University of Nebraska Omaha Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

University of Nebraska Omaha has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, strategy, governance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, University of Nebraska Omaha offers comprehensive undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, fostering research and innovation within the public higher education landscape.

Leadership Roles at University of Nebraska Omaha

  • Chief Financial Officer - Milton Trabal
  • President - Sandra Squires
  • President - Thomas Anthone
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Bret Blackman
  • 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, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the institution. Trabal oversees budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and resource allocation, ensuring the university's financial health and sustainability. This role involves managing investments, analyzing financial performance, and developing strategies to optimize revenue streams and control expenditures. Trabal's leadership ensures compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements, supporting the university's mission of providing accessible and high-quality education. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, securing funding for institutional initiatives, and driving financial efficiency across all departments. Milton Trabal's expertise is critical in navigating the complex financial landscape of higher education, enabling strategic growth and operational excellence.

    Sandra Squires - President

    Sandra Squires, the President at University of Nebraska Omaha, provides strategic leadership and vision for the entire institution. Squires directs university-wide initiatives, sets institutional priorities, and champions the university's mission and values. This executive role involves overseeing all academic and administrative functions, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring the university's continued growth and development. The President engages with external stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and alumni, to advance the university's interests and impact. Sandra Squires's leadership guides the institution's long-term planning, resource development, and commitment to serving the educational needs of the region and beyond. This position is fundamental to maintaining the university's reputation and achieving its strategic objectives in higher education.

    Thomas Anthone - President

    Thomas Anthone, the President at University of Nebraska Omaha, drives the strategic direction and operational execution of the university. Anthone leads all academic programs, research endeavors, and administrative departments, ensuring alignment with the institution's core mission. This executive function involves fostering an environment conducive to learning and discovery, managing institutional resources effectively, and promoting the university's standing within the academic community. The President is responsible for cultivating relationships with key constituents, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners, to support university objectives. Thomas Anthone's leadership is instrumental in advancing the university's commitment to innovation, student success, and community engagement, thereby enhancing its overall impact and reach.

    Bret Blackman - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Bret Blackman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at University of Nebraska Omaha, architects and executes the institution's technology strategy. Blackman oversees all aspects of information technology infrastructure, including network operations, cybersecurity, data management, and enterprise systems. This leadership position involves driving digital transformation initiatives, enhancing technological capabilities to support academic and research endeavors, and ensuring the security and integrity of university data. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer also manages the IT department's budget, directs technology planning, and fosters innovation in IT services. Bret Blackman's role is pivotal in providing robust and reliable technology solutions that empower students, faculty, and staff, directly contributing to the university's operational efficiency and its capacity for cutting-edge research and learning.
    Bret Blackman

    Crystal Rhoades - Board of Governors

    Crystal Rhoades, the Board of Governors at University of Nebraska Omaha, provides high-level governance and strategic oversight for the institution. Rhoades contributes to the formulation of institutional policies, approves major strategic decisions, and ensures the university operates in alignment with its mission and legal requirements. This role involves reviewing financial performance, evaluating executive leadership, and safeguarding the university's assets and reputation. The Board of Governors plays a critical part in setting the long-term direction of the university, advocating for its needs, and ensuring accountability to students, faculty, staff, and the public. Crystal Rhoades's involvement is essential for maintaining institutional integrity and fostering sustainable growth within the higher education sector.

    Chase Petersen - Team Captain

    Chase Petersen, the Team Captain at University of Nebraska Omaha, leads and motivates a specific team within the university's operational structure. Petersen is responsible for coordinating team activities, ensuring effective collaboration among members, and driving the achievement of team-specific goals. This role involves fostering a positive team dynamic, communicating objectives clearly, and providing guidance to team members. The Team Captain serves as a point of contact for team matters, representing the team's interests and facilitating communication with other departments or leadership. Chase Petersen's leadership contributes to the overall efficiency and success of the team's functions, supporting the broader objectives of the University of Nebraska Omaha through dedicated performance and coordinated effort.

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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 Sandra Squires (President) and Thomas Anthone (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), Sandra Squires (President), Thomas Anthone (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does University of Nebraska Omaha have?
    University of Nebraska Omaha has 6 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, President, Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Board of Governors.