UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, Calls for Strategic Investment in Tech Workforce Development in 2024 State of the University Address

Highlights

• UNO Chancellor Li, Ph.D., CFA, on addressing tech workforce demands: “It is quite simple: if we want to respond to the state’s dire need for more technology workers, we will all need to stand firm behind the PKI expansion...Being the destination for technology and innovation isn’t just about staying ahead, it’s about preparing our students to be leaders in their fields.”

• According to a 2022 Nebraska Department of Labor report, STEM occupations in Nebraska are projected to grow by 10.8% faster than the 4.8% employment growth for non-STEM occupations.

• Chancellor Li on strategic investment in UNO: “We must advocate for our students, faculty, and staff because this urban university is worth the investment of our state and our citizens.”

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, called for a strategic investment in the university’s technology workforce development efforts via an expansion of the Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI) building on UNO’s Scott Campus at her 2024 State of the University Address today.

Li said strategic investment in an expansion of PKI – home to UNO’s College of Information Science and Technology and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Engineering – would help the university meet the state’s tech workforce demands.

Li, UNO’s 16th chancellor and longest-serving chancellor in the University of Nebraska System, noted the two colleges are expected to double in enrollment by 2030, and the current facility is unable to accommodate both the expected growth in student population and new technologies required for a new generation of teaching, working, and learning.

Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI) expansion rendering. (LEO A DALY)

“It is quite simple: if we want to respond to the state’s dire need for more technology workers, we will all need to stand firm behind the PKI expansion,” Li said. “We must increase the input of students so we can expand the output of tech professionals. Being the destination for technology and innovation isn’t just about staying ahead, it’s about preparing our students to be leaders in their fields. And as we continue to embrace the future of technology, we must remain focused on providing exceptional educational experiences so that our learners can excel in this world.”

According to a 2022 Nebraska Department of Labor report, STEM occupations in Nebraska are projected to grow by 10.8% faster than the 4.8% employment growth for non-STEM occupations. For all occupations, Nebraska’s worker shortage index is classified as “most severe,” according to an August U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, noting Nebraska has 39 available workers for every 100 open jobs. In addition, the Nebraska Legislature’s Resolution 335 passed in 2022 called for 70% of Nebraska ages 25 to 34 to hold postsecondary credentials by 2030.

A Great Value for All Learners

During her remarks, Chancellor Li emphasized the need to continue to focus on positioning UNO as a great value so learners of all backgrounds can climb the socioeconomic ladder.

Over 36% of UNO’s student body is Pell eligible. In addition, 85% of UNO students are from the metro Omaha area, and over one-third of the student body is first generation, meaning they often do not have the guidance of a parent who is familiar with the education system. Additionally, about 25% of UNO students are Nebraska Promise eligible.

According to a recent Nebraska Department of Labor Data analysis, 67% of UNO students with undergraduate degrees continue to live and work in Nebraska five years after graduation – the highest of the NU System undergraduate campuses. Li said it is a return on investment for both students as they seek careers after graduation and the state of Nebraska.

“This is proof that investing in UNO is investing in Nebraska’s workforce,” Li said. “UNO transforms itself to be the most reliable talent development agency in the state of Nebraska. We fight to bring talent in and keep talent for the state.”

Li said UNO fought successfully to keep tuition low for its students this past year. Today, UNO’s tuition and fees are now $8,718 – one of the lowest in the state and the nation.

“The idea of earning a degree should not and will not be reserved for those who can afford it, but for those who have the ambition to succeed,” Li said. “It is essential that we work together to find innovative and scalable solutions that align with our goals for continued growth and success.”

Li said she will continue to advocate for additional investment in the university so it can advance its mission of delivering a quality education for all learners.

UNO must continue our conversations, continue our efforts with a sense of urgency, and increase our focus on our visions and strategies,” Li said. “We must advocate for our students, faculty, and staff because this urban university is worth the investment of our state and our citizens.”

Points of Pride

Chancellor Li celebrated a number of university and achievements and milestones from the past year, including:

• Maverick student athletes achieved an average 3.43 GPA during the spring 2024 semester, won four conference championships, and made four NCAA tournament appearances.

• The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) Center received its first approval for a patent – a chatbot that improves suspicious activity reporting.

• The National Institutes of Health awarded UNO an $11 million grant through the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence program, emphasizing our commitment to innovation and addressing critical health challenges.

• UNO became the first and only university in Nebraska to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence following NU System Board of Regents approval this summer.

• UNO secured more than $57 million in private philanthropic support without a capital project last year and surpassed 8,400 individual donors – both records.

A New Era of Leadership

Chancellor Li took a moment during her address to express excitement for new NU System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, and offer the university’s support for his vision. Gold served as UNO’ chancellor from 2017 to 2021.

“We are turning a new page with our new leader. I know Dr. Gold understands UNO because he was the chancellor for this great institution for four years,” Li said. “I am enthusiastic to welcome his intellect as an academic, his ability as the system provost, and his wisdom as a visionary. I intend to work closely with Dr. Gold and support him to start important conversations on resource allocation so he can honor his vision: The Odyssey to Extraordinary. UNO will stand by to do its part.”

To close her 2024 State of the University address, Chancellor Li said UNO will be a place where every individual will thrive and contribute to a brighter future for the Omaha community.

“Omaha, our campus, isn’t just part of your journey,” she said. “It is the destination.”