University of Nebraska Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare announced on Thursday that he will recommend the appointment of Chris Kabourek as interim president at the Board’s December 1 meeting. Kabourek is a 26-year veteran of the university and currently serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer.
If confirmed by the full board, Kabourek will assume the role in addition to his CFO duties on Jan. 1, 2024, following the departure of current President Ted Carter. “The University of Nebraska is at a crucial juncture, with exciting initiatives underway across our campuses and an ambitious plan to reimagine ourselves in the face of significant fiscal challenges,” Clare says. “All of us will need to step up to make sure we don’t lose momentum during the leadership transition. We will benefit greatly from Chris’ experience, relationships and expertise.”
Carter is leaving Nebraska to become president of Ohio State University. “The University of Nebraska will be in good hands with Chris Kabourek at the helm,” Carter says. “Chris has been a source of steady leadership, wise and candid counsel and friendship throughout my time here, and I know he will bring these same skills to the role of interim president.”
Kabourek earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University before continuing his education at UNL. He joined the university in 1997 as a budget and research analyst and rose through progressive leadership roles before being named CFO. “It’s humbling to be considered for this opportunity. I will do whatever I can to support the University of Nebraska,” Kabourek says.
“Our highest priority now and in the months ahead is making progress together on that plan, for the benefit of our 50,000 students, talented faculty and staff, and all Nebraskans.”