.): Students at the Nebraska Union’s Swanson Auditorium.
Nov. 13 (11 a.m.-noon): Faculty and staff at the Nebraska East Union’s Prairie Room.
Nov. 13 (12:45-1:45 p.m.): Faculty at the Nebraska Union’s Platte River Room.
Nov. 13 (2-3 p.m.): Staff at the Nebraska Union’s Platte River Room.

Jackson expects the position description to be released in late December or early January. NU President Jeffrey Gold anticipates that applications will be reviewed in early 2027, with interviews taking place in the spring. Gold, who first announced the search in a Sept. 24 message, expects the position profile and job posting to be published by the end of 2026. Gold aims to present a finalist to the Board of Regents for approval by June.