Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman's resume may not match some of the accomplishments and educational background regents are seeking for the next president of the University of Nebraska system.
Last month the governor confirmed he would be applying to replace J.B. Milliken, who has left to become chancellor of the City University of New York. Heineman must leave office in January because of term limits.
University preference will be given to candidates who could qualify for appointment as a tenured professor, including a doctorate, have teaching experience and a personal record of research and scholarship, said Board of Regents chairman Howard Hawks.
He said in announcing the profile on Monday that the ideal candidate "will have a deep understanding of and experience in higher education and proven success in leading a major organization."
The governor has 10 years on the job in Lincoln, has been involved in budget and other issues facing the university system and holds a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
The hiring profile was in the works before the governor announced that he would seek the president's job, Hawks said. The 42-page profile was developed by the university with assistance from the search firm Isaacson, Miller.
Heineman's spokeswoman said Tuesday that he would make no comment on the hiring profile.
While the governor's resume doesn't include the academic experience that's preferred, his background as governor has given the regents opportunities to judge him on several of the administrative and executive points in the profile. Those points include leadership, a record of managing human, fiscal and capital resources; and accomplishment in a complex environment and ability to implement change.
In announcing his candidacy on May 28, the governor said he would work to overcome any shortcomings in academia by developing relationships with faculty members.
"My challenge is to get to know the faculty, earn their respect, and show them that we have a shared commitment to education," Heineman said.
The university president is the chief executive officer of the university and is responsible for implementing the Board of Regents' policies regarding the system's four main campuses.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
