Pillen appoints former Husker football player to University of Nebraska Board of Regents

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday appointed Joel Makovicka to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Makovicka, of Omaha, will fill the District 4 vacancy following the resignation of Elizabeth O’Connor last month.

O’Connor, who had been on the board since 2018, announced Dec. 30 that she planned to resign after being charged with a felony for allegedly driving while intoxicated and causing a crash in May that left a woman with serious injuries.

Makovicka will serve through Jan. 7, 2027. The seat will be up for election this year.

“I appreciate Joel’s willingness to step into this role, and I have great confidence that he will serve the Board well, and with the best interests of the University in mind,” Pillen said in a press release.

The press release stated Makovicka received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he played football for the Huskers and was part of three national championship teams. His professional football career continued with the Arizona Cardinals. Following his retirement from the NFL, Makovicka coached at the University of Virginia.

Makovicka earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University and is president of his own practice, Makovicka Physical Therapy, which has locations in Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas.