After more than eight years leading the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Mike Boehm is preparing for his next chapter—as a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology.
Boehm’s return to the faculty marks a homecoming to the role that first launched his decades-long path in leadership—beginning at Monmouth College and The Ohio State University and culminating in Nebraska. During his tenure as vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Nebraska system and Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR, Boehm helped guide considerable progress in research growth, student success, leadership development, and statewide engagement. Under his leadership, IANR research expenditures rose, graduation and retention rates improved, and major initiatives such as Rural Prosperity Nebraska were launched. He also played a key role in recruiting new leadership and overseeing major facility investments across East Campus and beyond.
An ice cream social celebrating Boehm’s service will take place on Thursday, May 22, from 3-5 p.m. at the UNL Dairy Store on East Campus. All are welcome.
Boehm began his Nebraska journey in January 2017. Initially, he was drawn by four things—the people, the place, the partnerships, and the possibilities. Today, he sees those elements as foundational—not only to IANR’s success so far, but to its future trajectory.
“In this state, connections run deep—you’re never far from someone who knows someone who cares,” Boehm said. “It reminds me of a quilt. Each patch is different, but they’re all stitched together.”
That culture of connectedness was reinforced by a phrase the university adopted ahead of the N2025 Strategic Plan: “Every person and every interaction matters.” That simple but powerful idea became a cornerstone for IANR and helped guide decisions across teaching, research, and Extension.
Boehm prioritized building strong teams and fostering collaboration. He set expectations early that IANR would operate as an integrated system.
“The magic happens when people are their best selves, and when they’re part of a team, they’re even better,” Boehm said.
One of the most visible outcomes of this collaborative mindset has been sustained growth in both research and student success. Since 2017, federally sponsored research led by the Agricultural Research Division has nearly doubled and now accounts for nearly half of all sponsored research at UNL—reflecting the power of integrated teams working toward shared goals. At the same time, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has achieved its highest-ever four- and six-year graduation rates and improved student retention by 10%.
“I didn’t lead every project directly,” Boehm said. “But I had the privilege of working alongside incredible faculty colleagues, staff, and leaders—across IANR and beyond—and of supporting efforts that truly made a difference. We did that together.”
He also focused on investing in people. During his tenure, IANR hired 180 new faculty, tenured and/or promoted 260, and onboarded 14 academic unit leaders, eight center directors, and five deans. He championed leadership development, providing coaching to 140 leaders and modernizing administrative review processes.
“I feel incredibly honored to have built on the foundation laid by Ronnie Green,” Boehm said. “He set the stage for so much of what we were able to do. And I’m excited to pass the reins to Tiffany Heng-Moss—someone I trust deeply and who knows IANR inside and out. I’m confident the institute will thrive under her leadership.”
Working alongside Extension leaders, Boehm supported efforts to modernize Nebraska Extension—reorganizing educator positions and implementing an engagement zone model that strengthens local leadership across Nebraska. He also helped launch Rural Prosperity Nebraska to support rural innovation and vitality.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IANR team quickly converted the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center into a lab capable of processing samples from across the university and beyond.
“That was just one of many moments when the team turned on a dime to serve Nebraskans—when our land-grant mission wasn’t just a phrase, but a call to action,” Boehm said.
Facilities also saw transformative progress during Boehm’s tenure. He oversaw the grand openings of several signature projects, including the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center and Massengale Residential Center on East Campus; the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead; and new student housing at both the Panhandle and West Central Research, Extension and Education Centers in Scottsbluff and North Platte. He also championed major renovations to cornerstone facilities such as the Nebraska East Union, the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons, the Morrison Life Sciences Research Center, and the beloved UNL Dairy Store. Construction is currently underway on additional key projects, including the USDA-ARS National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture on Nebraska Innovation Campus; a new N-Farms facility at ENREEC; and a revitalization of Legacy Meadows in the heart of East Campus.
But for Boehm, the most meaningful moments weren’t found in buildings or budget lines. He kept a highlighted map of Nebraska in his office, marking off all 93 counties as he visited each. He spent time with ranchers, farmers, students, and local leaders across the state—often taking back roads and listening.
“The opportunity to sit on someone’s porch, hear their story, and understand the pride they have in their land and their work—that was a gift,” he said. “There’s a unique combination of self-sufficiency and mutual support in Nebraska. It’s the art of neighboring.”
Boehm’s love for teaching and learning never waned. A plant pathologist by training, he holds multiple patents and national recognition for his teaching. Even in his role as vice chancellor, he approached every moment as a teaching opportunity. Now, after 22 years in administrative roles, he is returning to the faculty with enthusiasm.
“I often tell myself: get out while you’re still having a positive impact, and always keep a piece of your professorial life alive,” he said. “That way, when you return to the classroom, the laboratory, or the field, you’re welcome with open arms.”
He is scheduled to teach in the spring and looks forward to continuing his work in new ways—whether through mentoring students, engaging in research, or contributing to national and university-wide efforts focused on agriculture, education, and community prosperity.
“I came here curious, excited about Nebraska, and committed to making a difference,” Boehm said. “I’m leaving this role with that same mindset—and with a deep sense of gratitude. This chapter has been a big one, and I’ll always be thankful for it.”
