Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
  • About Backback to Main menu
    • About
    • Leadership
    • Mission and Strategic Plan
    • Accreditation
    • Our City
    • Facts and Figures
    • Campus Safety
    • Buildings and Maps
    • Contact Us
  • Academics Backback to Main menu
    • Academics
    • Majors & Programs
    • Class Search
    • Catalogs
    • Academic Calendar
    • Colleges
    • Academic Affairs
    • Online Learning
    • International
    • Library
  • Admissions Backback to Main menu
    • Admissions
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Registrar
    • Visit UNO
    • Request Info
    • Apply
  • Student Life Backback to Main menu
    • Student Life
    • Division of Student Life and Wellbeing
    • Academic & Career Development Center
    • Accessibility
    • Housing & Residence Life
    • Inclusion
    • Service
    • Student Conduct & Community Standards
    • Student Involvement
    • Student Safety
    • Wellness
  • Engagement Backback to Main menu
    • Engagement
    • Office of Engagement
    • Campus Resources for Community
    • Service Learning Academy
    • Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center
    • Volunteer and Civic Engagement Programs
    • Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center
    • Faculty Resources
    • Student Resources
    • Voter Engagement
    • Community Engagement Partnership Initiative
  • Research Backback to Main menu
    • Research
    • Research News
    • Centers and Institutes
  • Athletics Backback to Main menu
    • Athletics
    • Baxter Arena
    • Omaha Mavericks Website
  • Alumni Backback to Main menu
    • Alumni
    • Transcripts
    • Thompson Center
  1. UNO
  2. News
  3. 2020
  4. 05
  5. Longtime NU Lobbyist Ron Withem Remembered as ‘a Great Public Servant’

Longtime NU Lobbyist Ron Withem Remembered as ‘a Great Public Servant’

  • published: 2020/06/01
  • search keywords:
  • University of Nebraska
  • University of Nebraska System
Ron Withem

Ron Withem

Ron Withem, a longtime lobbyist for the University of Nebraska system who was a key architect of numerous major legislative initiatives that benefited the NU campuses, died Thursday at his Papillion home following an illness. News of Withem’s death was shared by NU System President Ted Carter.

“I never had the pleasure of meeting Ron personally, but evidence of his impact on the University of Nebraska and our state is everywhere,” Carter said. “He clearly had a deep and personal recognition of the value of education, and his unique gift for building trusted relationships with our elected leaders will benefit students for generations to come.

“Those who knew him will remember Ron as a great public servant, a brilliant political mind and a beloved friend. The University of Nebraska is a more affordable, accessible and excellent institution thanks to his service. Nebraska has lost a great one.” UNO and UNMC Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said Withem’s commitment to education never wavered.

“The University of Nebraska system has evolved greatly, and Ron Withem’s influence on that growth cannot be underestimated,” Dr. Gold said. “He was a true champion of education, and Ron’s devotion to the advancement education throughout his career improved the lives of thousands of students every year and countless alumni throughout Nebraska. We will miss him.”

Withem – a champion of education from the early days of his career – was a history teacher before he entered politics. He served in the Nebraska Legislature for 14 years, chairing the Education Committee and serving as Speaker from 1993 to 1996.

“Ron was a friend and colleague,” said Bob Bartee, Vice Chancellor of External Relations at UNO and UNMC. Whether as a member of the Legislature or the university community, Ron was committed to improving education at all levels. He taught me many lessons in how to influence public policy. Helen and my hearts go out to Diane, their children, and his entire family.”

Withem joined the University of Nebraska’s Central Administration office in 1997, serving as director of governmental relations for 20 years. As the NU system’s chief legislative officer, he helped steward a number of successful partnerships with the state, including:

  • The Building a Healthier Nebraska initiative, which resulted in critical state investments in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC, the Health Science Education Complex on the UNK campus, the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center at UNL, and a new home for the UNMC College of Nursing’s Lincoln division.

  • The relocation of the Nebraska State Fair from Lincoln to Grand Island that paved the way for development of Nebraska Innovation Campus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

  • An affordability compact that froze tuition for resident students across the NU system for two years.

  • Multiple deferred maintenance packages that have helped protect valuable university facilities.

In 2013, Withem was the recipient of the Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Achievement Award, a national honor recognizing extraordinary achievement in higher education advocacy.

He retired in 2017. In celebrating Withem’s tenure at the university, the Board of Regents thanked him for “dedicating his life to public service, using each role as an opportunity to impact the lives of students and make Nebraska a better place."

Withem is survived by his wife, Diane, and children Suzanne and Justin. A celebration of life is being planned.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 

  • News Sections:
  • UNO News Center
  • Maverick Daily
  • The Bullseye
  • Campus Events
SHARE

News Sections

  • News Center
  • Maverick Daily
  • The Bullseye
  • Campus Events

Featured Stories

  • Social Mobility, Experiential Learning Focus of Interview with UNO Chancellor Li
  • UNO Students Graduate as Community Engaged Scholars
  • The Semester Guide
  • More Than 4,800 UNO Students Named to Dean's, Chancellor's Lists in Fall 2022

Contact Us

If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu.

About University Communications

  • Next Steps
  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)
  • Just For You
  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List
  • Popular Services and Resources
  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • Bookstore
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence
  • Affiliates
  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • © 2023  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • Report an Incident or Concern

Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

scroll to top of page