NEBRASKA EAS DEPARTMENT CLOSURE
programs in EAS for talent, collaboration, and research capacity. The proposed closure would significantly dimin- ish NGS’s ability to fulfill its statutory responsibilities and provide the scientific support upon which Nebraska’s communities rely.
Eliminating EAS would also impose substantial costs to the Research I status of the University of Nebraska– Lincoln (UNL). The department contributes meaningfully to federal research funding competitiveness and interdis- ciplinary collaboration with engineering, agriculture, and natural resources. The scientific discoveries emerging from geoscience—such as stable isotope geochemistry, sedimentological analysis, and hydroclimate modeling— feed directly into advancements in agriculture, water management, environmental remediation, and mineral exploration. Removing this engine of innovation would reduce UNL’s research productivity and weaken its national standing.
AIPG acknowledges the serious financial pres- sures facing higher education institutions nationwide. However, eliminating a core scientific discipline central to Nebraska’s identity, economy, and long-term resilience is not a fiscally prudent solution. The short-term budget relief would be eclipsed by long-term economic losses, diminished research capacity, increased dependence on external consultants, and erosion of Nebraska’s ability to meet its statutory and practical responsibilities in managing water, soil, climate, and natural resources. A more forward- looking approach would be to modernize and strategically strengthen the EAS program—aligning it with the state’s
most critical challenges and leveraging opportunities for external funding and partnership growth.
For these reasons, we respectfully and strongly urge
the UNL Board of Regents to reject the proposed closure of the Department of EAS. Preserving and enhancing this program is essential to the university’s land-grant mission, to Nebraska’s workforce and resource security, and to the nation’s scientific and economic competitiveness.
Respectfully, Aaron W. Johnson, Ph.D., CPG, PG (AK)
Submitted On behalf of the AIPG Leadership Team: Sara Pearson, President Shanna Schmitt, Past-President Chuck Drake, President-Elect
Despite AIPG’s formal response and the strong voices of UNL alumni who spoke out against the proposed closure, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents ultimately voted to discontinue the Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. But this outcome reinforces why continued advocacy is essential for our profession. Programs may close, yet our responsibility to champion geoscience education—and the vital public services it supports—remains unchanged. We are grateful to our members and alumni who stepped forward, and we encourage geoscience professionals everywhere to stay engaged, visible, and persistent in supporting the future of our discipline.
24 TPG •
Jan.Feb.Mar 2026
www.aipg.org
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