BIG PASSION

Joanne Li brings big energy and a big vision To UNO as the university’s 16th chancellor

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, has hit the ground running since officially becoming UNO Chancellor on July 1, 2021. From commencements to convocations; from athletic competitions to campus dialogues, Chancellor Li has jumped feet first into her role and championing UNO’s Maverick Spirit. These are just a few highlights from Chancellor Li’s first 100 days as a Maverick.

Chancellor Li celebrates the beginning of a new semester at UNO’s Student Convocation event, which was held at Tal Anderson Field in Maverick Park. More than 1,000 students, faculty, and staff were in attendance.

Dropping the ceremonial puck is a time honored tradition at Maverick hockey games. Chancellor Li joined University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter for the occasion as the Mavs took on Miami University earlier this season.

Chancellor Li joined former Secretary of Defense and UNO Alumnus Chuck Hagel in a visit to UNO’s Chuck Hagel Archives collection.

As one of UNO’s first public events following remote operations, Chancellor Li welcomed UNO employees back at a campus forum this past August.

Having a fun, welcoming campus is important to Chancellor Li. The UNO Child Care Center’s annual Trick r’ Treat parade is just one example of how the campus displays it’s Maverick ‘Spirit.’

In her first commencement, and the first August commencement held at UNO in over a decade, Chancellor Li helped celebrate the class of 2021.

Listening to students and understanding their needs is priority number one for Chancellor Li. “Cup With Jo” – a regular sit-down opportunity for students to share their ideas, concerns, and priorities, as well as ask question – was launched early on as a key campus initiative.