The faculty of the University of Nebraska have always been vocal, and the 1940s offered them a unique opportunity to express their frustration with the passive administration during the war, and the lack of funding in the postwar years.

Petitions and Conflicts

In a symbol of solidarity, the faculty of UNL stood with Boucher in urging students to stay in school and remaining out of the conflict in Europe. As events progressed, conflicting feelings over what should be done in Europe came to a head. In 1941 a group of faculty led by professor of English Thomas Raysor and professor of history Glenn Gray sent around a petition that argued against the neutrality policy and urged aid to England. It was signed by 186 faculty members, demonstrating for the world that the faculty of UNL were not, in fact, solidified against the war.  Meanwhile, the World War demanded many changes and sacrifices; for the duration, the courses and degree requirements for students changed wildly. Accelerated programs were offered for those entering the medical field. New courses in aircraft and mechanics were offered to contribute to the war effort. These developments did not come easily; Boucher resisted the quarter system that was proposed by the military for as long as possible. Students, faculty, and Congress alike demanded the change. In fact, it was a faculty group that offered the uses of Love Library to house cadets behind Boucher’s back. The faculty appeared to be much more enthusiastic about the war than their leader.

Budget Talks and New Faces

Postwar, the faculty became outraged when the budget was kept at the same levels in 1945 as it had been in 1941, despite the hike in consumer goods and the overall cost of living. Professor James Sellers arranged a meeting of the faculty, who, after much deliberation then signed a petition for adjustment of salaries for all members of the staff, a dangerous move. It was largely ignored by the administraion, and never saw the legislature, effectively shut down and destroyed by chancellor Boucher.

Another "General Statement" that questioned the entire future of the university was sent around, and managed to get distributed to the legislature, who, aware of the politics involved, promptly adjusted the budget to keep the peace for the univerisity. The salaries of the staff increased to appropriate levels. The faculty were bold in their actions during the 1940s, aware that they could easily have lost their positions. This boldness came with good reason: if they hadn't stepped forward and advocated for themselves, little would have been done to help their cause.

Another major change in the faculty of UNL was the new dean of the college of agriculture, W.V. Lambert. He was a highly renowned researcher who revolutionized the college of agriculture and made UNL a well-respected center of research for the state of Nebraska. His work was widely applauded by the populace of the state.

Chancellor Gustavson also recruited Theodore Jorgensen in 1946 to revolutionize the physics program at UNL, and begin large-scale research. Jorgensen used his money to build a world-class labratory that made the students and faculty proud of their alma mater.