The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted Friday to extend President Dr. Jeffrey Gold’s contract by three years, keeping him under contract through June 30, 2032. Board Chair Paul Kenney praised Gold’s leadership and welcomed the opportunity to retain him. “I’m thrilled that we’re in position to extend Dr. Gold’s tenure in Nebraska at this time when shortened tenures for university leaders are more and more the norm,” Kenney said.
The agreement extends Gold’s existing contract, which had been scheduled to end June 30, 2029. Supporters cited his performance, relationships across Nebraska and role in guiding major university projects. “I think we as a board have an obligation to keep the university running as well as possible and I think this accomplishes that,” Regent Jim Scheer said.
Regents Jack Stark and Joel Makovicka opposed the extension, raising concerns about its timing rather than Gold’s performance. Makovicka said the decision should wait until 2027 or 2028, while Stark said incoming board members should have an opportunity to work with Gold before considering an extension.
UNL Student Regent Kurt Schneider supported the agreement, saying students want consistent leadership and praising Gold’s willingness to meet with them. “I think one thing that students tell me all the time is they want more stability in the leadership of our university so that they know who they can turn to,” Schneider said. He said Gold recently spoke with about 85 to 90 campus organization leaders.
Supporters also emphasized the importance of retaining Gold as the university moves ahead with Project Health, a major hospital project at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Regents separately approved a revised plan Friday calling for approximately 1.54 million square feet and a total estimated cost of $2.748 billion.