Paul Hammel
LINCOLN — The current chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Monday dismissed rumors that he was interested in applying to become NU’s next president.
Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln said he won’t be a candidate, but will be heading up a search advisory committee that will provide input on qualities needed in a new university leader.
“I’m working hard to attract the best president we can possibly attract,” Clare told the Examiner.
“If we can attract the right visionary leader, we can do some amazing things at the university,” he added.
Clare, an attorney, has served on the NU Board of Regents since being elected in 2008. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2020. Clare has been the subject of rumors in the past concerning higher political office, particularly governor, but has no academic experience besides his service as a Regent.
Some NU observers expressed concern that if Clare was interested in the job, it would discourage others from applying.
A month ago, in a surprise announcement, current NU President Ted Carter announced that he was leaving to take the top job at Ohio State University.
Carter, who took the NU job in 2020, will officially leave the post Dec. 31. Per an amendment to his contract adopted last year by the Regents, he will receive a $340,000 bonus for every full calendar year he serves.
Clare said that the Board of Regents, at its next meeting on Oct. 5, plans to select a professional search firm and appoint an advisory committee to aid the search.
“We’re making good progress. I want this done by the end of the year,” Clare said.
He said that he’s already heard that “good names, some quality people” are inquiring about the NU opening.
“The search people are saying this is a good job,” Clare said. “And I think it is.”