Katherine Ankerson named interim chancellor at UNL, effective Feb. 6, 2026, following Rodney Bennett’s resignation after a no-confidence vote.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has named Katherine Ankerson interim chancellor effective February 6, 2026, following Rodney Bennett’s resignation in January after a faculty vote of no confidence linked to budget cuts and program eliminations. Ankerson, previously executive vice chancellor and a leader in the College of Architecture, was appointed by the Board of Regents and praised by NU President Jeffrey Gold for her collaborative leadership. She began her role by addressing campus stakeholders, signaling a focus on stability and progress during a period of transition.