University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green announced Dec. 20 that he has selected Mike Zeleny to become his chief of staff and associate to the chancellor, effective Jan. 5.
Zeleny currently serves as associate vice chancellor for research and economic development. He has worked more than 20 years in the Office of Research and Economic Development, assisting with the university’s research growth and building its economic development mission.
Green chose Zeleny to replace Bill Nunez, who was tapped last week to become interim vice chancellor for business and finance after Christine Jackson retires Jan. 4.
“Mike will serve as a senior adviser and will report directly to me on a wide variety of strategic and executive duties, special projects and initiatives involving the chancellor’s office and its priorities,” Green said, adding that Zeleny’s duties would include both internal and external relations.
Zeleny, who is originally from Exeter, Nebraska, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the university in 1993 and a Master of Business Administration in 1996. He is active in several community organizations and has served as director of the university’s Emergency Operations Command and chair of its Sesquicentennial Steering Committee.
In making the announcement, Green thanked Nunez for his “phenomenal leadership” during seven years as chief of staff and associate to the chancellor and added that the university will benefit from Nunez’ expanded leadership role as interim vice chancellor.
Zeleny will play a valuable role in raising the university’s level of excellence as it moves into its 150th year in 2019, Green said.
“Please join me in congratulating Mike as he assumes this critically important leadership role for the university.”
