The University of Nebraska System today announced a strategic initiative to unify and modernize digital collaboration across its campuses in Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and the Office of the President. Over the next 18 months, Information Technology Services, in partnership with Microsoft, will implement a single, integrated Microsoft 365 environment for these institutions. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is not included in the scope of this initial phase.
This transformative project will involve the migration of 166,000 active accounts and over four petabytes of data, aiming to streamline technology usage, enhance collaboration capabilities, and position the University at the forefront of education and research through the adoption of advanced digital tools.
“This initiative transcends technology; it’s about fostering a more interconnected and future-oriented University of Nebraska,” stated Bret Blackman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the NU System. “By unifying Microsoft 365, we are breaking down collaboration silos, boosting productivity, and better equipping our campuses to harness cutting-edge technologies, including AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot.”
The unified platform will enable seamless communication and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students across the participating campuses. It will also provide enhanced secure storage solutions for research activities and contribute to a stronger cybersecurity posture through simplified and consistent authentication protocols. Users will benefit from a single sign-in experience for all Microsoft services while retaining their distinct campus-specific email identities (@unl, @unomaha, @unk).
This strategic undertaking aligns directly with the University’s overarching vision to advance “Extraordinary Stewardship and Effectiveness,” a key foundational pillar identified by University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
“This effort underscores our commitment to the responsible management of resources and the promotion of innovative collaboration,” said President Gold. “It will ensure that our University is well-prepared to lead in the evolving landscape of teaching, research, and engagement.”
