In a year marked by transformative campus construction, leadership transitions, community celebrations and student success, the University of Nebraska at Kearney presents its Top Stories of 2024. These stories – covered by the UNK Communications team – are a collection of the most impactful and widely discussed stories that shaped our campus community.
UNK, UNMC celebrate future of health care education during beam-raising ceremony
The beam-raising ceremony for the new Rural Health Education Building on the UNK campus marked a significant milestone in health care education for rural Nebraska. The $95 million, 110,000-square-foot facility will expand health care programs, allowing over 600 students to train in cutting-edge classrooms and simulation labs. UNMC will double its student capacity in Kearney, offering new programs for physicians, pharmacists, and public health professionals. Classes in these expanded programs begin in fall 2025, with the building opening in early 2026. READ MORE
Legacy of a Leader: Chancellor Doug Kristensen leaves a lasting impact at UNK
Doug Kristensen’s legacy exemplifies the transformative power of visionary leadership. From his early days as Nebraska’s longest-serving legislative speaker to his remarkable tenure as chancellor of UNK, Kristensen dedicated his career to shaping lives and communities. His influence is evident in the $360 million invested in campus renewal, including modernized facilities and initiatives such as University Village and the UNK-UNMC health partnerships. As the longest-serving chancellor in UNK’s history, Kristensen’s leadership turned the university into a place that feels like home for many, embodying his signature phrase, “It’s a great day to be a Loper.” His relentless commitment to excellence, coupled with joy and good humor, leaves an enduring mark on the university and state. READ MORE
UNK receives 10-year reaccreditation, recognizing its commitment to academic excellence
UNK earned reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, securing a 10-year approval through the 2033-34 academic year. This recognition highlights UNK’s commitment to academic quality, student success, and public service. The reaccreditation process included a self-study, federal compliance review, student survey, and an on-site peer review, with UNK meeting all criteria. Institutional accreditation ensures the quality of academic programs and impacts eligibility for financial aid, grants, credit transfers, and licensing exams. READ MORE
From dream to reality: Regional Engagement Center will strengthen UNK, rural Nebraska
UNK celebrated the opening of the Regional Engagement Center, a 52,000-square-foot facility designed to foster collaboration among the university, businesses, and community organizations. Located in University Village, the $15.6 million project marks a significant milestone in the development of the area, which was envisioned over a decade ago. Former Chancellor Doug Kristensen and interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak highlighted the center’s potential to attract innovation, strengthen academic activities, and benefit Kearney and rural Nebraska. The building features versatile, technology-rich spaces for events, workshops, and workforce development, hosting tenants such as the UNK Alumni Association, Nebraska Extension, and private businesses like Chief Industries and Allo Fiber. READ MORE
‘They want you here’: Rural Immersion Program brings UNK health science students to the communities that need them
UNK’s Rural Immersion Program connects health science students with hands-on experiences in rural hospitals, addressing Nebraska’s health care workforce shortages. Launched in 2024, the program partners with facilities like Sidney Regional Medical Center to expose students to various health care roles and community dynamics. By fostering connections with rural communities, the program encourages students to consider careers in underserved areas, helping meet the state’s growing demand for health care professionals while supporting workforce development in critical regions. READ MORE
With an emphasis on value, UNK climbs to No. 6 on annual ‘Best Colleges’ list
UNK continues to excel in national rankings, earning recognition from U.S. News & World Report for the 17th consecutive year. UNK ranks No. 6 among public regional universities in the Midwest and No. 5 for “Best Value,” reflecting its commitment to academic quality, affordability, and student success. UNK is the most affordable university in Nebraska, with an annual cost of $20,473 for full-time undergraduate students, and offers robust financial aid programs. Over 85% of full-time freshmen receive scholarships or grants, including the Nebraska Promise program for qualifying students and the New Nebraskan Scholarship, which provides in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students. READ MORE
University of Nebraska moves forward with search for next UNK chancellor
The University of Nebraska has begun a national search for UNK’s next chancellor, President Jeffrey P. Gold announced. A 17-member committee, chaired by David Jackson and including leaders from across the university system, will guide the process with assistance from the search firm CarterBaldwin. Public listening sessions will be held this fall to gather input from the UNK and Kearney communities, with nominations and applications to follow. READ MORE
Kearney High, UNK, Visitors Bureau team up to host Husker volleyball for spring match against Denver
UNK, Kearney High School, and the Kearney Visitors Bureau collaborated to host the Nebraska Huskers volleyball team for a spring match against the University of Denver on April 6 at the Health and Sports Center. This event provided local fans with an opportunity to see the nationally renowned Huskers in action while showcasing UNK and the Kearney community. READ MORE
Charlie Bicak, longtime UNK educator and administrator, named interim chancellor effective June 1
Charlie Bicak, a longtime UNK educator and administrator, was named interim chancellor effective June 1. Bicak, a UNK alum with deep ties to the campus and Kearney community, succeeds Chancellor Doug Kristensen, who stepped down after 22 years of leadership. Bicak previously served as UNK’s senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs from 2009 to 2022. READ MORE
Recently renovated Calvin T. Ryan Library serves UNK students in new ways
Calvin T. Ryan Library at UNK has undergone a $25 million renovation, transforming it into a modern, student-focused space that fosters learning, collaboration, and community. The redesign includes open layouts, updated furniture, improved lighting, accessible entrances, and upgraded infrastructure. A key feature is the new Loper Success Hub, located on the second floor, which centralizes Academic Advising and Career Development, Tutoring, Disability Services, and more, creating a one-stop support system for students. This integration improves referrals and enhances student retention by reducing barriers. Dean Evan Boyd calls the changes a “radical transformation,” shifting the library’s focus from its physical collection to holistic student support. READ MORE
Power of the Herd: University of Nebraska at Kearney launches new brand campaign, slogan
UNK has launched its new brand campaign and slogan, “Power of the Herd,” emphasizing the strength, unity and community that define the university experience. Developed by UNK’s Communications and Marketing team, the campaign highlights how students find their “herd” – a supportive network of peers, mentors, and family who help them achieve success. Replacing the 2019 slogan “Be Blue. Be Gold. Be Bold,” the campaign debuted with a Super Bowl ad and features digital ads, billboards, commercials, and other marketing strategies. Input from students, staff, alumni, and community members shaped the campaign, which centers on UNK’s commitment to student belonging and connectedness. READ MORE
UNK students will live, lead and make lasting memories at Bess Furman Armstrong Hall
Armstrong Hall, UNK’s new residence hall, serves as a hub for sorority life, housing 140 students from Panhellenic chapters. Opened in January, the 41,000-square-foot facility includes chapter rooms, lounges, and study areas, fostering community and collaboration. Former Chancellor Doug Kristensen and student leaders praised the hall’s role in enhancing leadership, service, and campus unity. Located near the student union and complementing the renovated Martin Hall, it represents the “premier fraternity and sorority housing in the region,” ushering in a new era for Greek Life at UNK. READ MORE
Demo of URN, URS residence halls
Demolition of UNK’s University Residence North (URN) and South (URS) began July 8. Built in the early 1990s as temporary housing for Greek Life, the aging halls faced high maintenance costs and infrastructure issues, making $37 million in repairs unfeasible. Instead, UNK invested $32.65 million in new fraternity and sorority housing. Renovated Martin Hall opened in 2023 for fraternities, and Armstrong Hall followed in 2024 for sororities and multicultural chapters, offering modern amenities and fostering community. The URN and URS sites will be available for future development, with the parking lots remaining for campus use. READ MORE
Drone show, games, food trucks draw students, guests to Loper Lot Party
UNK hosted a drone show as the highlight of its back-to-school celebration, marking a first for the city of Kearney. The show, designed by Fantasy Drone Shows in Norfolk, was at the conclusion of the Loper Lot Party event at the Hilltop Mall in Kearney. The drones lit up the night sky with personalized displays that celebrate UNK, the Lopers and broader Kearney community. The Loper Lot Party also featured a variety of food trucks and free games for all to enjoy. Hilltop Mall businesses offered deals earlier in the night. More than 3,000 people attended the new event. READ MORE
UNK recognized as national leader in advancing first-generation student success
UNK has been recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion, one of only 14 institutions nationwide and the sole Nebraska recipient. This honor highlights UNK’s leadership in supporting first-generation college students through evidence-based practices, professional development, and innovative programs. With 40% of its students identifying as first-generation, UNK offers robust resources like TRIO Student Support Services, success coaching, and the First-Gen Trailblazer Academy. Events like First-Gen Day and the Cultural Unity Conference celebrate these students, reflecting UNK’s commitment to their success and national leadership in first-gen education. READ MORE
‘This must change’: UNK initiative targets state’s early childhood workforce shortage
UNK has launched the Knowledge Network for Early Childhood Education Workforce (KNEW) to address Nebraska’s child care crisis. Backed by $2 million in federal funding, KNEW focuses on recruiting and retaining early childhood educators, especially in rural areas. In partnership with Nebraska Extension and Communities for Kids, the program builds a statewide network to share best practices and provide professional development. With 84 of Nebraska’s 93 counties lacking sufficient child care options, KNEW aims to improve access to affordable, quality care and support the state’s families and workforce. READ MORE