Nebraska's Land-Grant University

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska (UNL) is one of more than 100 land-grant institutions in the United States and its territories. While UNL is the original campus, the land-grant mission extends to all four campuses of the NU system. UNL has 10 colleges to serve those pursuing higher education. Click on any of these colleges to learn more.

Learn more about the structure of UNL through the organizational chart here

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR)

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (IANR) was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1973 through the enactment of LB149. For roughly a decade, state leaders, University officials, and agricultural interest groups worked to address the concern that agriculture was not given proper financial support or administrative access and voice at the table. IANR is composed of the following entities and modalities:

  1. Teaching through CASNR and CEHS
  2. Research through the Agricultural Research Division (ARD)
  3. Education through statewide extension education through Nebraska Extension

Nebraska Extension and ARD also collaborate with and support education and research from departments within CEHS to include: Child, Youth and Family Studies, Nutrition and Health Sciences, and Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design.

To learn more about the organizational structure within IANR, click here

N | 2025

“Every Person and Every Interaction Matters” 

UNL’s success as a land-grant university is based on our respect for innovation and vision for what students, communities, and employers will need in the future. In 2019, UNL celebrated 150 years and presented the vision for our next 25 years through the N150 Commission Report. The future and work we do in Extension are clearly represented in the Aims of the N|2025 Strategic Plan, presented below. 

You are encouraged to review the N|2025 Strategic Plan in its entirety here. 

The following provides a clear, yet simple visual of the N2025 Strategic Plan: 

Vision, Mission, and Core Values

While Nebraska Extension is “housed” under IANR and important strategic decisions are made here, we share the overall vision, mission, and core values of UNL. 

UNL Vision

Our vision, as a land-grant, comprehensive university, is to place the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the forefront of public higher education- to excel at all of our missions of teaching, research, and engagement. In doing so, we will attain national and international fame, while always serving the needs of all Nebraskans. 

UNL Mission

The products of the fulfillment of our mission are young adults prepared to lead successful lives, innovation that expands our horizons and our economy, creative activity that improves the quality of our lives, and a close connection to the needs and aspirations of Nebraska. 

UNL Core Values

  • Learning that prepares students for lifetime success and leadership.
  • Excellence pursued without compromise. 
  • Achievement supported by a climate that celebrates each person’s success.
  • Diversity of ideas and people.
  • Engagement with academic, business, and civic communities throughout Nebraska and the world. 
  • Research and creative activity that inform teaching, foster discovery, and contribute to economic prosperity and our quality of life.
  • Stewardship of the human, financial, and physical resources committed to our care. 

Extension Onboarding & Resource Guide