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New NU chief sees parallels between medicine, education
McCOOK, Neb. — There are similarities between heart surgery on a child and being the president of a university, Dr. Jeffrey Gold told the Gazette this morning.
Not only do you have to adjust to unexpected circumstances, but you have to think about the future growth of the child, said Gold, who spent 25 years as a heart surgeon and became president of the University of Nebraska July 1. He feels the same responsibility towards the young students entrusted to the university’s care.
"Both require a highly skilled and coordinated team effort," he added, emphasizing the importance of building strong, trusted teams to achieve the best outcomes, whether in surgery or education.
Gold is on a statewide tour that will take him to each end of the state for conversations with Nebraskans about the future of the university and Nebraska’s growth and competitiveness.
The five-day tour, beginning in Nebraska City and concluding in Scottsbluff, included today’s stop in McCook and Friday’s in Ogallala, meeting with with civic, business, education, agricultural, healthcare, philanthropic, and government leaders, along with students, faculty, staff, and members of the media.
Addressing the mental health challenges faced by students, he underscored the university's commitment to providing robust behavioral health services. He cited a study indicating that nearly 50% of high school graduates have a diagnosable mental health condition, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems in higher education.
A first-generation college graduate from New York, Gold also appreciates affordability and the challenge of student loan debt. He stressed the importance of maintaining the quality of education while making it as affordable as possible. Programs like the Nebraska Promise and the Regents Scholars Program are part of the university’s efforts to support students financially.
Gold said he is not merely embarking on a routine introduction tour. With a clear focus on gathering insights and feedback, he has been conducting a series of highly attended meetings across the state. "Every single one of the meetings has been spectacular, with standing-room-only attendance and a lot of warm sentiment," he remarked.
In his new role, the president emphasized the importance of understanding the needs and expectations of Nebraskans to chart a path forward for the university over the next five to 10 years. "The university belongs to the people of Nebraska, not the administration. This tour allows me to listen firsthand to the people who own this great institution," he said.
During his visits, he has met with students, including two young women studying journalism and entrepreneurship in agriculture at UNL. He has been asking critical questions about the university’s performance and what it could do better. Additionally, a website has been set up for anonymous feedback, aiming to gather a broad spectrum of opinions.
"The personal interactions have been the highlight of the trip," he noted. Many Nebraskans have shared stories about how the university has positively impacted their lives, from healthcare to education.
The president also highlighted the need for stronger relationships among community colleges, state colleges, the university, and K-12 systems. "We need to ensure a seamless transition from local school districts to the university, preparing the future workforce for Nebraska," he explained.
When asked about the financial challenges facing the university, he acknowledged the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency. Over the past decade, the university has cut over $150 million from its recurring operating budget, aiming to redirect resources to frontline services that directly impact students, research, and outreach.
Agriculture remains a critical focus, given its importance to Nebraska’s economy and the university’s land-grant mission. The president is keen on expanding the university’s extension services, including telehealth and advising activities.
He re-emphasized that his listening tour is not just about introductions but about gathering valuable insights to shape the future of the University of Nebraska.
"Our goal is to make the university as great as it can possibly be, ensuring that every student has the best possible experience and support," he said.