June, 2019
Lincoln -- An open letter to presidentsearch@nebraska.edu
Dear Nebraska Board of Regents:
You have encouraged members of the university community and the public to submit thoughts on the "qualities, characteristics, and skills" they would like to see in NU's next president.
I am a graduate of NU twice, a member of the Alumni Association, in very good standing with the NU Foundation, and a Nebraska citizen with considerable knowledge and appreciation of the history* of NU. I have worked closely with university officials from the 1960s to the present, often (but not always) in agreement with the direction of the institution.
My response to your invitation:
• Among the qualities NU's next leader must have is an understanding of agriculture and the reasons for its decline as a driver of Nebraska's economy. NU is a land-grant institution with a special responsibility for agriculture; its own well-being is dependent on a thriving agricultural sector. Among the questions any prospective president must be asked: why is Nebraska agriculture in trouble, what must be done to revive it, and what role will NU play? Answers to the questions must be specific and show insight into issues of nutrition, trade, health, climate, and rural policy.
• Another must-have quality in NU's next leader is a record of scientific and academic achievement that demonstrates commitment and adherence to established norms in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Ordinarily, this would go without saying, but our society is witnessing a breakdown of norms, previously unimaginable, even those in scientific pursuits. Research is increasing funded by those in both industry and government who are eager to see conclusions they pay for. Any prospective NU president must be asked: what are you prepared to do to ensure the integrity of the research process? The answer to this question must be specific as to identifying threats and proposed NU responses to these challenges.
• A third quality in NU's next leader is an understanding of the political process and where NU fits into it. Any prospective NU president should be asked: what is the historical record of NU leadership in the political arena, both the successes and the failures? The answer should contain specifics to demonstrate a knowledge of NU history and give a clear view as to how political challenges will be addressed.
Please feel free to share this with your selection committee and your presidential search consultants. I would be pleased to elaborate further on any of these matters as appropriate.
Jon H. Oberg
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* See previous posts, for example: NU and Wyuka Cemetery; Recalling an Old Budget Controversy; What Would 'Woody' Have Done?
