Spending much of her youth in El Paso, Texas, Nita Unruh was the only girl in her neighborhood for several years. As a self-described tomboy, she filled her days playing football, baseball and basketball with the boys.
Determined to be part of the action, she eventually asked to join her high school football team. The coach’s response was blunt.
“He asked what position I wanted to play, and I said receiver. He smiled and said, ‘No, you would get hurt,’” Unruh explained.
After joining cross country, she kept tossing the football around with the guys before and after practice, all while continuing to ask to be part of the team.
“You could say I was a persistent pest,” Unruh said. “I think the coaching staff either took pity on me or realized they weren’t going to get rid of me.”
Though she never got to suit up, Unruh became the team’s offensive statistician and even watched film with the coaches to learn more about the game. Through these experiences, she discovered a deeper passion for sports that would shape the rest of her life.
With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Henderson State University in Arkansas, Florida State University and the University of Arkansas, respectively, she arrived at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1999 and went on to spend more than two decades teaching sport management, leading academic programs and mentoring students. Today, Unruh serves as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, playing a key role in shaping UNK’s academic mission.
Why did you decide to work in higher education?
As an undergraduate, I shared my dream of becoming an athletic director. However, I was told that women simply weren’t hired for those roles and that I should consider a different path, particularly since I was also a single parent. That same year, life took an unexpected turn. One of my professors had to undergo emergency surgery and asked me to take over her Introduction to Recreation and Sport course for the final six weeks of the semester. She chose me because I had excelled in her classes and trusted me with her materials.
Just two days into teaching, I discovered my true passion – I wanted to be a college professor. And so, my journey began.
What positions have you held at UNK?
I was the faculty and program chair of the sport management program from 1999-2023; department chair for the Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department from 2006-23; ombudsperson from 2022-24; and began as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs in 2023.
I have taught every course in the sport management program, a couple of general studies courses and graduate research. My favorite courses to teach were Sport Sociology, Sport Law, Sport Marketing and Organization and Administration in Sport.
Talk about your role as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs:
In my role as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, I support the senior vice chancellor in a variety of ways. I lead training for new department chairs and coordinate orientation for new faculty, helping them feel welcomed and prepared. I collaborate with department chairs to develop workshops and professional development opportunities. Also, I serve as a liaison for several university committees and represent our office on the NU DEAL Steering Committee, which focuses on cultivating strong academic leadership across the University of Nebraska System. Additionally, I take on special projects and initiatives as needed to support Dr. Shaffer.
What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is situational, but on a day-to-day basis I lean toward servant leadership. I genuinely enjoy helping others grow and succeed, and mentorship plays a big role in that. Whether it is to offer guidance, share experiences or simply to be a sounding board, watching others grow and be successful is satisfying.
And your teaching style?
My teaching style starts with high expectations, but it was my job to help students meet those expectations. I used a variety of methods and activities to get students to learn the materials. I truly believe that hands-on experiences are the best way to learn, so that is why I integrated lots of activities in my courses.
What advice do you have for young professionals starting their careers?
Know your strengths and your preferred leadership style but also know your weaknesses. You want to surround yourself with people who have similar values but have different strengths that compliment your strengths. Be willing to take chances and be ready for change, as it is happening all the time. Nothing is static. Lastly, be ready to be a continuous learner so you can grow professionally.
Who inspired you to take on leadership roles throughout your career?
My father instilled in me a strong belief in facing challenges head-on and embracing leadership when the opportunity aligned with my abilities and values. His guidance taught me to recognize when to step forward and lead with purpose and confidence. Over the years, a few other influential people in my life have also encouraged – sometimes firmly pushed – me to take on leadership responsibilities, even when I doubted my readiness. Their belief in me helped shape my confidence and growth as a leader.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place on campus depends. Monday through Friday it was in the classroom with students. If it is a Saturday in the fall, it is the 50-yard line, two rows below the press box at Cope Stadium, watching a Loper football game. If it is not football, it is volleyball or basketball near midcourt watching a game. I’m forever a sports fan!
Share something unique about yourself:
This is a tough question because I don’t often think of myself as unique. I have had to work hard to get where I am today – I started my college career, took a break, came back as a nontraditional single parent and persevered. It’s not any different than some of our very own Lopers. At heart, I’m a mom, a wife and hopefully a good colleague. I’m actively involved in my community through St. James Parish, and I serve on the boards of both the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation and Sport and Recreation Law Association. Outside of work and service, I love to read, play card games with family and friends and cheer on college football and baseball – two of my favorite pastimes.
