Regents advance Project Health, hear updates on partnerships and celebrate Coach Cook

OMAHA - The University of Nebraska Board of Regents today approved the next step in Project Health, a transformational clinical learning and health care facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and heard an update from President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., highlighting the university's statewide impact, challenges and successes.

During the meeting in the Dr. Edward and Sally Malaschock Atrium within the Davis Global Center, 4111 Emile St., the Board approved the second intermediate design report for Project Health, authorizing construction of the facility's shell and core. Earlier approval in April allowed site preparation and foundational work to begin. A third and final design phase will be required to complete the project, part of the larger Project NExT initiative.

"Today is a milestone day for the University of Nebraska, the state of Nebraska and for all those who will benefit from improved access to world-class health care across our region," said Dr. Gold during his remarks to the Board. "Project Health represents not only the most ambitious project in our university's history but also one of the most consequential investments in the health and well-being of the people we serve."

When complete, Project Health will be the state's largest teaching, clinical research and care facility, serving as the primary inpatient hospital for Nebraska Medicine. Dr. Gold noted its role in training more than 3,000 learners annually, and its potential to expand enrollment across the health professions at a time of national workforce shortages.

"The importance of this cannot be overstated," he said. "These learners - most of whom go on to practice in Nebraska and surrounding states - form the backbone of our health care workforce today, and even more so in the future."

During his remarks, Dr. Gold highlighted momentum across all four of the university's campuses, including UNL's strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture; a recent $1.295 million grant received by UNK and the Buffett Early Childhood Institute to promote early childhood literacy and language development; and an upcoming workshop on artificial intelligence that UNO is hosting in collaboration with other Omaha partners.

The Board also heard a presentation from UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, M.D. on the academic medical center's partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense, which includes 36 different research projects - among them C-STARS, which helps train military medical teams in trauma care.

"Through these collaborations, we are able to provide medical training, improve security, advance research and provide quality care to civilians, military and veterans," Dr. Davies highlighted.

During Friday's meeting, the Board approved a resolution honoring legendary Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook. Approval of the resolution followed last month's dedication of a statue of Cook outside the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

"Coach Cook has built not only a championship program, but also a culture that is second to none," Dr. Gold said. "He transformed Nebraska into the epicenter of women's volleyball, inspiring an entire state to dream big. His impact will echo for generations."

Dr. Gold also praised the integration of athletics with service and academics, citing the Abbott and Big Ten Conference "We Give Blood" Drive and last month's recognition of a young bone marrow transplant recipient and her donor during the Husker football game against Michigan.

Dr. Gold acknowledged ongoing budget reduction proposals across the university system, and in particular at the university's Lincoln campus, noting that they will require thoughtful review by the Board.

"These challenges, while significant, do not define us," he said. "They test us - and I believe they will help us define the future of higher education."

In other action, the Board approved several appointments including:

• Jon Watts as the University of Nebraska's first chief operating officer;
• Bren Chambers as vice president and general counsel
• And Harnoor Dhaliwal as vice provost for innovative student experiences.

The board will next meet on Dec. 5 at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St., in Lincoln.

About the University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska is the state's only public university system, made up of four campuses - UNL, UNO, UNK and UNMC - each with a distinct role and mission. Together the campuses enroll nearly 50,000 students and employ 16,000 faculty and staff who serve the state, nation and world through education, research and outreach. For more information and news from the University of Nebraska, visit https://www.nebraska.edu/news.