In the months following the launch of the Odyssey to Extraordinary, UNL vice chancellors, deans, department leaders and shared governance partners convened to draft Our Bold Path Forward, an outline of a strategic framework that would provide guidance for colleges, units, and departments as they set actionable goals and strategic priorities through the 2028-29 academic year.
Guiding principles for this work
- Excellence. Expect, promote, and reward excellence in all aspects of our mission.
- Impact. We are drivers of positive impact for Nebraska and beyond.
- Collaboration Over Competition. We unite efforts across campuses, colleges, departments, institutes, and centers for collective momentum and amplified impact.
- Access. Ensure all students benefit from transformative opportunities and high-quality education.
- Adaptability. Balance shared governance with agility.
- Authenticity. Honesty and integrity in all communications and interactions.
- Strategic Stewardship. Invest in priorities that yield strong returns and advance mission-critical goals.
- Prominence. Recognize excellence and impact with markers of distinction.
Our Bold Path Forward will be launched at the beginning of 2026-27 academic year. Vice chancellors, deans, directors and department executive officers, and shared governance partners will be guided by this framework to ensure all strategic goals are in alignment with UNL and NU System goals.
Our Bold Path Forward will be embedded in our branding and national presence going forward, spotlighting our unique identity, value and strategic opportunities by:
- Launching a unified marketing and branding campaign grounded in our clarified identity.
- Communicating our distinctive culture and core strengths to all core audiences.
- Positioning UNL as an importer and retainer of talent, not an exporter.
- Elevating the university’s reputation on the national stage while maintaining strong statewide impact.
Together, we will boldly transform Nebraska’s tomorrow — one of limitless promise, innovation and opportunity.