President Carter Meets with Student, University Leaders During UNO Campus Visit

For University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter, campus visits are more than an opportunity to meet some of the students, faculty and staff that make up each institution’s community. As he shared with a group of University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) students to kick off his day in Omaha, Carter believes each visit plays a crucial role in shaping the long-term vision of the entire system.

“We can effect positive change,” Carter said during a lunch with student leaders. “Don’t underestimate the power that you bring to the table.”

During his visit with students, he discussed topics important to them and their peers, including “brain drain,” admissions standards, diversity and inclusion, access to mental health services, curriculum, and student retention.

Veronica Chapman, a freshman political science major, said the meeting was encouraging.

“I feel like UNO is already a very receptive campus as is,” Chapman said. “But it’s nice to know that higher up the food chain you’re still going to find that same amount of respect and willingness to help out with campus affairs.”

Jack Schulz, a junior electrical engineering major, said the student group’s conversation with Carter helped him realize that he could affect positive change at the university.

“It opened up the possibility in my own head of going to talk to the heads of colleges to talk about curriculum,” he said. “Maybe it’s more within my grasp than I thought it would be.”

Carter, who was approved as NU System president in December 2019, met with key UNO leaders from the Office of Student Success, Faculty Senate and the Office of Business and Finance among others.

“Thank you for what you do. You’re making a difference,” Carter said before departing the meeting. “If you want to continue to inspire others, be sure to inspire yourself first and that will carry on.”