Gothenburg, Neb. — Matt Williams, a fourth-generation Nebraskan,
business and civic leader and two-term Republican state senator,
announced today that he will run for a seat on the University of Nebraska
Board of Regents representing the western half of the state.
“The strength of Nebraska’s economy and the success of our rural families
depend upon a strong and vibrant university system,” said Williams, a
lifelong Gothenburg resident.
Williams’ great-grandfather, H.L. Williams, settled in Gothenburg in the
1890s, where he farmed and ranched before starting a local bank to help
families in the area have a shot at success.
Williams followed in these footsteps, learning the values of hard work and
responsibility while growing up working on the family farm before getting
his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He
went on to pursue a career as a community banker in Gothenburg, where
he has spent decades working tirelessly to help families, farmers, ranchers
and small businesses to thrive in central Nebraska.
Since 2014, Williams has also dedicated his time and energy to serving in
the Nebraska Legislature. No voice has advocated more strongly for small
businesses, families and agriculture, as he led the charge on effective,
common-sense initiatives like his Rural Workforce Housing bill, which
helped spur growth in rural economies across western Nebraska.
“As a state senator, I’ve always stood up for our shared conservative
values,” Williams said. “I’ve fought hard to grow our economy and invest in
the next generation. Now, I ask for your support to continue that work as
western Nebraska’s voice on the Board of Regents.”
If elected, Williams will demand transparency, create strong public-private
partnerships, support policies to retain the state’s best and brightest
students, and fight to keep the University of Nebraska’s in-state tuition
rates the lowest of all Big Ten institutions.
Williams’ candidacy has received the full support and endorsement of
current District 7 Regent Bob Phares, who announced his retirement last
week, effective 2022.
“I was very pleased that Matt was willing to seek this position. I have no
doubt he will be a strong voice for western Nebraska and will work
diligently to help lead the university system effectively. He will strive to
keep the university system affordable and efficient while working to grow
Nebraska’s workforce.”
Matt and his wife, Susan, have two children and six grandchildren. He
continues to serve as Chairman of Flatwater Bank in Gothenburg.
To learn more, visit WilliamsforRegent.com.
