LINCOLN- Following a national search for a new chancellor to replace Ronnie Green, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced that it has selected Rodney Bennett as the priority candidate. Bennett most recently served for nearly a decade as president of the University of Southern Mississippi, a public research institution that enrolls 14,000 students across multiple campuses.

Bennett, while serving there, brought Souther Miss into the top tier of research institutions, delivered improved student outcomes, and invested in faculty and high-growth academic programs. These qualities, according to NU President Ted Carter, made Bennett the top pick for the Lincoln-based University's next chancellor. "We launched this search with a goal of finding the right leader who could articulate an ambitious vision for Nebraska's flagship university," said Carter, "Dr. Rodney Bennett is that leader."

Carter thanked the search committee, which was chaired by Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, for its diligent work in finding candidates for the role. Bennett, while serving as president of Southern Miss from 2013 to 2022, led the university from a Carnegie R2 to an R1 university, signaling its growth in research prestige and funding. As per state law, Bennett's candidacy will now undergo a 30-day vetting period, which will include a series of public sessions during which members of the university community can meet Bennett and ask questions.

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