Bob Wilhelm has been selected to serve in an interim role as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s executive vice chancellor.

The appointment, which begins Nov. 20, was announced by Chancellor Ronnie Green. Wilhelm has served as vice chancellor for research and economic development since May 2018. He replaces Elizabeth Spiller, who recently announced her resignation from the executive vice chancellor position.

Wilhelm will continue to serve as the leader of the university’s research and economic development enterprise. He will not be a candidate for the permanent executive vice chancellor position.

“I am grateful for Bob’s willingness to assume this additional leadership role,” Green said. “I very much look forward to his leadership during this period of transition.”

The university is currently conducting an internal search to hire its next executive vice chancellor. A 10-member search advisory committee that includes faculty, staff and student representation is guiding the process. The committee is 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.

Applications for the position are being accepted through Nov. 19. Learn more about the search.

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.