Jeffrey Gold installed as NU president during ceremony

Hundreds of people watched as Dr. Jeffrey Gold was officially installed as the ninth University of Nebraska president on Thursday afternoon. It was the first time the ceremony was held in the Nebraska State Capitol.

Gold started his previous role as University of Nebraska Medical Center chancellor a decade ago, to the day on Thursday. He was also installed as University of Nebraska at Omaha chancellor five years ago to the day.

The theme for Gold’s investiture as NU president was “From Excellent to Extraordinary.”

“This theme is carefully selected to inspire momentum and a bold, deeply embedded, ever present call to action,” Gold said. “A theme selected to inspire more than incremental or opportunistic growth, but to inspire true, aspirational change.”

He continued to say he saw excellence every day as a doctor in the care between provider and patient. He also saw it in the University of Nebraska’s legacy, whether in sports arenas, academics or agriculture.

But true to the theme, Gold said he wants to take that excellence further.

“Our legacy serves as inspiration, but not as a roadmap for the pathway ahead,” Gold stated.

He emphasized a focus on workforce development, economic impact and partnerships with leaders in higher education, business, military, the arts and athletics.

Representatives from across the university system and from the Nebraska community spoke about Gold’s impact in the decade he's been in the state.

Dr. Ann Anderson Berry, executive director of the Child Health Research Institute and a professor of pediatrics at UNMC, said Gold took the medical center from excellence to extraordinary in his time as chancellor.

“He led an increase in world recognized research, enrollment of talented students and led development of innovative programs,” Berry said.

She highlighted UNMC’s response to Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic under Gold’s leadership.

“The message from Dr. Gold is consistent. UNMC possesses the talent and skill,” Berry said. “He ensures we have the resources necessary for us to meet our own highest expectations.”

Retired Gen. John Hyten, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said he first met Gold when Hyten was commander of U.S. Strategic Command in Nebraska. Gold gave Hyten his card, which Hyten fished out when one of his soldiers needed help finding the right providers to take care of his two children.

Within a day, Gold got the kids into the doctors they needed.

“That demonstrated to me the character of Jeff Gold. Character is the most important thing,” Hyten said. “He's a busy man, but the few times I called him with something important, he somehow dropped everything and fixed that problem.”

To Hyten, Thursday’s ceremony was more than the ritual or the trumpets or the choir. It was a recognition of the work Gold has done, and the work he will do for the university.

“We're investing in Dr. Gold today,” Hyten said, “and he's investing in us.”

Gold has served in the role since July.