University leaders meet with public during 11-city Nebraska tour

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s top leaders will travel to 11 communities across the state Jan. 23-25 to engage with Nebraskans to inform the role and goals of the state’s flagship land-grant university.

Chancellor Ronnie Green, Executive Vice Chancellor Donde Plowman and Mike Boehm, Harlan Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Nebraska, will discuss the university, its achievements and its strategic goals with stakeholders throughout Nebraska.

Cities on the tour include Fremont, West Point, South Sioux City, Norfolk, O’Neill, North Platte, McCook, Holdrege, Aurora, Albion and Columbus. Registration to attend a tour event is available online.

Green, who became Nebraska’s 20th chancellor in 2016 and who has recently named Boehm and Plowman as top leaders in his administration, said it is vital for university leaders to engage with Nebraskans, especially during a time of transition.

“Talking with and learning from Nebraskans in their communities is always a priority for us,” Green said. “This year it’s extra important to gain input from across the state as our senior leadership team begins to chart a course to take the people’s university to the next level.”

Boehm, who left the Ohio State University to take on leadership of IANR, and Plowman, who stepped into the role of executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer after six years as dean of the College of Business Administration, both officially began their new roles at Nebraska on Jan. 1.

The tour echoes the aims of Blanket Nebraska, an August 2016 dash across more than 50 towns and cities by deans, vice chancellors and other top administrators at Nebraska.

“Just as we had last summer with our Blanket Nebraska outreach, we know we will enjoy meaningful interactions with stakeholders in which we learn more about their priorities,” Green said.

Green, Plowman and Boehm will attend a series of gatherings during the three-day tour, which are free and open to the public. Those interested can click here to register for an event.

The tour schedule is:

Jan. 23

• Noon, community lunch, J’s Steakhouse, 406 North Main St., Fremont.

• 2 p.m., community gathering, Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., West Point.

• 6 p.m., community dinner, The Marina Inn, Monterrey Room, Fourth and B streets, South Sioux City.

Jan. 24

• 8:30 a.m., community breakfast, First Choice, 1109 S. Ninth, Norfolk.

• Noon, community lunch, Albion Country Club, 2491 Highway 91, Albion (Boehm and Plowman).

• Noon, community lunch, Holt County Extension Office, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, O’Neill (Green).

• 2:30 p.m., community gathering, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, 753 33rd Ave., Columbus (Boehm and Plowman).

• 5:30 p.m., community dinner, West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 West State Farm Road, North Platte (Green).

Jan. 25

• 8:15 a.m., community meet and greet, Keystone Building, third-floor training room, 402 Norris Ave., McCook (Green)

• Noon, community lunch, Taste of Texas, 302 East Ave., Holdrege (Green).

• 3 p.m., community gathering, Hamilton County Fairgrounds Ag Building, 310 A St., Aurora (Green).