Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen blasts 'failures of University leadership' for Trev Alberts leaving for Texas A&M

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is putting the blame on the University of Nebraska leadership for Trev Alberts taking the Texas A&M Athletics Director job.

Pillen released a statement and issued a “call to action” on Thursday morning.

“The University of Nebraska has existed as an institution for more than a century and a half. It is immeasurably bigger than any one person. But leadership matters, and the long-term success of our University depends immensely on having committed public servants as its leaders.

“I am deeply disappointed by Trev Alberts’ decision to leave so soon after restating his commitment to Nebraska and I don’t fully understand or know his reasons why. I do know that the time for reflecting on the failures of University leadership, which led to his decision, must come later. Now is the time to act.

“This morning, I am issuing a call to action to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. It has been 206 days since Ted Carter announced his departure as president. It is unacceptable that the University’s elected leaders have failed failed during this time to appoint permanent leadership. It is imperative that they act urgently and decisively to end this uncertainty. Without any delay, they should support Interim President Chris Kabourek’s efforts to immediately appoint a new permanent athletic director.”

Prior to getting into politics, Jim Pillen played football at the University of Nebraska from 1975-78, earning All-Big Eight honors twice.

He has held the position of the Governor of Nebraska since January of 2005.

He grew up on a farm in Nebraska, before eventually attending the University of Nebraska. He also went to grad school at Kansas State.

Trev Alberts sent email to inform Nebraska athletics staff of decision to accept Texas A&M job

Texas A&M made it official Wednesday evening, announcing Trev Alberts as its next athletics director. News of Alberts’ potential decision broke earlier in the day as he weighed whether or not to leave Nebraska after two years at his alma mater.

Before Texas A&M announced the move, Alberts told Nebraska staffers of his decision in an email obtained by On3’s HuskerOnline.

In the letter, Alberts expressed optimism about NU’s standing in the college athletics landscape, and he’s “confident” the Cornhuskers will stay in such strong position.

“Husker Staff, I am writing to inform you that earlier today, I informed Interim President Kabourek that I am resigning my position as Director of Athletics to accept the same role at Texas A&M,” Alberts wrote. “I am very sorry for the timing an that I was not able to communicate these changes to you in person. Thank you so much for all that you have done to make Husker Athletics so special.

“I am grateful for all that we accomplished together and believe that because of you, Nebraska is well positioned for the evolving changes within our industry. Tough decisions will need to be made, unity of vision and high execution will be necessary, but I am confident that leadership in Nebraska will rise to the occasion. Nebraska Athletics is full of high character, hardworking and talented staff, and coaches. It was an honor to get to partner with you to experience unprecedented success. Thank you again.”