The University of Nebraska Board of Regents today approved the appointment of Dr. Neal H. Schnoor as the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The vote took place during the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St., in Lincoln.
Dr. Schnoor, a Nebraska native and former long-time faculty member and administrator at UNK, was named the priority candidate for the position in April. His appointment, which will take effect July 1, follows a 30-day public vetting period during which he visited all four University of Nebraska campuses and spent extensive time engaging with UNK faculty, staff, students, and members of the greater Kearney community.
“Dr. Schnoor is the right leader at the right time for the University of Nebraska at Kearney,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “He brings a deep understanding of UNK’s mission and potential, a strong connection to the people of Nebraska, and a proven record of innovation and collaboration. With his appointment comes an opportunity for fresh energy, vision and momentum on the Kearney campus. I am excited for the future of UNK under his leadership.
"The University of Nebraska extends its deep gratitude to Dr. David Jackson, interim executive vice president and provost, and the members of the UNK Chancellor Search Advisory Committee for their leadership in guiding a successful national search,” said Dr. Gold. “Their thoughtful work ensured a transparent process that brought forward outstanding candidates—and ultimately led to the selection of Dr. Schnoor as the next chancellor of UNK."
“UNK, Kearney and Nebraska are foundational to who I am and are home for me and my family,” said Dr. Neal Schnoor. “It’s an incredible privilege to serve as chancellor at an institution that provides students a premiere and personalized education, to think critically and creatively, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for rewarding careers and lives.”
Dr. Schnoor brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, instruction and strategic planning. He has served as president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, since 2021, where he led the development of a new strategic plan, drove academic innovation, secured major legislative support for facilities and programs, and advanced student services and fundraising efforts.
Schnoor’s earlier roles include chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach and multiple leadership and academic appointments at UNK, including associate professor and director of bands, and later, senior advisor to the chancellor.
A first-generation college graduate, Schnoor was born in Norfolk and raised in Pierce. He earned his Ph.D. and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and his undergraduate degree from Wayne State College. He and his wife, Teresa, a retired elementary principal, have two grown children.
“The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a vital driver of education and economic growth in central Nebraska, and the Board of Regents believes Dr. Neal Schnoor is exactly the right leader to guide UNK into its next chapter,” said NU Board of Regents Chairman Paul Kenney, who represents Kearney and the surrounding area. “As a native Nebraskan, longtime educator and former member of the UNK faculty and leadership team, Neal has a deep understanding of the campus and the community it serves. He brings a clear vision, a collaborative approach and a strong commitment to student success that will serve UNK and the region well.”
Dr. Schnoor succeeds longtime Chancellor Doug Kristensen, who retired in 2024 as the longest-serving chancellor in NU history. Dr. Charlie Bicak has served as interim chancellor since Kristensen’s retirement.
“I look forward to building on the legacy and momentum of collaborative partnerships developed by Chancellor Kristensen and interim Chancellor Bicak,” said Dr. Schnoor. "Together with faculty, staff, students, system colleagues and our community we will forge a bold vision for UNK to best serve our region and state.”
For more information on Dr. Schnoor and the chancellor search process, visit nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search.