University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett announced Monday he will step down from his role effective January 12.
In a message to the campus community, Bennett cited accomplishments including enrollment stabilization, record retention and graduation rates, growth in research funding, and progress toward long-term financial sustainability of the institution.
Bennett was named UNL’s 21st Chancellor in 2023, succeeding Ronnie Green, who took office in 2016.
“I believe in the transformative power of higher education, and I look forward to exploring opportunities on the horizon that will enable me to elevate mission and purpose in support of student success,” Bennett said in his letter.
Bennett thanked faculty, staff, and students, saying it has been an honor to serve the university and the state of Nebraska.
The announcement follows a tumultuous year for UNL.
In December, the NU Board of Regents approved a budget reduction plan, submit by Bennett, that eliminated four academic programs and merged four others, striving to cut $27.5 million from the college’s budget.
Prior to the plan’s approval, in November, the UNL Faculty Senate voted 60-14 to pass a resolution of ‘no confidence’ for Bennett. This was the first time a chancellor received a ‘no confidence’ vote in the college’s history.
Bennett contract was set for three-years, with an base salary of $720,000/per-year.
The plan was met with widespread criticism from faculty, students and alumni, who said the rationale guiding the proposed cuts was based on faulty data and used a flawed process that violated university policies.
By November, the blowback reached its peak when the UNL Faculty Senate passed a resolution of no confidence in Bennett’s leadership in a lopsided 60-14 vote.
University of Nebraska System President Jeff Gold thanked Bennett for his service, saying the chancellor “led the campus through a period of significant challenge and progress.”
The university said Gold will name an interim chancellor to lead UNL for the time being. Read Bennett’s full letter to campus here.