November 22, 2024
Colleagues,
It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Mark Button, current Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has agreed to serve as Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, succeeding Kathy Ankerson, who has announced her retirement at the conclusion of the calendar year. Dean Button is a proven administrator and scholar who has led the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s largest academic college since July 1, 2019.
The Executive Vice Chancellor is the university’s Chief Academic Officer and is the responsible authority in the absence of the Chancellor. The EVC provides leadership for several key areas and initiatives, including undergraduate teaching and learning; faculty development, promotion, and tenure; resource allocation; and development of innovative academic initiatives that will be recognized as unique strengths of our institution. The UNL academic deans, other than those in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, report directly to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer.
I am very grateful to Dean Button for answering this new call to leadership. During his time as Dean, the College of Arts and Sciences has realized year over year record-breaking increases in research awards, steady increases in student retention and graduation rates across all demographics, and significant advances in external partnerships and philanthropic support. His experience at UNL and previously at the University of Utah, where he served in many leadership roles over the past decade, including department chair, associate chair, and director of graduate studies, will continue to serve UNL well in his new role.
I also want to thank EVC Ankerson for her wise counsel, hard work, and dedication to UNL over the past 23 years, including the past three years as Executive Vice Chancellor. She has a heart for UNL students, faculty, and staff, and has been a trusted colleague since my arrival as Chancellor.
Kathy has led academic affairs and approached her work with empathy for our faculty, students, and staff, and her expertise and experience were always evident at the leadership table. I will miss our professional relationship, and I look forward to all that she will continue to contribute to future generations in her retirement. I hope that you will make plans to attend a retirement event for EVC Ankerson on Monday, December 16. Details for that event are forthcoming.
Thank you for all that you continue to do to serve the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and all who study, teach, research, and work here.
Rodney D. Bennett
Chancellor