The president of the University of Nebraska system said the institution will face challenges regarding Governor Jim Pillen’s plans to address Nebraska’s budget deficit.
Last week, Pillen announced state agencies, boards, and commissions will face a 5 percent reduction to their budgets and a hiring freeze to make up the state’s budget shortfall.
Jeffery Gold, president of the University of Nebraska System, said that the new reduction represents more than $36 million across the NU system.
The university system has already experienced cuts and loss of programs in December, pushing it to increase tuition to make up the shortfall.
Gold praised faculty and staff for coming up with solutions to handle budget cuts while remaining committed to students.
He acknowledged there are limitations on campuses' capabilities as support from the state continues to decrease.
Gold said with constant cuts and unpredictability, the University of Nebraska system will be unable to fulfill its mission to produce high-quality teaching, research, and statewide engagement.
