(KLZA)-- New University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeff Gold kicked off a statewide tour Monday with stops in Nebraska City, Falls City and Beatrice.

During his stop in Falls City, Dr. Gold called the trip a listening and learning trip for him, to find out what is on the minds of Nebraskans, such as what they want from their healthcare system. What is the University doing well, what needs improvements, and what should education look like in 2030.

Dr. Gold talked about some of the important missions of the University of Nebraska system including building workforce for the future; science, research and discovery; community engagement, including through Extension, the ag community and in hospitals where NU teaches, does research and provides care.

The University is also one of the most important parts of the states economy with about a $10.5 impact on the states economy with 75,000 people employed directly or indirectly by the University. NU accounts for approximately 8.5 - 9 percent of the states entire gross domestic product of the state and rapidly growing.

Gold also noted that most people are grateful for what the University has done for individuals and families while he hears concerns about academic programs and the need for workforce to return to local communities and what can NU do to stop the brain drain that has occurred across the state.

No discussion about the University of Nebraska is complete without a prediction for the upcoming football season. Dr. Gold says he feels the Huskers will be in a post season bowl game and expressed confidence in head football Coach Matt Rhule and recently hired Athletic Director Troy Dannen.

Dr. Gold who has spent more than 10 years with the University of Nebraska system including serving as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Provost and Executive Vice President at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Chancellor at UNO closed by noting he wants input from Nebraskan's about how to make the Universitybetter.

Dr. Gold will be making numerous stops across the state this week, ending the tour in Scottsbluff on Friday.