The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is making Jennifer Mize Nelson ’s vice chancellor for research and innovation role permanent, pending approval by the board of regents.
Her appointment brings continuity to the role, for which Mark Riley, associate dean for research and a professor in the College of Engineering, was also being considered.
Nelson, who has held the position on an interim basis since November 2024, has moved quickly to elevate the university’s research profile over the past year and a half.
She ran the first-ever Research and Innovation Convening, which drew more than 200 faculty, and established the Research and Innovation Showcase to connect academics with regional industry and government partners.
The Office of Research and Innovation has also restructured its internal funding model to strengthen faculty competitiveness for external grants.
Chancellor Katherine Ankerson cited Nelson’s “clear vision and strong execution skills to lead strategy and manage complex research operations effectively” in her decision to appoint her permanently.
“I am continually inspired by, and proud of, the talented University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty, staff and students whose passion, ideas, energy and collaborative spirit drive the research, scholarship and creative endeavours that have brought us to this point and will propel us even further.”
Jennifer Mize Nelson
Nelson has been with the university since 2009. She was previously the research integrity officer from August 2023 to November 2024, and the assistant vice chancellor for research from March 2021 to October 2024.
She has also been a research associate professor in the Department of Psychology since July 2018.
Her appointment caps a broader leadership overhaul of the university’s research commercialisation infrastructure. Cheryl Horst became the permanent executive director of NUtech Ventures in December last year, and Zane Gernhart returned two months ago to lead the Office of Industry Relations.
