The University of Nebraska (NU) System is a Vital Investment in Nebraska’s Future

Appearing before the appropriations committee at the University of Nebraska (NU) System's budget hearing on Tuesday, President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., emphasized the critical role the university plays in driving the state’s economic success and the importance of continued investment in higher education.

“For 155 years, the University of Nebraska has been at the heart of our state’s prosperity—educating our students, advancing research and strengthening communities,” said Dr. Gold. “The university is not just an institution of learning; it is an engine of economic growth, innovation, and opportunity for every Nebraskan.”

Dr. Gold’s testimony highlighted the significant return on investment the University of Nebraska provides to the state. For every $1 of state funding invested in the university, $10 is returned to Nebraska’s economy. The university’s total economic impact is $6.4 billion annually, supporting 52,000 jobs statewide. Through its research, education and extension programs, the university is integral to the state’s success—helping to train Nebraska’s future workforce, strengthen key industries like agriculture and healthcare and develop life-changing innovations that benefit communities across the state.

However, Dr. Gold cautioned that proposed state budget cuts and recent federal actions could slow the university’s momentum, impacting its ability to serve students, support businesses and conduct essential research. A reduction in state funding, coupled with other reductions such as federal policy changes limiting research investment, could have lasting consequences for Nebraska’s economic trajectory.

“The University of Nebraska is one of the best investments our state can make,” Dr. Gold said. “Sustained investment is essential to maintaining excellence in education, keeping tuition affordable and ensuring that we continue to attract and retain top-tier faculty and researchers who are making a difference in Nebraska and beyond.”

Dr. Gold reiterated the university’s request for a 3.5% increase in state funding for each year of the next biennium, a measured approach that aligns with responsible financial stewardship while ensuring the university remains a powerful force for economic and workforce development. He emphasized that the university has made over $100 million in internal cuts and efficiency measures over the past decade, demonstrating a continued commitment to fiscal responsibility.

“The decisions we make today will shape Nebraska’s future,” Dr. Gold said. “By investing in the University of Nebraska, we are investing in the success of our students, the strength of our communities and the long-term growth of our economy. Together, we can ensure that Nebraska remains competitive, prosperous and positioned for continued success.”

Following are statements from other testifiers and University supporters at Tuesday’s budget hearing:

• Regent Paul Kenney, chairman, University of Nebraska Board of Regents: “When you support the University of Nebraska, you’re not just funding another agency. You’re making a solid investment in the future of Nebraska. We’re talking about a workforce, a healthier state and the industries that make Nebraska a great place to live and work.”

• Joann Sweasy, Ph.D., director, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC: “The loss of state support for biomedical research is not just a budgetary decision; it is a decision that directly affects the lives of Nebraskans. The research we conduct today will shape the treatments available to patients in the future.”

• Bri Hoffman, co-founder and board chair, Team Jack Foundation: “Although we are sad for all of the things that Jack did not get to do, like have a career and family, we are grateful for all of the things that he did get to do, and I am largely sure it was because of research that he was able to do so.”

• Regent Tim Clare: “We are on the cusp of greatness and ready to provide the state with industry diversification. We are poised for continuing excellence in agriculture, our state’s top industry. But we are also poised for excellence in ag tech, engineering and many other industries. We need a strategy to strengthen our state’s economy for the long-term, one that positions us for success across multiple sectors.”

• Student Regent Ishani Adidam (University of Nebraska at Omaha): “I’ve heard many times that Nebraska’s future depends on the success of its people. For me, a key part of that success is making sure that every student has the opportunity to attend college, graduate and create the best life possible right here in Nebraska. If we don’t invest in the success of our current and future students, we risk losing that talent—the talent that will help drive Nebraska’s growth and development.”

• Regent Jim Scheer, vice chair, NU Board of Regents: “The future of our state depends on the talent we cultivate, the research we support and the education we provide to the next generation of Nebraskans. We are in this together, and if we work collaboratively, we can navigate these tough times and come out stronger.”

• Rob Robertson, chief administrative office, secretary-treasurer, Nebraska Farm Bureau; chair of Ag 40 Group: “We are supporting the University’s request because we strongly believe there is solid commitment from President Gold and the leadership at the NU System to chart out a new path—a vision for how the university and the Legislature should work together to prioritize and target university budget allocations to ensure they align with the needs of the state going forward.”

• Jordyn Bader, alumna, Engler Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; director of industry partnerships and co-founder, Marble Technologies: “I have personally witnessed the transformative role that the University plays in entrepreneurship. This experience was instrumental in shaping my career journey, and the education, mentorship and relationships I gained through its programs enabled me to co-found and contribute to building a company that is creating meaningful economic impact right here in our state.”

• Heath Mello, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce: “The University of Nebraska is an essential partner in driving business innovation, developing research solutions that address complex challenges and creating entrepreneurial ecosystems that are the backbone of long-term economic growth. Failure to adequately fund the university would risk weakening this critical relationship, reducing the capacity for research and development and potentially leading to a talent drain as graduates seek opportunities elsewhere.”