Clarkson Regional Health Services Makes Transformational Gift to University of Nebraska

Omaha, NE — In a series of moves designed to revolutionize the future of health care in Nebraska, Clarkson Regional Health Services (“Clarkson”) has decided to resign its 50% membership of Nebraska Medicine, leaving the health system in the hands of its longtime partner, the University of Nebraska. Clarkson has also announced that it will make a donation of $200 million to the University, making it one of the largest gifts in the history of the University.

Clarkson and the University plan to execute Agreements that include the withdrawal of Clarkson as a member of Nebraska Medicine and a sale to the University of the land and buildings that have continued to be owned by Clarkson since the partnership commenced in 1997. The contemplated transactions are expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. Clarkson’s donation will be used to support the University and Nebraska Medicine’s “Project Health.”

The University and Clarkson are currently each 50% members in Nebraska Medicine. In exchange for Clarkson’s withdrawal and resignation of its membership interest, the University has agreed to pay Clarkson $500 million. In addition, it will purchase the real estate for its appraised fair market value, expected to be $300 million.

The University and Clarkson recognize that, as the next generation of Nebraska’s academic health system is being designed in Project Health, significant benefits will be achieved through a more closely integrated structure between the University and Nebraska Medicine. The change is expected to improve alignment and efficiencies between Nebraska Medicine and UNMC, and there will be no changes in Nebraska Medicine’s day-to-day operations, services, or staff because of the transaction. It is expected that Nebraska Medicine will remain a separate legal entity and nonprofit organization, rather than being a component of the University.

“Clarkson’s partnership with the University to establish and grow Nebraska Medicine has been a successful one, and we are proud of the advancements we have made together in serving our community,” said Jim Landen, Chairman of the Clarkson Board.

Clarkson’s history dates to 1869 when Bishop Robert H. Clarkson and his wife, Meliora, established one of the first hospitals in Nebraska. Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, long revered for its esteemed position as a progressive, innovative hospital, moved to its location at 42^nd and Dewey streets in the 1950s, specifically to be closer to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to provide academic teaching opportunities for the faculty and students. The two organizations have been partners in these pursuits ever since, together forming in 1997 what is now known as Nebraska Medicine.

“We are excited to make this gift to the University, to provide them with the best path toward continuing the important work of Nebraska Medicine, including serving as one of the finest teaching hospitals in the United States,” said Bill Lydiatt, MD, EMBA, a head and neck surgical oncologist and CEO of Clarkson.

Clarkson remains deeply committed to improving health care in Nebraska and will continue to advance its mission through what it calls “Clarkson Institute.” Over the last 3 years, Clarkson, through the Clarkson Institute, has become increasingly involved in mission-driven programming and expanded its philanthropic support to organizations aligned with Clarkson’s health-focused mission. Clarkson Institute will serve as a thought and action leader on issues such as health, wellness, and prevention; increasing access and reducing barriers to care; and improving care delivery and outcomes. Clarkson has a vision to make Nebraska the healthiest state in the Nation.