Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska’s current Commissioner of Education and a lifelong educator, announced Thursday his candidacy for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents representing District 1.
“I’m running for the Board of Regents to ensure the next generation of Nebraskans has access to an affordable, high-quality education—and the opportunity to thrive here in our great state,” said Maher in a press release announcing his campaign. “The University of Nebraska has given so much to my family. It’s time for us to give back.”
If elected, Maher would succeed Regent Tim Clare, who announced he would not be seeking a 4th term on the board after 18 years of service. The District 1 seat on the NU Board of Regents covers the northern half of Lancaster County.
Maher is a first-generation college graduate, hailing from Hooper, Nebraska. He and his wife, who met in high school, have three children who attended the University of Nebraska and competed in varsity athletics. The Maher family resides in Lincoln.
He’s spent nearly 40-years in education, working as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, and now the Commissioner of Education for Nebraska. He has earned two degrees from the University of Nebraska System, including an Educational Doctorate in Educational Administration. In 2015, Maher was awarded the Nebraska Superintendent of the Year.
In 2025, Maher also lead the Nebraska School Financing Review Commission—under the purview of state lawmakers—to help address property tax reform.
Maher’s campaign website lists his priorities for the NU Board as:
- Achievement — Ensuring the highest quality education and the best opportunity for career success for every Nebraska student.
- Alignment — Providing a coherent pathway for Nebraska’s kids to enter and succeed in the University System.
- Affordability — Expanding educational opportunities for students of every background and spending your tax dollars efficiently.
- Appeal — Making the University System an appealing and exciting option for Nebraska and out-of-state students to retain our talent and grow our state.
His campaign also notes “of special significance” to prioritize getting NU reinstated to the American Association of Universities (AAU) after being voted out in 2011 for not meeting membership criteria.
Maher touts the unanimous endorsement of the Nebraska State Board of Education, specifically from all eight members — 4 Democrats and 4 Republicans. He is also endorsed by former Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel.
Maher is a registered Republican, running in the technically non-partisan race. Brent Comstock, the 29-year-old founder of the Lincoln-based multi-million dollar marketing firm BCom, announced in early June he would also be vying for the seat.
For more information, visit MaherforRegent.com.