Dear Mavericks,
I am writing to share the news that Dr. Sacha Kopp will be stepping down from his role as Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs effective June 17 to pursue other positions in academic leadership.
Sacha has been an advocate for our students, faculty, and staff in his time as Senior Vice Chancellor and provided a steady hand as the campus navigated through difficult circumstances – whether it be COVID, economic challenges, or world events that have impacted our Maverick family.
To help guide us through this transition, Dr. Deborah Smith-Howell has agreed to serve as Senior Vice Chancellor in an interim capacity effective June 17 pending approval by President Carter and the Board of Regents. Dr. Smith-Howell brings with her 17 years of experience within the Office of Academic Affairs, most recently as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies. Her institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and strategic vision will be invaluable to the UNO community in this role – as they have been to me – during this time of transition.
We will immediately begin a national search. Updates will be shared with campus throughout the process as they are available and a more complete update about the search will be forthcoming. Once the position is filled, Dr. Smith-Howell will resume her duties as senior advisor to the Chancellor.
The coming weeks are going to be important for your success as we continue towards Finals Week and Commencement. I encourage you to keep up your great work and finish the semester strong.
Sincerely,
Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA
Chancellor
