By TODD GOTTULA
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Chancellor Neal Schnoor has appointed Scott Benson as interim vice chancellor for business and finance at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, effective July 21 pending Board of Regents approval.
Benson was named human resources director in 2021 and will continue to serve in that role. He has been with the university since 2009 and held a range of leadership positions in business services, procurement, accounts payable and residence life.
“I’m honored to continue serving UNK in this new role. I’m passionate about building a workplace culture that supports growth, collaboration and success for our faculty and staff,” Benson said.
UNK’s Division of Business and Finance oversees financial operations to support academic excellence, fiscal responsibility and public accountability. Offices under the division include Budget; Facilities Management and Planning; Finance; Human Resources; Strategic Partnerships and Operations; and the Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center. The division also manages contracts with Dining Services and the Loper Spirit Shop.
As interim vice chancellor, Benson will advise the chancellor and executive leadership team, lead daily operations of the division and work with central administration on financial operations, rate setting and facilities planning.
“Scott brings a rare combination of strategic insight, experience, integrity and informed and decisive decision making. His genuine care and leadership in employee engagement, planning and recruitment have made a meaningful difference on our campus,” Schnoor said.
Benson holds an MBA with an emphasis in human resources from UNK and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from South Dakota State University.
He serves as a commissioner for the Kearney Housing Agency and sits on the Kearney Public Schools Foundation board. His professional training includes conflict mediation, Title IX investigation, FEMA emergency management, and sports and special events management. He recently launched the Loper Employee Professional Development series, a campuswide initiative promoting professional growth for UNK employees.
He succeeds Jane Sheldon, who has served UNK for over 50 years, including as interim vice chancellor since December 2024. Sheldon will continue to support the division on special projects.