Education
B.S. Biology/Geology (Double-Major) UNO '97', M.A. Biology UNO '01', Ph.D. Geography UNL '10', Minor Native American Studies.
Current Public Office, dates
Papio-Missouri River NRD, District #3. 2008-2012. 2016 to 2024. Current Vice Chair, past Treasurer (bonded and insured).
Past Public Office, dates held
Environmental Quality Council, Minority Populations Representative. 2005-2009.
Military experience
U.S. Army 1982-1986. Honorable Discharge.
Volunteer experience
Democratic Party. Local Veterans Post Commander 8 years. Ancient Order of Hibernians, Past President. YMCA Youth Coach.
There is a war on education. There is a war on higher education. There is a war on science. As a longtime adjunct professor at UNO, with four degrees in science, four term elected official, and veteran of the U.S. Army, I am by far the most qualified candidate for Regent District 4. It is very integral for a Regent to listen to administration, faculty senate and faculty union representatives about the stability and welfare of each university campus. The role of a Regent is to ensure national politics do not influence decisions on state campuses. Do not allow cuts to U.S. Dept. of Education, Dept. Labor and Statistics and the EPA, to lead to cuts to UNL Dept. of Education Administration, Dept. of Statistics, and Atmospheric Sciences.
I am Pro Academic Freedom. I am Pro Arts. I am Pro Science. I have learned as a four-time elected official on the Papio-Missouri NRD Board, that representatives need to listen and trust what is being presented by staff who are involved in everyday operations of the governmental body in question. A Regent should not try to micromanage. The University of Nebraska should be maintaining exciting and innovating research that attracts world renown academicians, not cut funding to programs because they are viewed as "DEI" or "woke." A Regent should not be afraid to personally testify at state capitol committee hearings on legislative bills or budget proposals that are counterproductive to national rankings for excellence.
My daughter was a two-time All American in women's rugby at the University of Nebraska. My son was a LHP on the only JUCO in Nebraska to ever make it to the NJCAA College World Series. As a parent of former college athletes, I understand the sacrifice the students and their entire families make. My experience and wisdom may make me uniquely qualified to mediate and/or seek compromise for what is ultimately being demanded by the public to draft new regulations for NIL. I do know this can only be done with additional advice of the university's legal counsel. At the same time, I would like to see equal intensity by the Regent Board to defend any cuts to academic programing, DEI, fine arts, journalism, libraries and scientific research.
Education
Ph.D.
Current Public Office, dates
None
Past Public Office, dates held
None
Military experience
None
Volunteer experience
None
X and/or Bluesky Handle
@RogersforRegent
The Board of Regents are the official trustees of the University of Nebraska and have the fiduciary responsibility to oversee the NU system and make sure that, as a state asset, it maximally benefits the Sate of Nebraska.
I would make sure that NU hews to its mission of undergraduate education, graduate education and research, and public service. These are determined by Nebraska statute.
As a Regent, my priority is ensuring that NIL activities remain fair to student-athletes but also keeping a close eye out for any financial or legal liabilities for the university. The landscape is changing rapidly as NIL is becoming established-- as regent I will keep close watch and always look out for the interests of NU and its students.
Education
Bachelors of English, Masters in Business Administration, Bachelors of Nursing
Volunteer experience
CASA, past board member and chair of Child Saving Institute, past board member of Nebraska Families Collaborative
The Board of Regents safeguards the long-term health and stability of the University of Nebraska system. It must provide strong oversight, clear strategic direction, and accountability while empowering university leaders and faculty to carry out the academic mission. Regents should focus on long-term priorities that strengthen the system, expand opportunity for students, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Effective leadership also requires collaboration. The Board should work constructively with the president, chancellors, faculty, and community partners to keep the university opening doors for the next generation of Nebraskans and strengthening communities across the state.
Financial stability should not weaken the academic mission or rely solely on higher costs for students. Strategies must strengthen its revenue base and financial discipline while helping students graduate with the skills they need without excessive debt. That includes expanding high-demand degree programs, certifications and continuing education courses; improving retention rates; and strengthening partnerships with industry in research and education. At the same time, expenses must be reviewed to ensure public and student dollars are used wisely.
As someone who worked her way through college and supported students on campus, I believe higher education plays a vital role in improving lives but cost cannot become a barrier to opportunity.
Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities are a complex and important development in college athletics and provide student-athletes with the ability to benefit from their hard work and talent. At the same time, the Board of Regents has a responsibility to ensure NIL activities operate transparently to taxpayers and also in ways that protect the long-term academic and financial health of the university system.
Our focus should be on clear guardrails that prioritize student success in the classroom, maintain compliance with NCAA and state regulations, and ensure that athletics continues to support the broader educational mission of the University of Nebraska.
Education
Paul VI High School. / Unit Supply School U. S. Army
Current Public Office, dates
N/A
Past Public Office, dates held
N/A
Military experience
US Army 1983 to 1986
Volunteer experience
Teens Encounter Christ. Our Lady of Lourdes
X and/or Bluesky Handle
Michael J Skocz for NU Board
I feel the Board of Regents plays a vital role in the path of the Universities and must provide guidance and support to benefit the growth of the Universities academically. I believe that the Faculty should play a major part for the very important role they provide and the Board of Regents should always be mindful just how valuable they are. I also believe that getting back on track to join the AAU is so very important.
Most of my 14 years of service in the NU system has been in some sort of role as an Office Associate. Thus I feel that I have a very unique view that are not available to most people. I believe once elected I would be the first ever Office Associate to have this honor. I have several ideas that would promote the idea of searching for other ways to trim instead of raising costs. Thus that would mean more funds for important areas such as academics, research and to serve our Special Needs Students, Faculty and Staff.
The NIL has been both a good/bad thing. Good because Student Athletes should always have been compensated. Bad sadly a diploma from a Major University just doesn't mean what it use to anymore. But I always believed that one of the major shortfalls of the NIL is that there are no real restrictions. I feel for those lower Division I Schools that can barely raise any NIL money why should they be penalized. Why is it not equal amounts. Why is the Athlete not punished for entering the portal. If an Athlete jumps in the portal you lose one year of eligibility. If you are making a certain amount in the NIL you should pay for your education. Those funds could then be used for programs in need of assistance, our Special Needs Students and Research.
Education
B.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln; M.B.A, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Volunteer experience
CASA for Douglas County Board Member, Treasurer; Aksarben Foundation Floor Committee Member, Dundee Elementary PTO Board Treasurer; Nebraska Cures Treasurer (past)
The Board should act as a board of directors that works alongside NU leadership to set the vision for the university and public metrics for success. However, effective governance requires Regents to be active and visible on campuses. I believe in being hands-on and seeking direct feedback from faculty, staff, and students to ensure the Board remains informed, our stated objectives are being carried out, and priorities stay aligned with the needs of the community. This type of active engagement creates necessary buy-in and ensures the elected board members and NU leadership are on the same page regarding resource deployment. Leading in this manner the Board can produce the outcomes that District 4 and the state of Nebraska deserve.
To ensure financial stability without burdening students, the Board must prioritize instruction within the NU budget. My approach focuses on finding operational efficiencies and ensuring that every dollar spent is aligned with our top goals: affordability, accessibility, and competitive wages for our employees. We must work arm-in-arm with school districts, community colleges, lawmakers, and employers to ensure our programs are effective for students and instill the specific skillsets students need for the workforce after graduation. By setting clear strategic priorities and utilizing data-driven scoreboards, we can maintain a world-class institution that lifts our communities economically without shifting undue costs to Nebraska families.
College sports are changing quickly and we need to embrace student-athlete empowerment. I don’t want to place arbitrary limits on a student’s ability to earn a living. That’s not fair to them and it makes Nebraska uncompetitive in a national market. The Regents must ensure the students-athletes have the tools to enter contracts without being taken advantage of and that those agreements do not conflict with other university sponsorships.Congress and the NCAA must act and pass common-sense regulations so every school is playing by the same rules. Until then our job as Regents is to support our athletes and keep them competitive while making sure we never lose sight of our primary mission: providing a world-class education.
