The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is launching an internal search to hire its next executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Chancellor Ronnie Green announced Oct. 15 that a 10-member search advisory committee with faculty, staff and student representation will guide the process. Applications for the position will be accepted starting Oct. 20.

“The executive vice chancellor is a key senior leadership position for our campus. Due to the pandemic and other factors, it is not an ideal time for a national search and I’m am highly confident that we will have multiple, outstanding internal candidates who will excel in this role,” Green said. “It is my hope we can successfully complete this search and name the new EVC in time for the spring semester.”

The search committee will be led by co-chairs Sherri Jones, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences; and Steve Kolbe, president of the Faculty Senate and associate professor in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.

Other members of the committee include:

• Marco Barker, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion;

• Rik Barrera, associate dean, College of Business;

• Rick Bevins, interim associate vice chancellor for research and economic development, professor of psychology;

• June Griffin, associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences, professor of practice of English;

• Batool Ibrahim, president, Association of Students of the University of Nebraska;

• Deepak Keshwani, associate professor, biological systems engineering;

• Sophia Perdikaris, director and professor, School of Global Integrative Studies; and

• James Volkmer, assistant vice chancellor, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor.

The search will replace Elizabeth Spiller, who announced Oct. 11 that she would be stepping down from her role for family reasons. Spiller has served as the university’s executive vice chancellor since March 2020.

Nebraska’s executive vice chancellor reports directly to the chancellor, is the chief academic officer and is the responsible authority in the absence of the chancellor. The position functions as provost, leading and directing the university’s academic enterprise.

Nebraska’s academic deans, other than those in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, report directly to the executive vice chancellor.

Learn more about Nebraska’s Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor.