The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management is one of the nation's top programs in interdisciplinary education, equipping students with the skills and perspectives needed to tackle complex business and technology challenges and drive innovation.
The Raikes School accepted its largest cohort of 42 students last fall, and demand for its graduates is growing. UNL seeks to expand the school to serve the growing interest of students and bolster the next generation of technology-driven industry leaders, especially in the state of Nebraska.
"Education has always been one of the most important long-term investments we can make in the future,” said Jeff Raikes. “I am encouraged by the momentum behind the Raikes School expansion and optimistic about the opportunity to deepen its impact on Nebraska's business and technology community."
To support these efforts, Mark Button, interim executive vice chancellor, has announced a realignment in leadership. Effective Aug. 18, Jerry Hudgins, professor of electrical and computer engineering, will assume the role of interim executive director of the Raikes School.
"Leadership plays a critical role in helping the Raikes School grow into its next chapter. Tricia (Raikes), the members of the advisory board, and I are grateful for the thoughtful leadership in positioning the program for expansion, and we look forward to working with Jerry as he steps into this important role," Jeff Raikes said.
Hudgins, who began his career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2004, has served in many roles, including chair of the department of electrical and computer engineering, director of the Nebraska Wind Applications Center, and interim director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research. His research involves power electronic device characterization and modeling, power electronics design and renewable energy systems. He has served in various leadership roles on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ board of directors, IEEE Foundation board of directors, and the Lincoln Electric System board of directors. In 2023, he won the James O’Hanlon Award, which honors an academic leader who has demonstrated exceptional abilities to lead, serve, inspire and collaborate on the academic goals of the university, for his unifying leadership of the Scott and Lincoln electrical and computer engineering departments.
“The Raikes School is a signature program of the University of Nebraska and a powerful engine for innovation and economic growth within the state,” Button said. "Chancellor Bennett joins me in our eagerness for the future and appreciation for the committed leadership and dedication within the Raikes community, especially the alumni and generous donors that make the success of this program possible.”
Dedicated in 2008 as the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, the academic honors program develops leaders for information technology driven industries. The program was launched in 2001 under a previous name, the J.D. Edwards Honors Program in Computer Science and Management. Jeff Raikes is a corporate advisory board member and adviser to the Raikes School.
A national search for the next executive director is forthcoming.
