August 15, 2025
Colleagues:
I am pleased to share that Anne Barnes, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the University of Nebraska System, will provide interim leadership for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s key financial and operational functions, following the appointment of Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Michael Zeleny to his new role at The Catholic University of America.
SVP Barnes served more than 25 years as the principal business officer for the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine before joining the University of Nebraska System in 2022 as Vice Chancellor for Business, Finance, and Business Development for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the system since September 2024, first filling the role on an interim basis before her appointment was formalized this year. She continues to oversee all budget, finance, business development, operational, and administrative services for UNMC.
I am grateful to SVP Barnes for agreeing to assist the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during this critical period as we continue our work to address the structural budget deficit. Her leadership will facilitate a seamless transition as we keep pace with important deadlines through the end of the calendar year and ensure our work is well coordinated with the system office.
As a reminder, the University will host a Farewell Reception for outgoing Vice Chancellor Zeleny this Thursday, August 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Morrill Hall, with remarks at 5 p.m. I hope to see you there as we congratulate Mike and wish him well as he begins this new chapter.
Thank you for all that you do for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and for our students.
Sincerely,
Rodney D. Bennett
Chancellor