LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted Friday to eliminate four academic programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, approving part of a $27.5 million budget reduction plan submitted by Chancellor Rodney Bennett.

The vote followed nearly six hours of testimony at Varner Hall, where students, faculty and community members urged the board to preserve the programs, particularly Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Statistics. More than 100 people attended the hearing.

One of the earliest speakers was 9-year-old Alex VanderPlas, who told regents his mother works in the statistics department. He said he hopes to study paleontology at UNL and fears the impact of the cuts on his family.

The Academic Planning Committee previously criticized the budget plan in an Oct. 24 report, calling the cuts an “investment problem,” not a spending issue. Despite the committee’s recommendation, Bennett forwarded the proposal to regents for approval.

Some regents defended the reductions as necessary. Regent Jim Scheer noted that many who opposed the cuts “got to the game late,” referring to legislative budget decisions earlier this year.

The board ultimately voted to eliminate four UNL programs:

• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Statistics
• Educational Administration
• Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design

According to the university, 329 students will be affected and will be assigned transition coordinators to help complete their degrees. The cuts approved Friday total $8.74 million. Another $5.5 million is being reduced through a voluntary separation program, and $13.26 million will be cut at the college level without further board action.

The UNL Faculty Senate issued a symbolic vote of no confidence in Bennett last month as tensions over the budget plan continued.

After the vote, Bennett told regents he stood by the process, acknowledging that each reduction carries “the weight of personal impact” on students, faculty and staff.

News Channel Nebraska's partners at 10/11 Now provided this report.