LINCOLN, Neb. — After a week of turmoil, the future leadership of the University of Nebraska is becoming clear.

The Nebraska Board of Regents voted unanimously Wednesday morning to appoint Dr. Jeff Gold as the priority candidate for NU President.

“I guess the two words that I would describe my emotions with are humbled and excited.”

That’s how Dr. Jeff Gold opened his remarks the day he was announced as priority candidate for University of Nebraska president. An east coast cardiac surgeon by upbringing and trade, Gold now considers his move to the heartland as his best life decision… next to proposing to his wife.

“There has been no question that my coming to Nebraska to become part of this great family of this great university was the second-best decision that I ever made,” Gold said.

His leadership background in the NU system is immense: 10 years as UNMC chancellor, four of which he also spent as UNO chancellor, and three years as executive Vice President and provost of the university system. It was enough to put him atop the regents’ list.

“He was someone who had probably the most dynamic background as far as the fit," Gold said. "Sometimes it comes down to just who has the best fit.”

“I’m impressed with his track record as a proven leader, a strategic thinker and his commitment to one Nebraska. The university is currently at a crossroads. We are currently experiencing incredible challenges but also opportunities,” Regent Elizabeth O'Connor said.

The search to fill the president role drew the spotlight the last week after speculation that athletic director Trev Alberts’ shocking departure was motivated by the vacant president’s post. Gov. Jim Pillen issued a public rebuke of the regents and urged them to move quickly.

By that point, board chair Rob Schafer says the regents already had meetings scheduled with finalists. Did the added pressure speed up the process?

“No, we had our process in place," Schafer said. "No.”

Pillen issued a statement on the selection on Wednesday. He spent most of it praising interim president Chris Kabourek, but did congratulate Gold and call him a visionary, patient-focused leader. 

Gold says he talked with the governor and their visions are highly aligned.

“We talked about the fact that we need to build the future workforce of our state and in so doing, build the quality of life for all Nebraskans,” Gold said.

As priority candidate, Gold will tour the state and participate in public forums. After 30 days, the regents will vote on his official appointment. He says he hopes to earn the job and stay in the position as long as he can.

“I am confident that the University of Nebraska system is rock-solid and incredibly well-prepared for the headwinds that might be ahead,” Gold said.