University of Nebraska–Lincoln leaders framed a Feb. 13 Charter Day celebration as a call to action, urging faculty and staff to help build a new strategic framework rooted in people, place and urgency.
Speaking to faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners, Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson said Charter Day is “more than an anniversary,” calling it a reminder of “who we are and why we exist as a community.”
“This day has always mattered — but this year, as I begin my tenure as interim chancellor of UNL, it feels especially meaningful,” she said. “We honor that legacy by renewing our promise: to continue serving, inspiring and strengthening our state while contributing to the betterment of our world.”
Ankerson structured her remarks around the university’s “why,” beginning with the people who power the institution.
“Our people embody two of UNL’s most remarkable and enduring traits: authenticity and generosity,” she said. “Whether your role is faculty, staff, emeriti, alumni or post-doc, student mentor or leader, or one of our many partners, you are difference makers.”
She also emphasized the university’s connection to Nebraska, describing the campus as “rooted here in Nebraska, positioned at the physical center of the nation,” and said the state’s strong sense of community shapes the institution’s identity and work.
Ankerson pointed to UNL’s history of contributions in agriculture, natural resources, early childhood development, the arts and scientific discovery, saying the university is positioned to address modern challenges including workforce development, health and well-being, sustainability and social progress.
“The challenges before us demand bold leadership and collective action,” she said. “Our time at UNL allows us to translate knowledge into impact through deep expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
In closing, Ankerson highlighted a decade of campus gains, citing 17 programs focused on advising and career readiness, 19 student support initiatives and 11 efforts to strengthen teaching and learning. She also pointed to six advisory councils and committees established to expand the university’s reach, increased faculty honors, growth in faculty inventions and rising research expenditures.
“Our people have established six new advisory councils and committees to expand our impact,” she said. “We continue to prioritize interdisciplinary collaborations and reach new heights in research expenditures.”
Ankerson said the university must now build on that momentum by developing a campuswide strategic framework aligned with the University of Nebraska system’s Odyssey to the Extraordinary and “co-created across UNL.”
The framework will guide the campus over the next three years across five pillars: teaching and learning; research and creative activity; partnerships; culture; and stewardship. Faculty and staff will help outline goals and measures of progress during a three-month engagement period.
“This framework will give every member of our community a meaningful opportunity to contribute ideas, provide good-faith input and help design actions,” Ankerson said. “It calls us to reimagine curriculum, expand access, accelerate research, deepen partnerships, invest in our people and steward our resources with intention.”
She said the university’s priorities include advancing discovery and innovation, strengthening inclusive education and student success, cultivating a supportive community and stewarding resources responsibly.
The program also featured music from the jazz trio LeTrio, a video message from Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system; and brief remarks by college, department and unit leaders.
As the event ended, Ankerson urged the campus community to remain engaged.
“Let us lead boldly. Let us continue to serve this extraordinary state with humility, integrity and imagination,” she said. “Together, we are transforming Nebraska’s tomorrow — one defined by promise, innovation and opportunity.”
