University of Nebraska Omaha

It has been deeply involved in the community, forging partnerships with business, educational, government, arts, & civic organizations. It has long set the standard for accessible higher education in Nebraska & continues to provide a rigorous academic experience to its diverse student body.  In 1908, Omaha University was founded as a private coeducational college by the Omaha Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The original founders expressed a desire for a learning environment “free from ecclesiastical control.” In addition to establishing an institution that provided "rational education and practical education", the intention was that this would be within the reach of anyone wishing to pursue higher education. Accessibility is a commitment that remains an important part of our mission and vision for the future. In 1930, Omaha voters approved the takeover of Omaha University, making it the city's first and only municipal university. Over time, UNO became the state's metropolitan university, and the symbiotic relationship between UNO and the City of Omaha grew stronger.

Also around this time, due to enrollment exceeding capacity, the university moved to 60th and Dodge. It was a  strategically chosen location, and one where the administration and students struggled to align UNO with the city's projected east-west growth trajectory. As a result, the city of Omaha grew around the university, making UNO a true center of the metropolitan area.  In the 1930s, the United Nations adopted adult education and continuing research programs that were forward-thinking and progressive for their time, focusing on accessible, lifelong learning. life and train students to get jobs. To this day, UNO prides itself on preparing students for careers and bridging the gap between student and professional life.

Throughout its growth, UNO has been deeply involved in the community, building strong relationships with business, education, government, the arts, and civic organizations. These relationships are deepening. In fact, for seven consecutive years since the inception of the national award, UNO has remained on the President's Honor Roll for Higher Education Community Service, the highest federal recognition that schools can reach for their civic engagement. Construction on UNO's new 60,000-square-foot Center for Community Engagement began in 2012, which will support and enable further expansion of university-community partnerships.

Thanks in part to this rich and complex history, the Mavericks know today that they are  part of a university committed to diversity and inclusion. The opportunity to create the next chapter continues as the responds to the changing needs of the metropolitan area, the state, the region, and the world.