University of Nebraska Omaha Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to academic excellence and community engagement, University of Nebraska Omaha fosters student success through innovative research, media production, and professional development within the vibrant Omaha region.

Leadership Roles at University of Nebraska Omaha

  • Chief Financial Officer - Milton Trabal
  • President - Sandra Squires
  • President, Nu System - Ted Carter
  • 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 all fiscal operations and budgetary allocations for the School of Communication. Trabal directs the distribution of resources to support the Emerging Media Lab and the Speech Center, ensuring financial sustainability for academic programs. By analyzing revenue streams from undergraduate and graduate tuition, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes funding for student-centered instruction and faculty research initiatives. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media to align spending with long-term educational goals. Milton Trabal maintains rigorous oversight of departmental accounts, facilitating the growth of practical outlets like MavRadio. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to maintain high-quality media facilities. Ultimately, Trabal strengthens the economic foundation of the institution, allowing the school to provide superior training for future communication professionals.

    Sandra Squires - President

    Sandra Squires, the President at University of Nebraska Omaha, guides the overarching academic mission and strategic vision for the university. Squires oversees the integration of research, creative activity, and community service across all departments, including the School of Communication. By championing student-centered instruction, the President ensures that curricula remain relevant to the evolving mass media landscape. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities that elevate the university's reputation within the Midwest and beyond. Sandra Squires facilitates partnerships between academic units and local media outlets, creating pathways for students to gain professional experience. Through consistent advocacy for faculty development and student success, the President drives the university toward higher standards of excellence. Squires maintains a focus on ethical citizenship, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required for modern media careers. Ultimately, the President shapes the institutional culture, fostering an environment where innovation and academic rigor thrive.

    Ted Carter - President, Nu System

    Ted Carter, the President, Nu System at University of Nebraska Omaha, directs the strategic alignment of the entire university network. Carter oversees the coordination of resources across multiple campuses, ensuring that the School of Communication benefits from system-wide initiatives and shared infrastructure. By managing large-scale administrative operations, the President, Nu System supports the growth of specialized programs in Journalism and Media Communication. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Governors to implement policies that enhance the university's competitive position in the national education market. Ted Carter drives efforts to expand research capabilities and technological integration, such as the development of advanced media labs. Through effective system management, the President, Nu System ensures that individual academic units receive the support needed to excel. Ultimately, Carter optimizes the operational scale of the university, creating a cohesive environment that empowers students to achieve professional success.

    Crystal Rhoades - Board of Governors

    Crystal Rhoades, the Board of Governors at University of Nebraska Omaha, provides essential oversight and policy direction for the institution. Rhoades evaluates the effectiveness of academic programs, including those within the School of Communication, to ensure alignment with public service mandates. By reviewing institutional performance metrics, the Board of Governors holds leadership accountable for achieving strategic goals related to student outcomes and community impact. This leadership role involves approving major budgetary decisions and long-term development plans that shape the future of the university. Crystal Rhoades advocates for policies that promote accessibility and quality in higher education, particularly within the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media. Through rigorous governance, the Board of Governors maintains the integrity of the university's mission. Ultimately, Rhoades ensures that the institution remains responsive to the needs of students and the broader community, fostering a culture of transparency and excellence.

    Chase Petersen - Team Captain

    Chase Petersen, the Team Captain at University of Nebraska Omaha, leads student-focused initiatives and collaborative projects within the School of Communication. Petersen coordinates the efforts of student teams working on CommUNO and other media production outlets, ensuring that practical experiences meet professional standards. By fostering a culture of teamwork and creative problem-solving, the Team Captain drives the successful execution of student-led journalism and media campaigns. This leadership role involves mentoring peers and facilitating communication between student groups and faculty advisors. Chase Petersen organizes operational workflows for the Emerging Media Lab, ensuring that all participants have access to necessary tools and resources. Through active engagement in student-produced media, the Team Captain enhances the visibility of the school's academic programs. Ultimately, Petersen supports the development of ethical communication skills, preparing students for the demands of the modern media industry through hands-on leadership and collaborative practice.

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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 Ted Carter (President, Nu System).
    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), Ted Carter (President, Nu System) 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, President, Nu System, Board of Governors, Team Captain.