Justin Solomon

Justin Solomon earned a high school diploma from Omaha Northwest High School, as well as a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Solomon's career experience includes working as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Integrated Life Choices, a human services company headquartered in Lincoln.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My ability to attend college was made possible by Nebraska’s commitment to its students. I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a Pell Grant and a Regents Scholarship. Having lived the "Nebraska Promise" himself, I am running for the Board of Regents to ensure that the same affordable, high-quality experience is protected for the next generation of students. I am running to preserve access and affordability on our campuses, to protect research and academic freedom across the NU system, and to modernize our University to ensure competitiveness and grow the Nebraska economy.

My deep understanding of the University of Nebraska system began in 2010 when I was elected UNL Student Body President and Student Regent. Serving on the Board of Regents gave me firsthand experience in university-wide leadership and higher education governance.

As the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Integrated Life Choices, a human services company headquartered in Lincoln, I manage the complex financial and operational health of an organization that supports people with disabilities across Nebraska, Colorado, and California. My professional life is defined by a commitment to the "Good Life"—fighting for Medicaid services, protecting frontline worker wages, and ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors have the support they need to thrive.

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?

Enhancing Affordability and Access - For generations, the University of Nebraska was a reliable ladder to the middle class and a more prosperous life. Today, that ladder feels increasingly out of reach. We need Regents who understand that every tuition increase has real financial and opportunity costs for students and families. We also need Regents who understand that the road to higher education is not as linear as it once was. A Regent must be willing to push the system to innovate and meet the needs of today’s students - wherever they are in their journey.Modernizing the University - The University of Nebraska is the economic heartbeat of District 4 and the entire state. However, the modern economy moves at the speed of light, while higher education often moves at the speed of…higher education. To bridge this gap, the University must be more than a credential-issuer; it must be an agile partner that responds to the real-time needs of our workforce.

Point blank, the University needs leaders on the Board of Regents who have developed a vision for large organizations, who have hired leaders to implement the strategy created by the board and senior leadership, and who have engaged in getting entire organizations pushing in the same direction.Protecting Research and Academic Freedom - A university’s prestige is built on the strength of its ideas. For the University of Nebraska to remain a world-class institution, our faculty must be free to pursue the truth, wherever the data leads, without fear of political retaliation. When we allow political ideology to dictate curriculum or restrict research, we don't just hurt our reputation - we stifle the very innovation that drives Nebraska’s agricultural, medical, and technological breakthroughs. Academic freedom isn't a luxury; it is the engine of discovery. I promise to serve as a firewall between political pressure and the classroom, the campus, and the labs across our campuses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have spent my career building an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities through Medicaid. I am passionate about supporting our friends and neighbors who need allies. I care deeply about education and the pathways to success for our young people.

I serve or have served on the boards for CASA for Douglas County (child welfare and advocacy), Nebraska Cures (pro-science/biomedical research group), the Dundee Elementary PTO, and the Aksarben Foundation.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Tony Vargas

Nebraska Democratic Party Climate Council

Nebraska Democratic Party Secular Council

Senators Terrell McKinney, Victor Rountree, and Dunixi Guereca

State Board of Education Members Deborah Neary, Liz Renner, and Maggie Douglas

Douglas County Commissioner Brian Fahey

Former Dem. Gubernatorial Candidate and NU Regent Chuck Hassebrook

OPPD Board Member Craig Moody

Campaign websiteSolomon's campaign website stated the following:Affordability and AccessPRESERVING THE NEBRASKA PROMISETHE ISSUE: For generations, the University of Nebraska was a reliable ladder to the middle class and a more prosperous life. Today, that ladder feels increasingly out of reach. A college degree remains the single best predictor of economic success, but only if it doesn't come anchored by lifelong debt. We are also seeing a shift in how people learn and approach higher education. The "traditional" four-year path is now just one of many. Whether it’s a community college transfer, a professional seeking new credentials, or a high schooler in northeast Omaha, the University must meet students where they are.To accomplish this, we need Regents who understand the burden of student loans. We need Regents who understand that every tuition increase has real financial and opportunity costs for students and families. We also need Regents who understand that the road to higher education is not as linear as it once was. A Regent must be willing to push the system to innovate and meet the needs of today’s students - wherever they are in their journey. THE PROMISE: I promise to treat every tuition dollar as sacred. I will oppose unnecessary tuition hikes and will champion "frictionless" transfer pathways, ensuring that no student loses time or money when bringing their hard-earned credits to the University. Powering the FutureNU AS DISTRICT' 4’S ECONOMIC ENGINETHE ISSUE: The University of Nebraska is the economic heartbeat of District 4 and the entire state. However, the modern economy moves at the speed of light, while higher education often moves at the speed of… well, higher education. Employers are desperate for skilled talent, and students are eager for high-wage careers. To bridge this gap, the University must be more than a credential-issuer; it must be an agile partner that responds to the real-time needs of our workforce. We need to ensure students can graduate quickly and with the real-world skills employers are seeking. We need Regents who will prioritize the role of the University in the economic success of our communities and hold university leadership accountable if we aren’t meeting the mark. Point blank, the University needs leaders on the Board of Regents who have developed a vision for large organizations, who have hired leaders to implement the strategy created by the board and senior leadership, and who have engaged in getting entire organizations pushing in the same direction.THE PROMISE: I promise to bridge the gap between the boardroom and the classroom. I will advocate for a "Rapid Response" curriculum framework that enables the University to partner with District 4 and statewide employers to launch certificate programs and specialized training within months—not years—ensuring our graduates are the most competitive candidates in the global market upon graduation and beyond. I promise to work with our employers across the district to develop actionable, reportable metrics that demonstrate real success as it relates to graduating students ready to contribute to the workforce immediately. I promise to bring the expertise and skills of running a large, multi-state company to the Board of Regents, to develop the vision for NU that ensures we’re competitive now and in the future, and to ensure we have the leaders in place to meet that vision.Protecting Research and Academic FreedomTHE ISSUE: A university’s prestige is built on the strength of its ideas. For the University of Nebraska to remain a world-class institution, our faculty must be free to pursue the truth, wherever the data leads, without fear of political retaliation. When we allow political ideology to dictate curriculum or restrict research, we don't just hurt our reputation—we stifle the very innovation that drives Nebraska’s agricultural, medical, and technological breakthroughs. Academic freedom isn't a luxury; it is the engine of discovery.THE PROMISE: I promise to serve as a firewall between political pressure and the classroom. I will fiercely protect the right of our instructors to teach challenging subjects, ensuring that the University remains a marketplace of ideas rather than a battlefield for partisan ideology.— Justin Solomon's campaign website (May 5, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.