University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter announced today that following a national search, he has named Rodney D. Bennett, Ed.D., a 30-year veteran of higher education with a track record of growing research, student success and impactful partnerships, as the priority candidate for the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Bennett most recently served for nearly a decade as president of the University of Southern Mississippi, a comprehensive public research institution that enrolls 14,000 students across multiple campuses. During his presidency, Bennett brought Southern Miss into the top tier of research institutions, delivered improved student outcomes, invested in faculty and high-growth academic programs, and stabilized the budget through fiscally conservative management – all qualities that Carter said made Bennett the right person at the right time to take the helm at UNL.
“We launched this search with a goal of finding the right leader who could articulate an ambitious vision for Nebraska’s flagship university. Dr. Rodney Bennett is that leader,” Carter said.
“At every turn during his impressive career, Dr. Bennett has made his institution stronger than when he arrived. He is a proven and gifted leader, an exceptional relationship-builder, and he knows from personal experience that higher education is nothing less than a transformative force in a student’s life. Rodney recognizes that Nebraska and our world need UNL to be a leading driver of opportunity, discovery and economic growth, and I believe he will chart the path to get us there.”
Carter thanked the search committee, chaired by College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss, for its diligent work, as well as the many Nebraskans who offered input on the qualities they wanted to see in the next chancellor.
Bennett said: “The more I learn about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the more excited I get about the opportunities for this university to help shape the future of higher education. As I have heard President Carter say, our industry is at a crucial juncture. The challenges we face are real, but with unapologetically bold leadership, the right teams in place, and an unwavering focus on our foundational priorities of teaching, research and service, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can set a new standard of excellence among flagship universities.
“I am humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to listening to and learning from UNL students, faculty, staff and stakeholders in the weeks ahead.”
At the conclusion of a required vetting period, if Carter deems appropriate, he will bring Bennett’s candidacy to the Board of Regents at its June 22 meeting for consideration.