LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Joel Makovicka of Omaha to fill the District 4 vacancy on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Makovicka will serve through Jan. 7, 2027. The seat will be on the ballot later this year.

“I appreciate Joel’s willingness to step into this role, and I have great confidence that he will serve the board well and with the best interests of the university in mind,” Pillen said in a statement.

Makovicka earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he played football for the Cornhuskers and was part of three national championship teams. He later played professionally for the Arizona Cardinals.

After retiring from the NFL, Makovicka coached at the University of Virginia.

He earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Creighton University and currently serves as president of Makovicka Physical Therapy, which has locations in Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding communities.