Former Nebraska Football Player Appointed to Board of Regents

Gov. Pillen selects Joel Makovicka to fill vacancy on state university governing body

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Governor Jim Pillen has appointed former Nebraska football player Joel Makovicka to the Nebraska Board of Regents. Makovicka, who played as a fullback for the Cornhuskers and won three national championships, will serve on the board through January 2027.

Why it matters

The Nebraska Board of Regents is the governing body for the University of Nebraska system, overseeing the state's public university campuses. Makovicka's appointment brings a former student-athlete's perspective to the board as it makes decisions impacting the university.

The details

Makovicka was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Elizabeth O'Connor. He will serve a term through January 2027, at which point the seat will be up for election. Makovicka played for the Cornhuskers from 1995-1998, winning three national championships as a fullback. After his football career, he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Creighton University and now serves as president of Makovicka Physical Therapy.

  • Makovicka will serve on the Board of Regents through January 7, 2027.
  • The seat Makovicka is filling will be up for election later this year.

The players

Jim Pillen

The Governor of Nebraska who appointed Makovicka to the Board of Regents.

Joel Makovicka

A former Nebraska football player who won three national championships as a Cornhuskers fullback. He was appointed by the governor to the Nebraska Board of Regents.

Elizabeth O'Connor

The previous member of the Nebraska Board of Regents whose resignation created the vacancy that Makovicka is filling.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska (1011now.com)

What’s next

The seat Makovicka is filling will be up for election later this year.

The takeaway

Makovicka's appointment brings the perspective of a former student-athlete to the Nebraska Board of Regents, which oversees the state's public university system. His background as a national championship-winning Cornhusker and physical therapist could provide valuable insights as the board makes decisions impacting the university.