LINCOLN, Neb. — The new rural health education complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will be named for the school’s current chancellor.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to approve a resolution naming the complex the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex. The agenda item says the honor is in recognition of his role as an ardent champion for greater Nebraska.

The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation is the primary donor for the project and requested the complex be named for Kristensen.

“The Scott family is pleased to help recognize Doug Kristensen’s steadfast leadership and monumental contributions to UNK as well as his dedication to addressing important issues impacting Nebraska,” said John Scott, vice president of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation. “Doug Kristensen has dedicated his career to serving Nebraska citizens, and we believe the state is infinitely better due to his leadership.”

Kristensen has served as UNK’s chancellor since 2002.

“Thank you to the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation for their lead philanthropic investment in the Rural Health Education Complex and for the opportunity to recognize Doug Kristensen,” said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare of Lincoln. “He is a great Nebraska public servant who has spent his entire professional life advocating for strong rural communities and new opportunities for young people. His leadership will benefit students, our workforce and Nebraska’s quality of life for generations to come. As I have heard Chancellor Kristensen say many times, the Rural Health Education Complex will be a game-changer for Nebraska. It is only fitting that we name this remarkable facility for its most passionate champion, as was so thoughtfully requested by the William and Ruth Scott family.”

The new complex is under construction and is scheduled to open in 2026. The $95 million facility will allow UNMC to train physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals on the UNK campus.