February 24, 2026
Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss has been named Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska system. She has served in the dual role on an interim basis since June 2025.
The appointment, announced Tuesday, February 24 by Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson, is pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
“Dr. Heng-Moss has demonstrated the vision, expertise and leadership needed to guide IANR at a critical time for agriculture and natural resources,” Ankerson said. “I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about her impact across the state, focus on strengthening every arm of our land grant mission, and what the future holds under her leadership. Dr. Heng-Moss is a champion for all agriculture and natural resources and for positively shaping the future of our communities and industries.”
“I’m honored to step into this new role and to continue serving IANR, the university, and the state I’m proud to call home,” Heng-Moss said. “I’m incredibly proud of the impact that IANR has had across the state over the past 53 years. Looking ahead, there is incredible opportunity to build on this remarkable legacy and to expand our impact in new and innovative ways.
“Deep gratitude goes to the faculty, staff, post-docs, and students, whose passion, innovation, and commitment drive our mission every day. Appreciation also extends to our alumni and the many external partners and stakeholders whose collaboration strengthens our work and broadens our impact. As we look to the future, I’m inspired by what we can accomplish together."
A Nebraska native and alumna of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Heng-Moss brings more than 20 years of experience advancing the university’s land-grant mission through teaching, research and extension. Her appointment follows results of a 360 review and a search advisory committee, soliciting feedback from a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders.
“During her time in the interim role, Dr. Heng-Moss has proven to be a thoughtful, forward-looking, and exceptionally effective leader,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “The agriculture and natural resources industries are vital to Nebraska’s success, and it is essential that the University have a strong, collaborative, and innovative leader who can grow and strengthen our ag and natural resources programs in the years ahead. Dr. Heng-Moss is certainly that person, and I am thrilled to continue working alongside her.”
Heng-Moss joined the UNL faculty in 2001 with appointments in teaching, research and Extension. She taught undergraduate and graduate courses in entomology, pest management, plant resistance to insects and the undergraduate capstone experience, and mentored dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Her research has focused on developing crops with resistance to insect pests and understanding plant defense mechanisms across several of Nebraska’s major cropping systems. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and served as principal or co-investigator on more than million in teaching and engagement grants and million in research funding.
Through Nebraska Extension, Heng-Moss worked directly with producers across the state to translate research into practical applications. She also partnered with K–12 schools to support education related to food, energy and water systems.
From 2017 to 2025, Heng-Moss served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, where she led initiatives focused on academic innovation, workforce development and student success. During her tenure, more than 3,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students enrolled in degree pathways aligned with units in CASNR, conferred more than 6,000 degrees and increased its four-year graduation rate by 10 percentage points, achieving its highest six-year graduation rate on record.
Heng-Moss earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 1995, a master’s degree in entomology in 1997 and a doctorate in entomology in 2000, all from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.