The state relations office at the University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO) works to build strong relationships with the state legislature, Governor, community leaders, and other state policymakers.
The office seeks to cultivate and maintain beneficial relationships with key policy stakeholders, support ties between UNO and the Omaha community, and advance UNO’s role in the economic and workforce development of Nebraska.
The Nebraska Legislature convenes in January of each year. Visit the official Nebraska Legislature website to learn more about legislation affecting UNO. Please view a full list of Nebraska’s state senators.
UNO's Official Representative
The University’s Executive Memorandum 2 names the NU vice president for external relations as the official representative to the entire University System to the governor’s office, the Nebraska Legislature, agencies of the state, Congress, and federal agencies. University employees are free to engage with state elected officials as private individuals, not in an official university capacity, and offer their personal expertise on public policy issues and make their personal opinions known. University employees are also welcome to join the NU Advocates Program, which workswith the NU vice president for external relations’ office to advocate to and share with state officials.
When testifying before the Nebraska Legislature, employees must explicitly state that they are acting as an individual, not representing the official position of the University of Nebraska and not engaging with state officials while in an official capacity, unless directed by the University of Nebraska leadership team to engage with policymakers.
UNO Employee Guidelines
Additionally, unless acting at the request of the president and chancellors, employees should engage in public policy on their own time and should not use University resources to do so. University personnel should inform and coordinate with Victoria Kohout, Chief of Government and Community Relations, on requests to visit with state elected officials and members of their staff.
For more information or clarification, please contact Victoria Kohout, Chief of Government and Community Relations.
Contact State Relations
Victoria Kohout, Chief of Government and Community Relations
As Chief of Government and Community Relations, Victoria oversees UNO’s ties to federal, state, and local government entities, promoting the campus’ reputation among key community leaders.