Brent Comstock

Brent Comstock earned a high school diploma from Auburn High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2017. His career experience includes working as a founder and CEO.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a rural Nebraska native, entrepreneur, and business owner who grew up in a two-stoplight town in southeast Nebraska. My parents — a plumber and a public school teacher — instilled in me a deep respect for hard work and the belief that education should open doors in every corner of our state.

I attended college on a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship — an opportunity that only came through years of hard work. That experience shaped my belief in the power of higher education to change the trajectory of a life, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

Today, I lead a growing company based in Lincoln that works alongside University of Nebraska graduates every day. That provides a direct, real-time view into how higher education connects to workforce needs and economic growth.

Over the past year, I’ve spent time in the community and across District 1 — meeting with students, faculty, business leaders, and families — listening to their perspectives on the future of the University. Those conversations have reinforced a simple truth: the University of Nebraska remains our state’s most important long-term investment, but it faces real challenges that require thoughtful, independent leadership.

This role calls for independent judgment and a long-term view — not decisions driven by partisanship, outside interests, or personal agendas, but by what’s best for students and the future of Nebraska.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Nebraska cannot afford to keep exporting its talent and expect to grow. Reversing brain drain requires a clear strategy for growth and accountability. That means recruiting more out-of-state and international students, expanding enrollment, and ensuring more graduates build their careers here at home. A public scorecard should track what matters: enrollment growth, research funding, and how well degrees translate into Nebraska-based careers. Aligning state investment with measurable results ensures the University is growing, competitive, and driving long-term economic opportunity for the state.Trust is built through transparency and consistent engagement. That means clear communication around budgets, enrollment trends, and major decisions — especially when programs are restructured or cut. Shared governance requires that faculty, staff, and students are part of the process, not the last to know. Open dialogue, timely communication, and respect for academic freedom are essential to maintaining trust across the University community and ensuring decisions are informed, thoughtful, and sustainable.The Board of Regents is a nonpartisan role that requires independent judgment. Decisions should not be driven by partisanship, outside interests, or personal political ambitions, but by what strengthens the University long-term. Effective governance depends on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and a focus on outcomes. Protecting academic freedom and prioritizing student success ensures the University remains a place where talent is developed, ideas are explored, and Nebraska’s future is built.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m most passionate about public policies that strengthen Nebraska’s economy by aligning higher education with workforce needs. That includes enrollment growth strategies, talent retention, and policies that connect academic programs to in-demand careers. I support funding models that tie increases in state investment to outcomes like increased graduation rates, enhanced research activity, and in-state job placement growth. Expanding public-private partnerships, supporting research commercialization, and creating clear pathways for graduates to build careers in Nebraska are key to long-term growth. Strong policy in these areas helps the University drive economic opportunity across the state.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Our campaign includes a strong, bipartisan support coalition ranging from elected officials to community leaders and business executives. Among those leaders are Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Football Coach and former Congressman Dr. Tom Osborne, Regents Emeriti Dr. Chuck Wilson, Dr. Jim McClurg, Mr. Bob Phares and Mr. Chuck Hassebrook, current Regents Barbara Weitz and Jack Stark, former Governor(s) and U.S. Senator(s) Ben Nelson and Bob Kerrey, philanthropist and former Microsoft executive Jeff Raikes, as well as dozens of former business leaders, state elected officials and community champions. Complete list: https://comstockforregent.com/endorsements/