Nebraska-Lincoln Begins Chancellor Search Process
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has selected an executive search firm and a 30-member committee to find a new chancellor.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has appointed the search firm WittKieffer and a 30-member advisory committee to identify the next permanent chancellor. This search follows the resignation of former chancellor Rodney Bennett earlier this year.
Why it matters
Selecting a new leader is a critical step for the university as it navigates the aftermath of recent administrative transitions and significant fiscal restructuring. The incoming chancellor will shape the future direction of the institution following a period of budgetary challenges.
The search advisory committee is composed of 30 members tasked with guiding the selection process. This effort follows a tenure by former chancellor Rodney Bennett that included $27 million in budget cuts and the elimination of 4 academic departments.
The players
David Jackson
He is the chair of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln search advisory committee.
WittKieffer
This is an executive search firm hired to assist in the recruitment of the university's next chancellor.
Katherine Ankerson
She is the current interim chancellor who has stated she will apply for the permanent position.
Rodney Bennett
He is the former chancellor of the university who resigned at the start of 2026.
The details
David Jackson serves as the chair of the new search committee, which will facilitate upcoming listening sessions for students, faculty, and staff. Interim chancellor Katherine Ankerson has announced her intention to apply for the permanent role.
Timeline
January 2026: Former chancellor Rodney Bennett resigned from his position.
September 2026: University leadership announced plans for the search.
October 2026: The search firm and committee members were officially announced.
November 12-13, 2026: The committee will host listening sessions for the community.
June 2027: The university targets this date for presenting a candidate to the Board of Regents.
Market Landscape
The university's selection process follows the established governance protocols set by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents bylaws for executive searches. This search reflects a broader trend of major public universities prioritizing stable, permanent leadership following periods of significant administrative turnover.
The search committee will host public listening sessions on November 12 and 13 to gather community feedback. Faculty, staff, and students can use these sessions to influence the criteria and priorities used to select the next university leader.
The takeaway
The upcoming listening sessions serve as the primary vehicle for public input in the leadership transition. Stakeholders should prepare feedback now to ensure community priorities are represented in the final candidate profile.
Further reading
For more information on campus leadership transitions, visit the Lincoln People section.
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Do you believe universities should favor current interim leaders when searching for permanent administrators?
