KEARNEY – 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 Wednesday, May 7.
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, 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 Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold. “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.”
Schnoor brings more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, instruction and planning. A first-generation college student from Pierce, 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 Ave.
During his visit, Schnoor will also meet with Gold, along with Board of Regents members, student leaders, faculty, staff and athletics representatives.
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 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, Schnoor would succeed former 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 Schnoor and the chancellor search process, visit www.nebraska.edu/unk-chancellor-search. Feedback can be given at nebraska.edu/nealschnoorfeedback.
