Jon Watts has been appointed interim senior associate vice chancellor for business and finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson announced the appointment July 14.
In the role, Watts will provide day-to-day leadership support for the university’s Office of Business and Finance, overseeing units including Finance, Budget, Human Resources, University Operations and the University Police Department. He will report to Anne Barnes, interim vice chancellor for business and finance, and serve as a member of the university’s Executive Leadership Team.
“Jon’s experience within the University of Nebraska system and his collaborative leadership style make him a strong fit for this role,” Ankerson said. “He will be instrumental in providing day-to-day oversight and helping unify and align budget and business operations across UNL. He brings a wealth of essential expertise to this role and will position us for success in the years ahead.”
Watts brings experience from both the public and private sectors. Since September 2025, he has served as senior associate vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Nebraska system, where he supports systemwide operations and strategic initiatives. He will continue in that role while providing interim leadership to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
"Having worked alongside Jon on complex operational and financial initiatives across the University of Nebraska system, I have tremendous confidence in his ability to help lead our talented Business and Finance organization,” Barnes said. “As interim vice chancellor, I remain fully engaged in leading the division, and Jon's experience, sound judgment and collaborative leadership will strengthen our ability to support Interim Chancellor Ankerson, our executive leadership team and the university community. He has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across the system and will be an outstanding partner as we continue advancing the university’s priorities."
Before joining the NU system, Watts spent 15 years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, including eight and a half years as vice chancellor for business and finance. He also previously served as regional general manager for ALLO Communications.
A native of Kearney, Watts earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a master’s degree in management from Bellevue University.
The appointment is effective immediately.
