The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on March 21 approved the appointment of James Linder as interim director of the university and unanimously moved forward the program statement and budget for the proposed Breslow Ice Center.

Linder’s nomination was announced March 19. He serves part time as senior associate to the president of the University of Nebraska for innovation and economic competitiveness and as president of the University Technology Development Corporation. He also holds a faculty appointment as professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC. Linder is chief medical officer at Roche Diagnostics Hematology of Boston.

The interim post is needed as current NU president James B. Milliken is leaving NU to become chancellor of the City University of New York. A national search is underway for Milliken’s replacement. Linder will not be a candidate for the permanent position.

Along with considering Linder’s appointment, the regents approved an amendment to establish two presidential search advisory committees. The creation of the committees was announced March 19.

The board also unanimously approved the the program statement and budget for the Breslow Ice Center. Construction is planned on land south and west of Haymarket Park; the project would begin when all funding commitments are in place and authorization to proceed is received from the NU president. The ice center is to be built and owned by UNL and used by students and the public. The rink would seat 700 spectators and be owned by UNL, which has no plans to add a hockey team.

For more information on the program statement and budget, click here.