By Scout Nelson
Tiffany Heng Moss has been officially named Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska system. She has served in this role on an interim basis since June 2025, and the appointment 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,” said Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson.
“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,” said Ankerson.
University leaders highlighted her strong leadership and vision for guiding agriculture and natural resources programs during an important period for the industry. Officials said her focus on strengthening teaching, research, and extension programs will help support communities and industries across the state.
“I’m incredibly proud of the impact that IANR has had across the state over the past 53 years,” said Heng-Moss. “Looking ahead, there is an incredible opportunity to build on this remarkable legacy and to expand our impact in new and innovative ways.
A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Heng Moss has more than 20 years of experience supporting the university’s land-grant mission. Her appointment followed a review process that gathered feedback from internal and external stakeholders. University leaders described her as a thoughtful and forward-looking leader who can strengthen agricultural programs and support industry needs.
Since joining the faculty in 2001, she has held teaching, research, and extension roles. She taught courses related to entomology, pest management, and plant resistance while mentoring graduate students and researchers. Her research focused on developing crops resistant to insect pests and improving understanding of plant defense systems. She has contributed to more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and helped secure significant research and education funding.
Through Nebraska Extension, she worked closely with producers to apply research findings in real farming conditions and supported K-12 education programs connected to food, energy, and water systems.
“During her time in the interim role, Dr. Heng-Moss has proven to be a thoughtful, forward-looking and exceptionally effective leader,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system.
“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,” said Gold.
From 2017 to 2025, she served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, leading initiatives in academic innovation and workforce development. During that time, thousands of students enrolled in agriculture-related degree programs, graduation rates improved, and the college reached a record of success.
Heng Moss earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, reflecting her deep connection to the institution and its agricultural mission.
Photo Credit: university-of-nebraska-animal-science
Categories: Nebraska, Business, Education