Dear University of Nebraska Faculty, Staff and Students,
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made together and share a look ahead as we prepare for the new year.
This past year has been one of growth and momentum as we continue our "odyssey to the extraordinary.” Our strategic planning efforts are underway, and I have been working closely with campus chancellors and NU vice presidents to define the goals and priorities under the five pillars I shared before Thanksgiving.
These pillars will guide our efforts as we shape the future of the University of Nebraska. And as they shape our future, they will also shape the impact we have on Nebraska and beyond.
At the December NU Board of Regents meeting, we heard a preliminary report from Dr. Paul Umbach, co-founder and president of the firm Tripp Umbach, on the economic impact of the University of Nebraska System. The report found our annual economic impact has grown to $6.4 billion—a $600 million increase in just three years. Highlights from the preliminary findings shared by Tripp Umbach include:
- For every $1 the state invests in the NU System, $10 is returned to Nebraska’s economy.
- When combined with Nebraska Medicine, our total economic impact rises to $11.9 billion—a $1.6 billion increase since 2021.
- The NU System supports 52,335 jobs statewide—representing one in every 20 jobs in Nebraska tied to the university.
These figures underscore the University of Nebraska’s critical role as a driving force for our state’s economy, innovation, and growth.
Our students and alumni are huge drivers of our economic impact, and we are working hard to ensure our enrollment is strong and that we are keeping bright, hardworking, talented students in Nebraska. The Presidential Scholars program, which provides a full-ride academic scholarship, plus a $5,000 annual stipend to each Nebraska high school student who scores a perfect 36 on the ACT and attends college at NU campus, was launched earlier this year to do just that. Earlier this week, we recognized five Lincoln high school students who achieved perfect ACT scores, and we hope they will join us as NU Presidential Scholars, adding to the 17 scholars already enrolled on our campuses. We have similar recognition events planned in Omaha and in Kearney to celebrate even more students with perfect ACT scores and to formally invite them to take part in this special program.
While attracting and nurturing top academic talent is critical to our mission, it’s equally important to invest in the innovation and discovery that define our research enterprise—a pillar of our university’s economic and societal contributions. And we have certainly done that. In 2023, research expenditures across the NU System reached a record $617 million, ranking us 55th nationally and 27th among public AAU institutions. By 2030, NU research is projected to have an economic impact exceeding $1 billion.
While the numbers are impressive, the true impact lies in the outcomes, such as advancing agriculture, enhancing national security, pioneering lifesaving medical breakthroughs, positioning Nebraska as a leader in the emerging bioeconomy, and much more.
I also want to acknowledge the creative activity that happens across our campuses—music, creative writing, theater, and other arts and humanities-related activities—that help make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.
On Dec. 21, we will celebrate commencement across our campuses, which presents an opportunity to honor our students and their accomplishments as they prepare to make their own impact in the world. On the same day, we will remember Regent Emeritus Howard Hawks, who passed away earlier this month. Howard was a dedicated leader and a steadfast advocate for higher education. Howard and his wife Rhonda donated generously to projects advancing both academics and athletics across multiple NU campuses, and his legacy of generosity and dedication will continue to inspire us.
As we approach the holiday season, I hope you will take time to relax, enjoy the company of family and friends, and cheer on the Huskers as they compete in the NCAA volleyball tournament and the Pinstripe Bowl. Let us take pride in all we have achieved this year and look forward to continuing our progress in 2025. Together, we will build an even brighter future for the University of Nebraska and the state we call home.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a restful break. I look forward to all we will accomplish together next year.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
President, University of Nebraska System