KEARNEY – Four University of Nebraska at Kearney faculty have been chosen to participate in a systemwide program designed to develop the next generation of higher education leaders.
The NU Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) program, sponsored by all four University of Nebraska campuses with support from the Office of the President, offers a two-year curriculum that helps fellows strengthen leadership skills, expand professional networks and explore issues facing the university system and higher education nationwide.
The 2025-27 NU DEAL fellows from UNK are:
- David Arredondo, collection services librarian, Calvin T. Ryan Library
- Janet Eckerson, associate dean for engagement and retention, College of Arts and Sciences
- Sharon Obasi, chair of the Department of Counseling, School Psychology and Family Science
- James Vaux, associate dean of faculty success, College of Business and Technology
During the program, fellows will attend presentations from NU System leaders and members of the Board of Regents, visit each campus to engage with senior administrators, and examine higher education topics such as:
- Strategic planning
- Philanthropy
- Finances
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Teaching, learning and research
- Academic leadership skills and styles
The program aims to prepare a cadre of faculty leaders who understand how the NU System operates at the highest levels, according to University of Nebraska Medical Center Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies.
“NU DEAL cultivates advanced thinking skills and empowers participants to lead with vision, purpose and lasting impact in today’s changing world, positioning them to step confidently into the next level of leadership,” Davies said.
Applications for the 2026-28 NU DEAL cohort will open next spring. More information is available on the NU DEAL webpage.
