University of Nebraska Omaha Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

University of Nebraska Omaha has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, governance, system oversight, athletic leadership, and academic administration.

Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, University of Nebraska Omaha fosters innovation through rigorous research and diverse educational programs designed to empower students for global success.

Leadership Roles at University of Nebraska Omaha

  • Chief Financial Officer - Milton Trabal
  • President, Nu System - Ted Carter
  • President - Sandra Squires
  • Board of Governors - Crystal Rhoades
  • Team Captain - Chase Petersen
  • Milton Trabal - Chief Financial Officer

    Milton Trabal, the Chief Financial Officer at University of Nebraska Omaha, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains robust funding for research initiatives and undergraduate programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to optimize resource distribution across the Omaha campus. By implementing rigorous auditing standards, Milton Trabal secures the financial stability necessary for institutional growth. Trabal directs the allocation of capital toward infrastructure improvements and faculty development, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of the university. Through careful oversight of endowment funds and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality education. This strategic financial management enables the institution to expand academic offerings while maintaining fiscal responsibility within the competitive landscape of public research universities.

    Ted Carter - President, Nu System

    Ted Carter, the President, Nu System at University of Nebraska Omaha, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire university network. Overseeing system-wide academic initiatives, the President, Nu System ensures that individual campuses maintain high standards of research and teaching excellence. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional stakeholders to expand the university's impact across the state. By fostering collaboration between various departments, Ted Carter drives innovation in masters and doctoral programs. Carter directs the implementation of system-wide policies that enhance student outcomes and faculty productivity. Through consistent engagement with the Board of Governors, the President, Nu System aligns institutional priorities with the evolving demands of the modern workforce. This executive role remains vital for maintaining the university's competitive edge in the public research sector, ensuring that the institution continues to provide accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student population.

    Sandra Squires - President

    Sandra Squires, the President at University of Nebraska Omaha, directs the daily operations and academic mission of the university. Overseeing faculty recruitment and curriculum development, the President ensures that the institution provides high-quality undergraduate and graduate education. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Governors to implement strategic initiatives that advance the university's research capabilities. By fostering an inclusive campus environment, Sandra Squires drives student success and retention across all academic programs. Squires directs the expansion of doctoral and masters offerings to meet the needs of the regional economy. Through active engagement with community leaders, the President strengthens the university's partnerships and public impact. This executive role remains central to maintaining the university's status as a leading public research institution, ensuring that all academic and administrative functions align with the core mission of excellence in education.

    Crystal Rhoades - Board of Governors

    Crystal Rhoades, the Board of Governors at University of Nebraska Omaha, provides essential oversight and policy direction for the public research institution. Managing institutional governance, the Board of Governors establishes the strategic framework that guides academic and administrative operations. This leadership role involves evaluating university performance metrics and ensuring compliance with state educational standards. By facilitating communication between the university administration and the public, Crystal Rhoades promotes transparency and accountability. Rhoades directs policy initiatives that shape the future of doctoral programs and general education requirements. Through active participation in board meetings, the Board of Governors influences the long-term vision of the university, ensuring that institutional goals remain aligned with the needs of the Omaha community. This governance role remains critical for maintaining the university's reputation as a premier center for research and learning within the region.

    Chase Petersen - Team Captain

    Chase Petersen, the Team Captain at University of Nebraska Omaha, leads athletic operations and fosters a culture of excellence within the university's sports programs. Overseeing team development and performance standards, the Team Captain ensures that student-athletes maintain academic integrity while competing at the highest levels. This leadership role involves coordinating with coaching staff to optimize training regimens and recruitment strategies. By promoting teamwork and discipline, Chase Petersen drives the success of athletic initiatives that enhance the university's profile. Petersen directs efforts to increase community engagement through sports, connecting the university with fans across the region. Through consistent mentorship of student-athletes, the Team Captain supports the university's mission of holistic development. This role remains essential for building a vibrant campus environment, where athletic achievements complement the academic rigor of the institution's undergraduate and graduate programs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding University of Nebraska Omaha Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads University of Nebraska Omaha?
    University of Nebraska Omaha is led by Milton Trabal (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ted Carter (President, Nu System) and Sandra Squires (President).
    Who is part of University of Nebraska Omaha’s executive team?
    The executive team of University of Nebraska Omaha includes leaders such as Milton Trabal (Chief Financial Officer), Ted Carter (President, Nu System), Sandra Squires (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does University of Nebraska Omaha have?
    University of Nebraska Omaha has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in University of Nebraska Omaha’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of University of Nebraska Omaha includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Nu System, President, Board of Governors, Team Captain.