Maj. Gen. USAF (Ret.) Richard Evans has taken the role of interim executive director of the University of Nebraska’s University Affiliated Research Center, the National Strategic Research Institute. Evans follows Lt. Gen. USAF (Ret.) Robert Hinson, the institute’s founding executive director, who retired Dec. 31, 2020.
As one of only 14 University Affiliated Research Center’s designated by the Department of Defense, the National Strategic Research Institute serves as a trusted agent to the federal government to catalyze, connect and deliver scientific research and technological solutions that enable the deterrence of, preparedness for and responses to chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological and explosive threats.
Since it was established in 2012 National Strategic Research Institute, with researchers and students across the University of Nebraska, has been awarded $298 million in contract and grant awards from more than 40 federal government sponsors.
“I am proud to take the helm as interim executive director to continue what General Hinson started — a tenacious pursuit of mission for the safety of our warfighters and an unwavering commitment to deliver research and scientific solutions responsively to the DOD for our national security,” Evans said. “NSRI understands its target and has been relentlessly pursuing it for years. As I guide our attack, I will focus our energy on building strong teams and partnerships and empowering them to action. I see my role as removing roadblocks, enhancing collaboration and encouraging innovation and creativity.”
Prior to joining the National Strategic Research Institute in 2019 as deputy executive director, Evans served in several senior positions at U.S. Strategic Command, including serving as the Mobilization Assistant to the Director of Global Operations, Deputy Commander and Commander; Deputy Commander for Joint Functional Component for Global Strike; and Director of Reserve Forces.
He also served as the command’s Acting Deputy Commander in 2016 and as the Program Manager for the command’s $1.3 billion Command and Control Facility from 2017 to 2019.
Evans, an Omaha native and University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, received his commission in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science. He was a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard from 1984 to 2019.
He has commanded at the detachment, squadron, group and wing levels, accumulated more than 4,000 flying hours in a variety military aircraft and participated in multiple combat operations. He is a graduate of many military schools and courses, including the elite U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School.
