New year, new University of Nebraska Systems President.
This morning, the Board of Regents unanimously approved Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chris Kabourek to fill the role of interim president, as current President Ted Carter is stepping down on December 31st to become the president of Ohio State University at the beginning of 2024.
Kabourek is a Nebraska native, first-generation college student, and UNL alum and 26-year veteran of the university.
“Chris loves Nebraska, he loves the University of Nebraska and he has told us he will do whatever he can to help the institution. That’s the kind of leadership and commitment we need as we move forward with our plans to take the University of Nebraska to a new level of excellence,” said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. “Our university will be in good hands at this important juncture.”
“I am humbled that the Board has entrusted me with this opportunity,” said Kabourek, “My promise to the Board, our students, and all Nebraskans: I will do everything I can to create opportunities for students who are thinking about going to college. I love Nebraska. I love this university. We’ll do everything we can to set up the next president to be successful on day one.”
Kabourek, who grew up in David City, joined the university in 1997 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an MBA from UNL. He has served as CFO since 2018, overseeing all financial and administrative services that support NU’s $3.3 billion operating budget, including budgeting, facilities and capital planning, accounting, procurement and human resources. He works closely with the Board, president, chancellors, and campus chief business and academic officers, as well as the Governor, elected officials and other leaders within and outside the university.
Kabourek is also active in the community as a college basketball referee and youth sports coach. He and his wife, Jamie, have three sons, the oldest of whom is a freshman at UNO.
I’m really, really excited for Chris. He knows his institution as well as anybody.” said President Carter during his final Board of Regents meeting with NU, “Being President has been the most wonderful experience. We’ll consider Nebraska our second home for the rest of our lives. I will always root for the Huskers, the Lopers, the Mavericks, and yes, the Labs. Our time together has been one of the most cherished moments in my life. Thank you.”
The Board is conducting a national search for the university system’s ninth president. Kabourek will hold the interim role in addition to his CFO title and duties until a permanent successor is named and takes office. In accepting the interim role, Kabourek has agreed to not be a candidate for the permanent position.