Governor Jim Pillen on Tuesday appointed Joel Makovicka of Omaha to fill the District 4 vacancy on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Makovicka will serve through Jan. 7, 2027. The seat will be up for election this year.
“I appreciate Joel’s willingness to step into this role, and I have great confidence that he will serve the Board well, and with the best interests of the University in mind,” Pillen says. Makovicka was a fullback for the Huskers and was part of three national championship teams. His professional football career continued with the Arizona Cardinals.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Makovicka coached at the University of Virginia. Makovicka earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University and continues to serve today as president of his own practice, Makovicka Physical Therapy, which has locations in Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas.
He replaces Elizabeth O’Connor, who resigned last month. O’Connor was charged in connection with a DUI crash that seriously injured a person in Omaha last May.
(Photos: Governor Pillen’s Office)