University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter announced today that following a national search, he has named Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, as the priority candidate to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Li is currently the dean, professor of finance and Ryder Eminent Scholar Chair in Business in the College of Business at Florida International University, a Research I institution and the nation’s fourth-largest public university. A first-generation college student who went on to graduate summa cum laude, Li brings 15 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, with a demonstrated record of advancing student access and success, diversity and inclusion, academic excellence, and community and donor engagement.
If confirmed by the Board of Regents following a 30-day public vetting period, Li would become the first woman of color to serve as UNO chancellor and the first Asian-American in the history of the University of Nebraska system to hold an executive leadership role.
“Dr. Li is relentlessly focused on students, she is skilled at building relationships with diverse stakeholders, and she is a visionary thinker who will lead at a time of great change and opportunity for UNO and all of higher education. I’m thrilled to introduce Jo to the UNO community and have her share her vision for the future with all Nebraskans.”
Li said: “My own life has taught me so much about the value of higher education – not only the degree itself, but the faculty, staff and mentors who dedicate themselves to making sure every student, no matter their background, is successful.
Carter praised the 14-member advisory committee, led by UNO Faculty Senate President Elliott Ostler, that guided the search. Following a series of public listening sessions with UNO stakeholders to determine what skills and qualities the next chancellor should possess, the search committee carefully considered a deep and diverse pool of potential candidates.
At the conclusion of the vetting period, if Carter deems appropriate, he will bring Li’s appointment to the Board of Regents for consideration. Carter’s goal is for the next chancellor to begin on July 1, 2021, succeeding current Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., who is stepping down from his UNO role and assuming the role of executive vice president and provost for the NU system.