'UNO has arrived': Chancellor Joanne Li talks goals for the university, school hosts investiture
"The last two years actually put higher-ed to a test to understand you cannot do things the same way," Joanne Li says
"The last two years actually put higher-ed to a test to understand you cannot do things the same way," Joanne Li says
"The last two years actually put higher-ed to a test to understand you cannot do things the same way," Joanne Li says
The University of Nebraska Omaha staff came together for Chancellor Joanne Li's investiture.
"UNO is at the heart of the city and represents the best in metropolitan communication," University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter said.
At the heart of UNO is Li. She is the first woman of color and Asian-American person to hold any executive leadership position in the NU System.
"It's also an opportunity to showcase what UNO has achieved thus far," Li said.
The last two years have brought many challenges.
"The last two years actually put higher-ed to a test to understand you cannot do things the same way," Li said.
She hopes to accomplish several goals through greater financial help for students and workforce development.
"UNO's viewpoint is to develop quality workforce development so that our talent walkout from UNO and will support the state's economic development prosperity," Li said.
UNO teacher Terri Crawford she's already seen some of the decisions Li has made.
"There have been positions created so that we are more in line with the strategic initiative, which is to address social justice, class, race and equity," Crawford said.
Students are also noticing her around campus.
"I really like how she's really engaged with our community," Lydia Kirkland said.
Kirkland studies music and is a junior at the university. She said she's had a hard time transitioning back to in-person classes.
"I did the majority of like my piano experience online," Kirkland said.
She wants Li and the school to look into a learning perspective that reaches beyond COVID-19.
"How we can also continue using some of the things we learned from covid into how we are learning still," Kirkland said.
Li agrees school can be challenging.
"The road to the finish line is full of hurdles," Li said.
She has a message for the community:
"UNO has arrived," Li said. "It's just a matter of people ready to receive us or not."
The last chancellor of the University of Nebraska Omaha was Jeffrey Gold.