NU Regents to consider naming UNK rural health education complex after Chancellor Kristensen
The groundbreaking rural health education complex currently under construction at the University of Nebraska-Kearney may soon be named after the man who pushed for its creation.
By News Channel Nebraska
KEARNEY, Neb. — The groundbreaking rural health education complex currently under construction at the University of Nebraska-Kearney may soon be named after the man who pushed for its creation.
If approved by the Nebraska Board of Regents at its meeting on Friday, the complex will be named the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex. Kristensen has served as UNK chancellor since 2002. He is credited with providing some of the vision for the first-of-its-kind project. He also helped secure $60 million in construction funds and $25 million in aid for operating costs from the state government.
The agenda item states: “Chancellor Kristensen has been an ardent champion for Greater Nebraska – especially the health sciences workforce needed to keep communities across our state vibrant.”
University of Nebraska President Ted Carter and UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold recommended the complex be named for Kristensen following the wishes of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, which is the lead donor to the project.
The complex includes the existing building and the new rural health education building, which is slated to be occupied in early 2026. The building will allow UNMC to train physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals on the UNK campus.
The Board of Regents will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Friday in Lincoln.