One of the great things about being a Regent is the opportunity to meet so many different Nebraskans.

It’s a new and somewhat strange experience to be recognized publicly, to have people I’ve never personally met approach me at the supermarket or in the parking lot to talk ideas and opinions. I love that people are comfortable sharing their thoughts with me, it means people trust me to listen, to be open, and that’s exactly what I’m about.

As a member of the Search Advisory Committee I have had the chance to meet a variety of people including farmers and ranchers.

One of the committee members who ranches in Cherry County and serves as a Cherry County Commissioner has great stories to tell. Those stories help illustrate the nuances of rural life I’m not very familiar with. The speaker of the Unicameral sat next to me at one of our meetings and offered all kinds of insight into the potential impact different candidates might have on that particular work. Between the different committee members, there is a wealth of knowledge on a whole range of topics that are critical to understanding the full picture of what it means to be a President of the University of Nebraska.

It was a pleasure to see that the diversity of Nebraska was sat around our very large table.

Sometimes amidst such an interesting group it’s easy to lose sight of the variety of constituencies brought to the table within each one of us. But it’s worth keeping in mind. I have the privilege and the responsibility of speaking from my experience, from the point of view of a faculty member, an alumna, as a fundraiser and as a donor. And last but not least, as a student.

At that table as we talked through the many ins and outs of considerations when it comes to recommending a candidate, people were candid, thoughtful, and respectful of different viewpoints.

This is a challenging experience.

And like anything worth doing, it’s one I am grateful for, one that I use to be a better Regent and a better person.

*Barbara’s thoughts as written by Kate based on weekly (fascinating) conversations.