Matt Blomstedt, former Nebraska commissioner of education, has been named interim vice chancellor for external relations at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The appointment, made by Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson, went into effect on Jan. 12.
Blomstedt will continue to serve as associate vice president for government relations and chief lobbyist for the University of Nebraska system. In that capacity, he represents the NU system to the governor’s office, Nebraska Legislature, state agencies and federal officials. He works with government relations teams across the university campuses, builds relationships with public officials and community leaders, and advises senior leadership on government relations matters.
“Matt’s experience in education policy and government relations will be a major asset to UNL and our leadership team,” Ankerson said. “His ability to build relationships and navigate complex public policy issues will strengthen our work and help advance the university’s priorities.”
Blomstedt brings extensive experience in education policy, leadership and advocacy. He served as Nebraska’s commissioner of education from 2014 to 2023, overseeing the state’s public education system and leading major policy and accountability efforts.
He also served as principal at Foresight Law + Policy in Washington, D.C., and previously held leadership roles with the Nebraska Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council, the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee and the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association.
Blomstedt earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in community and regional planning and a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education, all from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
A lifelong Nebraskan, he is originally from Palisade and lives in Central City with his wife, Angela. The couple has five children, ranging from high school age through recent college graduate.
