District details

Gov. Jim Pillen — who previously held this position — appointed Scheer, of Norfolk, as his successor in 2023. Prior to this position, Scheer was elected to the Legislature in 2012 and served eight years, including two stints as speaker of the Legislature. He also served as the mayor of Norfolk, on the State Board of Education and on the Norfolk school board, according to his regent’s bio. Outside of his work in public service, he is a small business owner and an insurance agent.

On the issues

Scheer did not complete the Flatwater Free Press questionnaire. In his time as a regent, he advocated for a new residential hall for students at UNMC. According to the Nebraska Examiner, he said adequate housing is necessary in order for the medical center to grow. Scheer also served on the presidential search committee that ultimately led to the hiring of Jeffrey Gold.

Scheer joined four other regents in approving the university budget in June, which included system-wide tuition increases ranging between 3.2% and 3.4%. The move came amid ongoing funding constraints and budget cuts.