The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is planning a special meeting on January 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. This meeting will take place at Varner Hall in Lincoln, Nebraska, and will also be available to watch online.
One key topic will be the proposed change in governance for Nebraska Medicine, the major medical center partner of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). This change follows Clarkson Regional Health Services’ decision to withdraw from a joint governance structure established in 1997. As a result, Nebraska Medicine will shift to a single-member governance model under the Board of Regents.
This transition isn’t just administrative; it also comes with a significant philanthropic contribution from Clarkson to support Project Health, a vital facility improvement initiative at the UNMC campus in Omaha. This move aligns Nebraska Medicine more closely with other Big Ten universities, like the University of Michigan and Ohio State University, creating a stronger unified organization with shared values and missions.
Experts in higher education and healthcare governance suggest that this change can lead to more streamlined decision-making and enhanced collaboration. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, universities adopting similar governance structures often find it easier to implement innovative healthcare solutions and expand their community outreach.
Importantly, even with this governance shift, Nebraska Medicine will remain a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community. The quality of patient care and the breadth of educational programs will not only stay the same but are expected to grow, reaching more people across Nebraska and beyond.
For a deeper understanding of this governance change and its implications, you can find more information on the University of Nebraska’s website. This transition marks a significant moment in the collaboration between Nebraska Medicine and the university — one that could impact healthcare delivery in the region for years to come.
