Experienced. Trusted. Prepared to Lead.

After a 38-year career in education as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, and Nebraska’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. Brian Maher is running for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents from District 1 to elevate our university system to new heights for the next generation of Nebraskans.

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About Brian

A proud first-generation college graduate, Brian Maher was born and raised in Hooper, Nebraska—the youngest of seven children. He and his wife Peg, high school sweethearts, have raised three children of their own, all of whom were educated at the University of Nebraska and competed in varsity athletics. Today, all three—Lindsey, Brett, and Maggie—call Lincoln home. Nebraskans will remember Brian’s son Brett Maher as a standout placekicker for the Cornhuskers who went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Most importantly, Brian and Peg are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren, with a tenth on the way.

Throughout a nearly 40-year career in education, Brian has served as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, and now the Commissioner of Education for Nebraska. Brian has earned two degrees from the University of Nebraska system, including an Educational Doctorate in Educational Administration. In 2015, Brian was awarded the Nebraska Superintendent of the Year.

In 2025, the Nebraska Legislature entrusted Brian to lead the Nebraska School Financing Review Commission to make recommendations for long-term property tax reform in Nebraska without sacrificing critical funding for our schools.

Brian has made it his life’s mission to help improve the next generation’s quality of life by expanding opportunities in education. Brian knows what it takes to lead statewide education systems – directing the South Dakota Board of Regents and the Nebraska Department of Education – and he is ready to take his experience and expertise to lead the University of Nebraska system and its students to new heights.

Ensuring the highest quality education and the best opportunity for career success for every Nebraska student.

Providing a coherent pathway for Nebraska’s kids to enter and succeed in the University system.

Expanding educational opportunities for students of every background and spending your tax dollars efficiently.

Making the University System an appealing and exciting option for Nebraska and out-of-state students to retain our talent and grow our state.

Of special significance, Brian will make it a priority to help the University of Nebraska system gain reinstatement to the American Association of Universities (AAU) after being voted out in 2011 for not meeting membership criteria. This is a critical step toward increasing competitiveness and research stature on the national stage.

8-0 Endorsement

from the

Nebraska State Board of Education

Brian is proud to be endorsed by education leaders across our state, including every member of the Nebraska State Board of Education – uniting the board’s 4 Republicans and 4 Democrats behind his vision for Nebraska’s future.