University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter announced Monday former University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Rodney D. Bennett as a primary candidate as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s next Chancellor.
Bennett most recently served for nearly a decade as president of the University of Southern Mississippi, a comprehensive public research institution that enrolls 14,000 students across multiple campuses. During his presidency, Bennett brought Southern Miss into the top tier of research institutions, delivered improved student outcomes, invested in faculty and high-growth academic programs, and stabilized the budget through fiscally conservative management – all qualities that Carter said made Bennett the right person at the right time to take the helm at UNL.
As required by state law, Bennett’s candidacy will now undergo a 30-day vetting period that will include a series of public sessions during which members of the UNL community and the news media can meet Bennett and ask questions. The schedule for the open forums is being finalized now and will be released in the coming days. Members of the public are invited to submit feedback about Bennett’s candidacy anytime during the 30-day period at www.nebraska.edu/unl-chancellor-search.
Following the vetting period, Bennett’s candidacy, if deemed appropriate, will be brought to the Board of Regents at it June 22 meeting for consideration.
If approved by the Board, Bennett would become the first person of color to become UNL chancellor.
The next chancellor will succeed current Chancellor Ronnie Green, who is retiring after seven years in the role.
