From the launch of a new strategic plan in February to ongoing facility upgrades, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community will see a number of changes come to campus in the spring semester.
Here’s a sneak peek at the key initiatives, leadership changes and events to expect in the coming months.
State of the U
Chancellor Ronnie Green will present the State of the University address on Feb. 14 at Nebraska Innovation Campus. The event will coincide with the release of the N2025 strategic plan, which builds on a bold vision outlined during the university’s 150th year celebration in 2019. It is intended to guide the university to the year 2025. Additional details about the State of the U event and N2025 plan will be announced.
New academic leadership
In December, Chancellor Green announced that Elizabeth Spiller, a higher education leader with the University of California, Davis, will serve as the next executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She will transition into the role in March.
Mabel Lee demolition
A $46.5 million replacement of Mabel Lee Hall will begin with demolition during the spring semester. The project, scheduled for completion in spring 2022, will completely replace the building along 14th Street, between W and Vine streets. The new facility will feature new classrooms, meeting space, offices, labs and a 400-seat auditorium.
Starbucks to East Campus
Ongoing renovation to the Nebraska East Union will bring a Starbucks to East Campus in February. The project — which includes a new dining center that opened in the fall — will also reach another milestone with completion of a redesigned Great Plains Room in March. Work in other areas of the East Union will continue, with project completion slated for fall 2020.
Construction, renovations, upgrades
In other construction news: the new Nebraska gymnastics facility on the northwest side of the Bob Devaney Sports Center will open in late January or early February; a $75 million, first-phase renovation and expansion of the Scott Engineering Center and adjacent Link will continue toward completion in 2022; renovations of C.Y. Thompson Library continue; and a redesign of the Nebraska Alumni Center’s Wick Garden is scheduled to be finished before commencement in May.
Career opportunities
Huskers seeking future employment are encouraged to visit with Career Services staff. The office will hold a resume crafting opportunity on Feb. 5 prior to the Spring Career Fair on Feb. 11-12. Other events include opportunities to meet with education and nonprofit employers as well as Husker Suit-Up, which is an opportunity for students to purchase professional clothing with discounts up to 60% at JCPenney. Learn more about Career Services and related events.
Spring is coming
With winter chill returning, students, faculty and staff can fondly ponder warmer escapes during the university’s annual Spring Break observance, which is March 22-29. In other spring-related news, Husker baseball and softball teams take to home diamonds for the first time in March. Husker baseball’s first home-field pitch of 2020 is March 6 at Hawks Field against Columbia University, while the softball team faces the University of North Dakota at Bowlin Stadium on March 14. And, for a taste of fall, Husker football’s annual spring scrimmage is April 18 at Memorial Stadium. A composite schedule of all Husker contests is available here.
Nebraska U turns 151
After a 150th year observance in 2019, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will quietly add one more candle to its birthday cake in 2020. Charter Day — the day the Nebraska Legislature passed the act establishing Dear Old Nebraska U — is Feb. 15. Stayed tuned for information about Charter Day activities on campus.
Editor’s Note — Details provided about an expansion of the Morrison Life Sciences Research Center were incorrect. This story has been updated to reflect that no work is ongoing at the East Campus facility.
