March 30, 2026
Dear UNL colleagues,
This is an important and significant time for our university to come together and move forward with a shared vision for our future.
I invite you to be an active part of defining that future by participating in workshops to identify priorities and aspirations for our university’s next strategic framework, Our Bold Path Forward.
Our Bold Path Forward will define UNL's vision and provide guidance for colleges, units and departments as you identify strategic priorities and the actionable steps to advance them through the 2028-29 academic year. This framework is set to be completed by July 1 and align with the University of Nebraska System’s Odyssey to Extraordinary.
It is more important than ever that we work together across UNL to co-create a universitywide strategic framework — not something developed around us, but something built by us. There will be three universitywide roundtable workshops in April for all to attend, with the first being held Friday morning in the Red Cloud Room of the Cather Dining Complex. Roundtables also will be held on East Campus and remotely via an online platform.
Our Bold Path Forward universitywide roundtables
Friday, April 3 | 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. (in-person only)
Willa Cather Dining Complex, Red Cloud Room
Friday, April 10 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (in-person only)
Nebraska East Union, Great Plains Room
Monday, April 20 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Virtual roundtable (meeting link to be provided)
These sessions are open to everyone at our university, and the conversations will be guided by trained facilitators. These workshops are in addition to discussions and events held within your department, college, and unit. Please contact your department, college or unit leadership to learn more about those opportunities. You’re also invited to submit your feedback and ideas online.
I want every member of our university community to have a meaningful opportunity over the next six weeks to contribute your ideas, provide input and help design actions that reflect the aspirations, expertise and lived experiences of our university.
Together, we will move forward with purpose and determination to define and advance our future. You can follow along and monitor our collective progress at boldpathforward.unl.edu. I look forward to being part of this journey with you.
Go Big Red!
Katherine S. Ankerson
Interim Chancellor