Katherine Ankerson, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s executive vice chancellor, will retire on Dec. 31. Ankerson, who has served in the role since January 2022, shared the news in a Nov. 20 email to faculty and staff.
“The time has come for my decision to retire and for the next generation of leadership to shape the future of this great university,” Ankerson said.
Ankerson’s career as an architect and designer includes 35 years in higher education, with 24 of those years at UNL.
Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett praised Ankerson for her dedication and success as UNL’s chief academic officer.
“Kathy Ankerson has been an outstanding leader for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln,” Bennett said. “Kathy has led academic affairs and approached her work with empathy for our faculty, students and staff, and her expertise and experience were always evident at the leadership table.
“I will miss this professional relationship that I hold dear, and I look forward to all that she will continue to contribute to future generations in her retirement.”
Mark Button, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will serve as interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer. He has led Arts and Sciences, the university's largest college, since July 1, 2019. Read more about the appointment.
Ankerson was appointed to her current role following an internal search in 2021. She previously served as dean of the College of Architecture (2016 to 2022) and a professor and associate dean (1996 to 2011). She held additional academic positions at Radford University and Washington State University, as well as serving as a professor and head of interior architecture and product design at Kansas State University.
In her message, Ankerson expressed appreciation for the support she has received from the campus community.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside faculty, staff and administrative leaders who are passionately committed to the success and future of UNL and the broader University of Nebraska,” Ankerson said.
Ankerson will continue to serve in a supportive role during the spring semester, assuring a smooth transition to the university’s next academic leader.
