University of Nebraska System President Dr. Jeffrey Gold delivered his first State of the University address Thursday, reflecting on progress and challenges to his NU vision after one year in office.
Gold highlighted achievements across the system, including UNMC’s world-first clinical trial using donor T-cell therapy to treat multiple sclerosis, expansion of precision agriculture through NFarms, and new programs and centers advancing artificial intelligence research and education.
He also pointed to community engagement projects like Nebraska Extension’s work in Lynch and expanded partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, including UNMC’s C-STARS program and UNO’s NCITE center, which are advancing military medical readiness and homeland security.
But Gold acknowledged fiscal challenges facing the system, noting a decade-long $260 million gap compared to inflation-adjusted funding levels. This year alone, the university is cutting more than $40 million across campuses to address deficits.
“We cannot cut our way to excellence, nor can we cut our way to our extraordinary destiny,” Gold said, urging continued investment in the state’s only public university system.
The NU president closed on an optimistic note, citing the university’s $6.4 billion annual economic impact and its role in educating one in seven working Nebraskans. Drawing on the “Stockdale Paradox,” Gold said the university must face financial realities while keeping faith in its extraordinary future.
“We must acknowledge the hard truths of our challenges,” he said, “while maintaining an unwavering belief in our ability to emerge stronger. Together, we will continue our Odyssey to the Extraordinary.”
Watch Dr. Gold’s full remarks below.