Honestly, if you live in Lincoln and haven't heard the name Jim McClurg, you’ve probably still felt his influence. It’s one of those things where a person operates in the background of so many big institutions—the University of Nebraska, the local biotech scene, even the massive sports tech success stories—that their name becomes shorthand for "the guy who knows how to get things done."
But there’s a lot of noise out there. If you Google jim mcclurg lincoln ne, you might accidentally end up reading about a physician from the 1700s who hung out with Thomas Jefferson. Wrong guy. The Jim McClurg we’re talking about is very much a modern architect of Nebraska’s economic and educational landscape.
The Regent Who Never Really Left
Back in April 2025, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents did something that doesn't happen every day. They bestowed the title of "Regent Emeritus" on Dr. Jim McClurg. This wasn't just a gold watch and a pat on the back. It was a formal "thank you" for a decade of service between 2002 and 2012, including stints as chairman.
People forget how volatile those years were. You’ve got the 2008 recession, shifting state budgets, and the constant pressure to keep the university competitive. McClurg wasn't just a suit in a boardroom; he’s a UNMC alumnus with a Ph.D. in biochemistry. He understands the "nerd stuff" as much as the "money stuff."
He didn't just show up for the free lunch.
He helped guide the university through lean times, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. Current regents, like Tim Clare, still talk about his "dedicated servant leadership." It’s a bit of a cliché, sure, but in the context of Nebraska politics, having someone who can bridge the gap between hard science and public policy is rare.
Why the Tech Scene Owes Him a Drink
If you’re a sports fan, you know Hudl. It’s the Lincoln-based startup that basically took over the world of athletic video analysis. What most people don't realize is that back in 2010, when Hudl was still finding its legs, Jim McClurg stepped in as the chairman of their board of directors.
Imagine that for a second.
You have a group of young, hungry founders, and they bring in a guy who was the former President and CEO of Harris Life Sciences and a Senior VP at MDS Pharma Services. He brought "adult supervision" in the best way possible. He saw the potential for a sports-software startup to become a global player before it was a sure bet.
His fingerprints are all over the Lincoln business ecosystem:
- Technical Development Resources Co.: He serves as president of this consulting and investment firm.
- Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association: He’s been a massive champion for the biotech industry in the state.
- Assurity Life Insurance: He’s held a seat on their board, helping steer one of Lincoln’s most recognizable corporate pillars.
It’s not just about sitting on boards, though. It’s about the mentoring. McClurg has served on the supervisory committees for over 40 graduate students at UNMC. He’s basically spent his life making sure the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs don't trip over the same hurdles he did.
The Libel Suit Everyone Forgot
Now, it wasn't all handshakes and honorary degrees. If you dig into the archives from 2011, you'll find a weird bit of drama involving a libel suit. A former regent, Daniel Prokop, sued the University of Nebraska-Lincoln student newspaper, the Daily Nebraskan, and Jim McClurg.
The case was eventually dismissed. The judge basically said the claims didn't hold water. It’s a small footnote in a long career, but it’s a reminder that when you’re in the public eye in a town like Lincoln, things can get messy. People get passionate about who represents them on the board, and McClurg was right in the middle of those political tug-of-wars.
The "Lincoln Connection" You Can't Ignore
Living in Lincoln, you realize it’s a small town in a big city’s body. Jim McClurg lives in the Surfside Drive area, and his involvement in the community goes deep. We’re talking about contributions to the Lincoln Community Foundation’s Legacy Society.
He’s one of those people who believes that if you make your money and your name in a place, you owe that place some of your time. He’s been involved with the Nebraska Technology Development Corp and the NU Foundation Board of Trustees. Basically, if there’s a group trying to make Nebraska smarter or wealthier, McClurg is probably on their mailing list.
What Most People Miss
The thing people get wrong about Jim McClurg is thinking he’s just a "university guy" or just a "business guy." He’s a hybrid.
He’s a biochemist who knows how to read a balance sheet. He’s a former instructor who knows how to navigate the ego-filled halls of academia. That’s why he’s still relevant in 2026. You don't get named "Regent Emeritus" just for showing up. You get it because, for decades, you were the person people called when they needed to figure out how to turn a lab experiment into a company that employs 500 people.
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Actionable Takeaways from the McClurg Model
If you’re looking at Jim McClurg’s career as a roadmap for your own path in Lincoln (or anywhere, really), there are a few things you should probably emulate:
- Diversify your influence. Don't just stay in your lane. If you’re a scientist, learn business. If you’re in business, learn how the public sector works.
- Mentorship is a long game. McClurg didn't just teach a class; he sat on dozens of committees over decades. That creates a network of people who owe you their start.
- Stay local, think global. He helped Hudl grow from a Lincoln startup to a global powerhouse while keeping his roots firmly planted in District 5.
- Weather the storm. Whether it’s a frivolous lawsuit or a budget cut, the goal is to be the "steady hand."
Jim McClurg’s story isn't over just because he has "emeritus" after his name. In a city like Lincoln, that usually just means you have more time to take the phone calls that matter.
To truly understand the impact of leaders like McClurg on the local economy, you should look into the growth of the Nebraska Innovation Campus. It’s the physical manifestation of the bridge between the university and the private sector that McClurg spent his entire career building. Visiting the campus or attending a Bio Nebraska event will give you a first-hand look at the ecosystem he helped create.