Welcome Back and Thank You
Dear Colleagues,
I write to wish you a successful start to the spring semester and to express my gratitude for your contributions to the research, teaching, service, and engagement missions of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
As a member of the UNL community, you are a core contributor to an essential public good for our society and world. By caring for, inspiring, and challenging the next generation of leaders, you show that a commitment to providing an outstanding education is also an expression of care for the future of the world we share. The faculty and staff of UNL are dedicated, passionate, and hard-working people advancing a critical mission for the people of Nebraska and the world.
In whatever form it takes, thank you for the contributions you make to the relentless pursuit of truth, the creation and dissemination of knowledge and creative works, and the improvement of lives and communities across Nebraska and beyond. All of these vital contributions are made possible by your inspiring commitment to open and inclusive inquiry, critical thinking, and the respectful exchange of ideas.
One of the unique features of university life is that we apply these principles of critical inquiry within the advancement of our respective fields of study or specific domains of responsibility, as well as to the conduct of the university itself. This conveys the important principle that we — individuals and institutions alike — are made better by virtue of engaging thoughtfully with diverse life experiences, challenging questions and ideas, and alternative modes of expression.
As Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer for UNL, I look forward to listening to your ideas and recommendations for how we can work together to further advance the excellence and impact of this great university in the days ahead.
Warm regards,
Mark Button
Interim Executive Vice Chancellor
and Chief Academic Officer