Chancellor Ronnie Green’s Feb. 14 State of Our University address — which featured an overview of a bold five-year strategic plan coupled with a dive into recent institution successes — earned positive responses from media and the campus community.
Faculty leaders who guided the inclusive process to create the N2025 strategic plan were featured by both the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star. The five-year plan outlines the first steps the university must take to reach the N150 Commission’s long-term vision for what the university should be like by its 175th year in 2044.
The N2025 strategic team included 31 members of the campus community and was led by faculty members Rick Bevins, chair and professor of psychology; Shane Farritor, professor of mechanical and materials engineering; Angela Pannier, professor of biological systems engineering; and Sue Sheridan, director of the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools.
The Omaha World-Herald story (above) examined Green’s call for all students to earn an experiential learning opportunity before graduation. The focus starts with the class of 2025, which begins study in the fall.
“It will change the university,” Sheridan said in the story.
The Lincoln Journal Star story focused on the N2025 strategic plan’s central theme of “every person and every interaction matters.”
That theme was a repeated concept throughout the N150 Commission’s visioning report and elevated to support the aims, strategies, expectations and targets outlined in the N2025 plan.
Around that keystone theme are six aims that deal broadly with student success and learning, research excellence, creative activity, engagement, diversity and inclusion, and investing in students, faculty and staff.
Every aim includes a series of targets that — if achieved — will allow the university to build toward the 25 year vision of the N150 Commission.
“Staying true to this idea that every person and every interaction matters empowers us to do the big things called for in this strategic plan,” Green said in the Journal Star story.
The State of Our University address was also highlighted on TV stations KETV, KLKN, KPTM and KFXL.
The bold vision of the strategic plan resonated with faculty, staff and administrators.
Ted Carter, president of the University of Nebraska system, introduced Green to the more than 400 who attended the State of Our University address at the Nebraska Innovation Campus conference center. After the event, Carter said he was honored to be a part of the event.
What an honor to be w/ Chancellor @RonnieDGreen & @UNLincoln colleagues for the launch of the N2025 strategic plan. The Chancellor's goals for student success, research impact, meaningful engagement & growth promise a strong future for our state. Congratulations to all involved. https://t.co/psSeT84tIi
— Ted Carter (@UofNE_President) February 15, 2020
Nick Pace, professor of educational administration, tweeted his excitement regarding Green’s outline of plans for $500 million in building construction and renovations. Those projects include the expansion for Nebraska Engineering, the Francis Allen Gymnastics Facility, renovation of the Nebraska East Union and C.Y. Thompson Library, addition of the Memorial Mall Veterans Tribute and replacement of Mabel Lee Hall.
@UNLincoln Chancellor @RonnieDGreen State of Our University address sharing $500M in campus construction in the next 3 years, progress on #InclusiveExcellence, & @Huskers $10M annual academic support & $5M in non-athletic scholarships. #GBR pic.twitter.com/kh8fzKc4ym
— Nick Pace (@NJPace40) February 14, 2020
The impact of Nebraska Extension — which connects with 50% of age-eligible youth in 77% of Nebraska’s 93 counties — was a key point for Dawn Lindsley, an assistant extension educator with 4-H Youth Development.
Thanks to @RonnieDGreen for the acknowledgement of impact with youth and shout-out to Nebraska 4-H at today's UNL State of our University 2020 Address! "Every person and every interaction matters." #NE4H pic.twitter.com/GOIjoQxdEW
— Dawn Lindsley (@dawn_lindsley) February 14, 2020
The depth and forward-thinking of the strategic plan was summed up in a post by Jessie Brophy, director of external engagement for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Inspiring remarks from Chancellor @RonnieDGreen as he lays out our new 2025 strategic plan for @UNLincoln at @NIC_Innovates. #UNL pic.twitter.com/EZkXkEemy9
— Jessie Brophy (@jessie_brophy) February 14, 2020
During the look back at successes in the past year, faculty and staff showed appreciation in being included in the chancellor’s address.
@UNLsbs Eileen Hebets @hebets_lab honored among distinguished faculty during the @UNLincoln State of Our University address by Chancellor Green @RonnieDGreen! Also @UNL_PSI’s @ecahoon2 and Tom Clemente! pic.twitter.com/grAkd4VIHD
— Michael Herman (@mhermanUNLsbs) February 14, 2020
Proud to be a part of the highlight of Chancellor @RonnieDGreen’s 2020 State of the University address @UNLincoln @NebEngineering @UNLresearch #Huskers #GBR @NSF @doescience #InOurGritOurGlory #WeDoBigThings pic.twitter.com/LfrVScaXRr
— Shudipto Dishari (@KonikaDishari) February 15, 2020
Leading-edge national research projects — including the Clifton Strengths Institute in the College of Business — and the university’s transition to a new, incentive-based budget model also were featured in the address.
It was exciting to see a shoutout to the @NebraskaBiz @UNLStrengths from @RonnieDGreen in the @UNLincoln State of the University Address. What a great highlight of this fantastic team and the work they do! pic.twitter.com/FnmskvWdcD
— Rachel Larson (@RachelLarson03) February 14, 2020
The Chancellor’s message regarding @UNLincoln moving to a new budget model.... ultimately it will help advance the universities strategic goals. pic.twitter.com/d2pau0mY4K
— Kathy Farrell (@KathyFarrellUNL) February 14, 2020
And, a new twist that allowed deans and representatives of the university's colleges to discuss successes and future projects also was well received.
Great hearing from @UofNE_President and @RonnieDGreen at the State of the Univeristy address. @ralloway delivered the @Unl_CoJMC portion. Loved hearing from him! He’s touched the lives of so many students, myself included. pic.twitter.com/t3xchZoNhS
— Brandon Meier (@husker_meier) February 14, 2020
Learn more about Green’s State of Our University address and the N2025 strategic plan.
