The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted Friday to eliminate four academic programs at UNL and merge four others, in a plan to cut $27.5 million from the college’s budget.
The board’s vote was near unanimous on each elimination. Regent Barbara Weitz of Omaha voted ‘no’ on axing three of the four programs. The programs eliminated include the departments of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), Statistics, Educational Administration, and the department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design. The board estimates $6.74 million in savings from these cuts.
All eight regents voted to combine the departments of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and departments of Ag Leadership and Ag Economics, respectively. These mergers are projected to save about $2 million.
The symbolic votes from student regents were more mixed, with several abstaining on certain cuts or outright voting ‘no.’
The vote followed roughly six hours of public testimony, with the hearing room in Varner Hall teeming with students, faculty, alumni, and community members, criticizing the the board and UNL leadership.
UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett submitted the reduction plan to the board, saying the cuts were necessary for the college’s long-term sustainability.
Several regents concurred.
“Our situation is not unique to higher education,” said Regent Tim Claire of Lincoln. “Ohio State voted last month to shutdown eight majors and cut 260 courses. Penn State is in the process of closing seven campuses. Higher education has taken a huge hit. Its our job to continue to provide a high quality education.”
Regents also cited a decade of gradual reductions in state revenue allocations to the University from the Nebraska Legislature as an explanation for the cuts.
“The Legislature funds the university. Over the last 10 years, our dollars from the state have equaled to about a $100 million loss per year,” said Regent Jim Scheer. “That’s not chump change.”
Scheer challenged testifiers, asking how many had advocated during Legislature’s budget debates earlier in this year, suggesting they joined the debate “late in the game.”
The cuts are slated to impact 329 students currently enrolled in affected majors. More than 50 faculty positions will be eliminated and 69 senior faculty members will be offered buyouts.
The new schooling structures will be designed in spring 2026. Students in the eliminated majors will receive “transition coordinators” to finish their degrees.