Governor Dave Heineman says he wants to be next president of the University of Nebraska.
Heineman announced Wednesday morning that he applied Tuesday to be the next president of NU. A national search is underway for the university’s next leader, after J.B. Milliken left to become the new Chancellor of the City University of New York.
Heineman says he understands the value and importance of higher education.
"Working with the Board of Regents, our stakeholders, and the citizens of this great state, we can make this great university even better. Nebraskans know the value and the importance of access to a high-quality, affordable higher education. Priority number one should continue to be affordable tuition rates for students."
In a statement issued Wednesday, Board of Regents Chairman Howard Hawks says “this is a fair and competitive process and the Board of Regents seeks and welcomes the candidacy of any person, including the governor, who believes he or she has the qualifications and experiences necessary to effectively lead the University of Nebraska.”
At this point, there is no timeline to name a new NU president.