Sixteen University of Nebraska System colleagues have been selected to participate in a systemwide program that aims to develop the next generation of higher education leaders.
The NU System’s Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) program, sponsored by all four campuses with support from the Office of the President, offers an intensive two-year curriculum that helps participants develop their leadership skills, expand their networks and explore key issues and challenges facing the University of Nebraska and higher education.
“I’m delighted to welcome another cohort to the NU DEAL,” said NU System President Dr. Jeffrey Gold. “This program ensures promising leaders have opportunities to hone the skills that will position the NU System to meet the ever-changing needs of the students we educate and the state we serve. This program, the experiences it provides and the network it fosters, is critical to the long-term sustained success of our institution.”
The 2026-28 NU DEAL fellows from UNK are:
- Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer – associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences; professor, chemistry
- Joel Berrier – associate professor and chair, physics and astronomy
- Daniel Chaffin – associate professor, management
- Bryce Abbey – professor and co-chair, kinesiology and sport sciences
Over the course of the program, the fellows will hear presentations from University of Nebraska System representatives and members of the NU Board of Regents, visit each NU System campus to engage with senior leaders and discuss timely higher education topics including:
- Strategic planning
- Philanthropy
- Higher education finances
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Opportunities and challenges related to teaching, learning and research
- Academic leadership skills and styles
“NU DEAL is designed to build a cadre of senior leadership with faculty who already have leadership skills to understand how the NU System works at the highest level,” said UNMC Chancellor Dr. H. Dele Davies, who developed the program. “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.”
Applications for the 2028-30 cohort of the NU Deal fellows will open next spring. More information about the program is available on the NU Deal webpage.