UNK community invited to meet Chancellor Priority Candidate Dr. Neal Schnoor during campus visit

Students, faculty, staff and community members will have multiple opportunities to meet Dr. Neal H. Schnoor, the University of Nebraska at Kearney chancellor priority candidate, during his upcoming visit to campus and the Kearney area on May 7.

Dr. Schnoor, president of Northern State University and a Nebraska native with deep ties to UNK, was named the priority candidate on April 22. As part of the public vetting process, Dr. Schnoor will participate in a series of open forums, receptions and individual meetings designed to engage the campus and greater Kearney community.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Schnoor back to UNK," said University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. "Dr. Schnoor's deep roots in Nebraska and impressive record of strategic leadership make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as UNK's next chancellor. His prior service at UNK, combined with his experience across multiple institutions, gives him a deep appreciation for what makes this campus and its people so special."

Dr. Schnoor brings more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, instruction and planning. A first-generation college student from Pierce, Nebraska, he previously spent over a decade at UNK, including roles as associate professor, director of bands, and senior advisor to the chancellor.

Campus and community members are invited to attend the following public forums and events:

UNK Campus

All events on campus will take place in the Antelope Room of the Nebraskan Student Union.

• 10-11 a.m. - Open Forum with UNK Students (undergraduate and graduate)
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Open Forum with UNK Staff
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Open Forum with UNK Administration
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. - Open Forum with UNK Faculty

Kearney Community

• 5-6 p.m. - Community Open Forum
  Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Building, 220 11th Avenue, Kearney, NE

During his visit, Dr. Schnoor will also meet with University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., along with Board of Regents members, student leaders, faculty, staff and athletic representatives.

Dr. Schnoor has served as president of Northern State University since 2021, where he led a comprehensive strategic plan, expanded academic programs, and secured major legislative and private funding for facilities and innovation. Prior to that, he was chief of staff at California State University Long Beach. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a bachelor's degree from Wayne State College.

"I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to return to UNK," said Dr. Schnoor. "UNK is poised to expand its vital role in providing affordable access to transformative education-serving as a hub for rural health and wellness, arts and culture, athletics, civic engagement, and as a driving force for economic development across the state and region."

If confirmed following the 30-day public review period, Dr. Schnoor would succeed Chancellor Doug Kristensen, who retired in 2024 after more than two decades of service-the longest tenure of any chancellor in NU history.

For more information on Dr. Schnoor and the chancellor search process, visit www.nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search. Feedback on Dr. Schnoor can be given at nebraska.edu/nealschnoorfeedback.

About the University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska is the state's only public university system, made up of four campuses - UNL, UNO, UNK and UNMC - each with a distinct role and mission. Together the campuses enroll nearly 50,000 students and employ 16,000 faculty and staff who serve the state, nation and world through education, research and outreach. For more information and news from the University of Nebraska, visit www.nebraska.edu/news.